Transparent Photo with High Gloss

Give your artwork a sleek, modern finish.

• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Completion Time: 1.5 hours (minus dry time)

Watch a video overview:

A pour-on finish can add a high-gloss, modern look to your artwork, and helps to preserve it from damage - no frame necessary. Use it on photos, ink, plaster, paint, wood, table tops, and more.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies you'll need. The list below contains all the products we used to create the example shown in this demo. Materials are optional based upon your own design.

• Copper Leaf
• Pour-On Finish (we used the 8 oz. kit)
• Computer Transparency Film (we used Clear)
• Wood Painting Panel (we used 8 in. x 10 in.)
• Craft Stick

1. Print Your Photo

Print the photo you've chosen onto a sheet of computer transparency film. Trim if necessary, and set aside.

2. Apply Your Design Layers

Using the craft stick, loosely apply a layer of glue to your panel. Keeping the edges rough will add an organic, contemporary look to your copper leaf layer. Apply the leaf to the panel, removing the excess leaf around the edges for an uneven line. Place your photo atop the leaf layer.

3. Protect Your Work Surface

Lay down a drip cloth or other disposable surface to protect your workspace from drips. Place an object under your panel to raise it off of your work surface; this will prevent your finish from pooling, becoming stuck to the work surface, or forming sharp edges after drying.

4. Mix Your Ingredients

Mix the pour-on finish according to the directions in the kit, making sure your measurements are accurate. Be patient - stirring slowly is necessary to avoid bubbles in your finish.

5. Pour and Spread the Finish

Starting from the center of the piece, begin pouring the finish onto your panel slowly. Use your stir stick to carefully spread the finish to and past the edges, addressing any bubbles that may form by gently popping them (a source of low heat, such as a lamp, can also help eliminate bubbles).

6. Let Dry

Allow the project to dry in a dust-free environment. You will be able to touch it lightly after eight hours, but it should be allowed to fully cure for 48 hours.

 

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