Give a mini easel a luxe makeover

23 Apr 2020

Transform an old wooden easel into a statement piece for a glam office or homework desk!

You will need:

• High quality painter’s masking tape

• Sandpaper

• Clear drying and strong hold glue

• Testpot brushes

• Loose gold glitter 

• Resene testpots in your choice of colours – Sarah used Resene Ballerina and Resene Goldmine metallic

• Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat

• Resene Aquaclear 

Step 1 This easel was such a cute size, perfect for displaying an A4 piece of art or photo in a frame. Sarah decided to give hers a pink and gold glam makeover so that it would look at home in a funky office space or bedroom. 

First, check for any repairs that are needed. Then, sand it down to remove the old stain and wipe away dust with a clean dry cloth.

Step 2 Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat to the whole easel using a testpot brush.

Step 3 Once the primer is dry, use high quality painter’s masking tape to mask off the lower section of the easel.

Step 4 Paint the upper section of the frame with two coats of your chosen colour using a testpot brush – Sarah used Resene Ballerina, a fun, playful pink. Always wait for each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 5 Once the first colour has dried, adjust the masking tape so you can paint the lower section in two coats of paint. Sarah applied Resene Goldmine metallic using a testpot brush.

Step 6 Apply a coat of clear drying glue to the base of the easel using a testpot brush, then scatter loose glitter all over the glue until the surface is covered. Shake off any excess glitter and wait for the glue to dry. Make sure you clean your testpot brush thoroughly and promptly when using glue.

Step 7 To prevent any glitter coming off, apply 2-3 coats of Resene Aquaclear Natural to the easel as a protective coating. This goes on white, but don’t worry – it dries clear! 

Top tip: If you prefer to avoid the glue step, apply Resene Aquaclear then sprinkle on the glitter while it is still wet. It will act like glue and hold the glitter once dry. Then, apply 2-3 topcoats of Resene Aquaclear.

What was previously a very dull and worn out looking easel is now a work of art in its own right. Sarah’s easel is in Resene Ballerina and Resene Goldmine metallic paint.

project and images Sarah Herring

Published: 23 Apr 2020