How to Complete Your Paint Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have purchased one of our DIY Kits (available here) you can follow this guide to help you with your project.

For best results we recommend that you read the entire guide before starting your project.

What You’ll Need

Essential Supplies:

• Acrylic paint
• A selection of paintbrushes (small detail brush + medium flat brush recommended)
• Water cup and paper towels
• Wood glue or craft glue
• Clear water-based sealer (spray or brush-on)
• Weights (canned food works perfectly!)
• Clamps (especially helpful for base layers)
• Protective waterproof table cover
• Lint-free cloth or tack cloth
• Tweezers (great for small detail pieces)

Optional but Helpful:

• Stand-offs (to elevate drying pieces)
• Hairdryer or heat gun (to speed up drying time)
• Black marker or black paint pen (for crisp edges)
• Gloves (Keeps hand clean, multiple pairs help to avoid paint transfer)

Prepare Your Pieces

Preparation makes all the difference; taking a few extra minutes here will give you a cleaner, more professional finish.

1. Wipe each piece with a dry lint-free cloth or tack cloth, to remove dust.
2. Seal the surface to be painted with a thin coat of your choice of sealer. Be sure to not use too much so as to prevent pieces sticking together.
   We use Mod Podge.
   
3. After sealing, carefully remove all laser cut pieces from the kit sheets. Be sure to keep them facing the right way up.
4. Keep your reference image nearby so you can see how everything fits together and to help keep track of which piece will be which colour.

Tips (optional):

• Sorting pieces by color makes painting easier and more efficient.
• If your kit contains small pieces masking tape attached to a piece of cardboard can hold them for painting. Sticky side out of course.
  

Paint the Pieces

For best results we recommend reading through the tips below before proceeding to paint.

• Always paint your pieces before gluing.
  The exception to this rule is the base of the standing kits as paint is not needed between the layers.
  Don’t forget to paint any areas that show on the back of the piece if you have sections that overlap the layers below.
• Apply thin coats of acrylic paint. Multiple thin coats look better than one thick coat.
• Allow each coat to dry completely before adding another coat to prevent smudging. If you’re short on time, you can carefully use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting to speed things up. Just don’t overheat the wood.
• Paint lighter colors first. Darker colors more easily cover lighter ones.
  The exception to this rule is when highlights need to be applied.
  For Example - adding bright spots on eyes
• Use consistent brush strokes in one direction for a smooth finish. Paying attention to the direction of brush strokes also help ensure that adjacent pieces have matching textures.
• For pieces with smaller interior cutouts, keep a pick handy in case paint accidentally fills the openings. If paint dries inside these areas, it may prevent other pieces from fitting properly later.
• Paint pens can be used to paint framework pieces of the kits with less runs than brushes, and can also be used for highlights.
  
• Paint pens or black markers can also be used to colour the outer edges of the kit for a cleaner finished look.

Assemble & Glue

Now for the fun part — bringing it all together!

1. Ensure the paint is dry before assembly to avoid smearing the paint and to ensure strong glue adhesion.
2. Apply a small amount of your choice of glue, for this example we are using Weldbond and spreading evenly.
3. Use your reference image and start with the base layer.
4. Check for proper alignment with the layer below and press pieces together gently.
5. Wipe away any excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.
6. If you're using a glue that isn't quick dry; After the layer is assembled, apply a flat surface to the top, then add weights or clamps, to keep it secure. This will help ensure a strong bond. Follow the recommended drying time specified in the instructions for your selected adhesive.
7. Once the layer has sufficiently set repeat the above steps with the next layer.
   • In kits from Glass Island Designs, layers that don't meet the edge of the one below will have shallow scores to help with alignment.
   • Don’t forget to paint any areas that show on the back of the piece.
8. When gluing the base pieces of standing kits, align the slots using the score line where applicable. Then clamp to ensure proper assembly.
   
   • You may also wish to carefully slot the standing layers pegs in to check/maintain your alignment while the glue dries.
   • Be careful to not get glue on the pegs if you'd like them to remain removable.

Seal (Optional but Recommended)

Applying a clear water-based sealer helps:

• Protect your paint
• Prevent chipping
• Extend the life of your artwork
• Add a professional finish (matte, satin, or gloss — your choice!)

Make sure the piece is fully dry before sealing.

Admire Your Finished Piece!

And that’s it — you’ve completed your paint kit!

Display it proudly in your home, gift it to someone special, or even start a collection. Handmade pieces show love, creativity, and personality - which makes them truly special.
Be sure to share your finished project on social media and tag us - we’d love to see your creations!

Happy painting!