Create a piece of unique wall art using some scrap wood and different colour paint stains.

You will need:

  • Scrap wood
  • Masonite
  • Jigsaw
  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Square
  • Wood glue
  • Woodoc Waterborne Floor Sealer
  • Woodoc Colours Stain
  • Containers to mix your stain colours
  • Paint brush
  • Picture hanger hooks

Step 1

Collect the scrap wood you want to use.

Step 2

You will need some kind of backboard to stick everything to. Masonite works well – we decided we want our wall art to be a 400mm x 400mm piece.

Step 3

Start by placing your wood on the Masonite – no glue yet! You just want to find and fill the board. Cut off any overhanging pieces.

Step 4

Remove your pieces from the Masonite and remember not to mix them up.

Step 5

Collect your stains, containers and varnish.

Step 6

I like to use a large syringe instead of just pouring it into the containers.

Step 7

Now add your stain, small amounts at a time – you can always add more if you desire a darker colour, but cannot make it lighter afterwards.

Step 8

When using a small container, I find the best way to mix is to take a chopstick with a flat end and insert the round end into my drill and mix.

Step 9

You can play with the stain to create your perfect colour. Be sure to test every colour on a scrap piece of wood and let it dry to see the true colour.

Step 10

Paint your varnish with a good quality brush in thin layers, with the amount of layers depending on the look you want.

Step 11

You can also mix stains to create new colours.

Step 12

With your scrap wood still in order, start painting your different colours on the sides that will show when its complete. You can also leave some the original wood colour if you like.

Step 13

Starting on one side, glue your wood to the Masonite board, being sure to apply glue onto the whole surface area.

Step 14

Once it’s completely dry, you can seal the whole thing with the clear unstained varnish and then let that dry too.

Step 15

Add your choice of picture hanger hooks and you’re ready to hang it up!

You can now use as a planter, to house your coins, keys or jewellery, or for any other use you can think of in the bedroom, bathroom, garden or kitchen.

[Optional – if you would like some texture, simply place a slightly crumpled plastic shopping bag or bubble wrap in the outer bowl and lubricate thoroughly before commencing with Step 5.]

As published in MarkToe Magazine