Celebrate the spirit of independence this Fourth of July by creating your own American flag masterpiece. This Summer Saturday is a fun and eco-friendly Fourth of July crafts project: painting the American flag on a piece of reclaimed wood. With a few simple materials, creativity, and trusted Earth Safe Finishes products, you can create a vibrant piece of art for your home.
Materials Needed:
- Reclaimed wood (ours was found on the roadside)
- 50/50 vinegar/water solution for washing
- Earth Safe Finishes UnderCover (1 coat)
- Measuring tape and painter's tape
- Earth Safe Finishes Perfect Paint in Cherry Jubilee and Whipped Cream, and Art Jacket paint in Phthalo Blue
- Stencil for stars
- Earth Safe Finishes Marine Varnish (Matte)
Step 1: Prepare the Wood
Start by cleaning the reclaimed wood with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution. This will help remove any dirt or debris and prepare the surface for painting. Allow the wood to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Apply UnderCover
To enhance the durability of the wood and ensure proper paint absorption, apply a coat of Earth Safe Finishes UnderCover. This product is specially designed to penetrate dry wood and provide a protective layer.
Step 3: Measure and Tape Off
Using a measuring tape, determine the dimensions for the flag on the wood. Mark the boundaries with painter's tape to create clean and crisp lines for your painting.
Step 4: Paint the Stripes and Field
Using Earth Safe Finishes Cherry Jubilee for the stripes and Whipped Cream for the field, carefully paint each section according to the American flag's design. Apply multiple coats if necessary, allowing each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next.
Step 5: Stencil the Stars
Once the blue field is dry, use a stencil to add the stars. Earth Safe Finishes Art Jacket Phthalo Blue is the perfect color for this part. Place the stencil over the blue field and lightly dab the paint onto the wood, creating a pattern of stars. Allow the paint to dry before proceeding.
Step 6: Protect and Preserve
To ensure the longevity of your flag artwork, it's important to protect it from wear and tear. Apply Earth Safe Finishes Marine Varnish in your choice of sheens. In this project, we used the Matte varnish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.
By using Earth Safe Finishes products, not only do you create a stunning piece of art, but you also contribute to the health and safety of both yourself and the Earth! Enjoy your holiday festivities with this eco-friendly and patriotic crafts project. Happy Fourth of July!