This is the second in a series on decorative signs. See the first post here: Base Coats.
Another option for adding texture to a project is by using texture medium and stamping rollers. Continuing work on the Decorative Signs that I started in my previous post, I’m going to make two more that have a raised texture background to add interest.
You will need:
ArtsSyVille Texture Medium
Mini Trowel
Stamping Rollers
Board
Chalk Paint
ArtsSyVille Foil Adhesive
Metallic Foils
Apply Texture Medium:
You don’t need to do anything to prep your board, you can put ArtsSyVille Texture Medium right on top of bare wood. It has really good bonding, so you can skip priming. I have two mini trowels I like to use for this, one is 4.5” and the other is 6.75” both are great sizes for small projects like this.
The texture medium is lightweight and creamy. I just use a stirring stick to put some on my project and then use the trowels to smooth it out. Use just just a slight angle when pulling the trowel across and work to minimize lines in the medium. You can also control the pressure of the trowel to get the desired depth of product. It doesn’t need to be thick! One sixteenth to one eighth of an inch is enough for the stamping roller to imprint in it.
Once you have the texture medium covering your board, use your trowel to remove excess product to get it down smooth. Clean up the edges, I just use my finger to do this, and then you’re ready to roll.
Tip: The texture medium could also be put down with a brush, that would create a texture because the brush lines will be visible.
Using the stamping roller to create texture:
I’m using the “Between the Vines” roller on one of my boards. Just roll your chosen stamping roller down the project, slow and steady. If you aren’t happy with the first try, trowel it out and do it again! I centered three of the vines on the “Between the Vines” stamp across the length of the board and then rolled it again through the width to create a box pattern. I just eyeballed the spacing, but I think it turned out pretty great!
Use your finger to clean up the edges of your project. Once the texture medium dries, you would need to sand down any of these rough edges, so it’s much easier to take care of it while it’s still wet.
You will need to do some sanding on the design once it has dried to clean up any peaks and ridges. A smooth finish is critical when going back over the project with stencils or foils.
On another board I’m going to use one of my favorites, a diamond pattern that creates a linear elongated diamond shape.
The texture medium will take a few hours to dry, then you can sand it to take care of the peaks that are made when rolling the pattern rollers through the texture medium.
Adding design with a stamping roller:
When the texture medium on the board with the diamond shape was dry and sanded down, I painted it, then I added a little more interest with a stamping roller. I used Debi’s DIY Paints in Seaglass with a Chrysanthemum pattern roller.
Decorative Signs Project Series:
1. Base Coats
2. Adding Texture
3. Stenciling Techniques
