Adding Color To Scroll Saw Projects

Adding color to scrolling is easy and fun. It saves you a lot of time and the cost of purchasing many colors of paint, brushes and the time waiting for the paint to dry between coats. This is not a new process however, Fisher-Price toy company made their toys this way back in 1940 and 1950 before plastic came along.

You simply glue artwork to your project instead of painting. You can use clip art printed from your computer or make up your own artwork drawings as I have done. You do not have to be an artist, as I surely am not. I do my artwork using colored pencils. Make copies of the artwork on a color printer in order to keep the original drawings and use them again.

Attach the scroll saw pattern to the wood and cut out as you usually do.  Sand all over and round the edges slightly.  Paint the edges of the project and all around the project about ½ inch in on the front and back surfaces. (optional).  This is the only painting you have to do (you do not have to prime the wood). 

There are two choices to make at this time. White is usually the best choice, or you might want to use a color that matches the artwork. If you choose white, using scissors cut out the artwork about 1/64 of an inch out from the art itself. This does not have to be perfect as the white will be hidden by the white paint you applied to the project itself. If you choose a color other than white, to match the artwork cut the artwork exactly and leave no white edges.

Using plain Mod Podge or white glue (Mod Podge is preferred), apply a very thin and even coat with a brush or your fingers. Don’t worry if you get some on the edges, it will not show when it dries.

Carefully center the artwork on the project. Try to keep it centered, but do not worry if it is not exact. It will not be noticed. Very carefully smooth out the artwork.  Put aside and let it dry overnight

Apply a couple of light coats of Mod Podge or white glue over the art, don’t worry if it looks white or cloudy, it will dry clear. These coats will hide the edges of the artwork and give it a harder surface.

Apply two of Minwax Satin Urethane (or equal) all over including the edges and back surface.

Lightly steel wool with 0000 wool and apply paste wax (optional).  

Note: A project should look good AND feel good. The paste wax gives your project a “finished” look and feel.

You can find downloadable project patterns using these techniques here.