We had so much for this past week’s Waste Not Wednesday project! These old scales were gifted to me by a lovely customer and needed a little freshen up. So today I’m sharing How To Upcycle Plastic Scales Using Paint Inlays. Not used the IOD Paint Inlays yet? This is a great small project to get used to the inlays.
How To Upcycle Plastic Scales Using Paint Inlays
Supplies needed:
- Old Set of Scales – These were plastic but this technique will also work on metal scales.
- TSP
- Fusion Ultra Grip
- Fusion Mineral Paint – Raw Silk
- Paint Brush
- Fusion Mineral Paint – Bellwood
- IOD Stamp – Craquelure
- Fusion – Tough Coat
- 120 grit sandpaper
- Fusion – Antiquing Glaze
- IOD Paint Inlay – Rose Chintz
- Blue Applicator Sponge
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Step 1 – Give the entire set of scales a really good clean with TSP. Then take your sanding block and 120 grit sandpaper sand all of the existing painting that might be raised to get a nice smooth finish. If you skip this step you will see any previous painting coming through. For this particular set of scales, I had to be super careful to make sure that all the dots in the painting were flat and smooth.
Step 2 – Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust. Give the entire set of scales a coat of Ultra Grip. Let dry.
Painting Time
Step 3 – Give the front of the scale face 3 coats of Raw Silk and 1 coat of Bellwood. I found that the Bellwood had really good coverage and only needed one coat but repeat if you find it different.
Step 4 – Take the one sheet of the Rose Chintz Paint inlay out and carefully trace around the scale face and the tray using a pencil. Using scissors cut them out.
You can watch the tutorial here:
Step 5 – Working on the clock face, paint again in Raw Silk. Then carefully apply the paint inlay face down into the paint. Smooth out with your fingers. Then spray lightly with your mister bottle and leave to dry. You can speed up the drying time with a heat gun or a hairdryer but be sure to keep the heat moving over the inlay.
Step 6 – Repeat step 5 to the scale tray.
Step 7 – Carefully remove the transfer paper from the inlay. If you have difficulty lifting the transfer paper spray again lightly with your mister and remove. Don’t throw the inlay away because you can reuse them up to 4 times on other projects.
Step 8 – Leave to dry overnight. Then lightly kiss the front of the scale face and the inside of the tray with the Craquelure Stamp. Allow to completely dry and apply a coat of Tough Coat. Let dry.
Step 9 – Lightly apply the Antiquing Glaze around the edges or anywhere you would like the scales to look aged. Wipe away excess and let dry.
Now it’s time to decorate with a Candle, some wooden farmhouse beads and some greenery or fresh flowers! Perfect to add to a shelf in your kitchen or dining room.
Happy Painting & Creating,
Don’t have time to make it now? Be sure to PIN for later!
1 comment
The scale was super cute to start with but very dated. It says I was loved in the 80s. Your new modern farmhouse makeover is beautiful. Pinning as now I need to go scale hunting.