Protective plastic sheets are often used in basic photo frames to protect the picture within for less than glass would cost.
Plastic sheeting protects many surfaces and can even be used in place of more expensive glass. However, it is also boring to look at and plain in coloring, usually only provided in clear or translucent white coloring. While used to protect many outdoor items, plastic sheets are often used to protect written projects for school or even photographs. By decorating these plastic sheets, they can be spruced up and become a little more lively, not matter what they are protecting.
Instructions
1. Cover your hands by inserting them in to the rubber gloves.Wipe down the plastic with ammonia-based cleaner if it is older than a year to remove all debris and stains. If it is brand new plastic, water down paint thinner in a ratio of two parts water to one part paint thinner and wash the protective sheets with the mix. Allow them to dry before attempting to paint. Wipe with a damp cloth if the plastic has static.
2. Examine where you would like to place your decorative image on the plastic sheeting. If it is larger in scope, such as a greenhouse, use a larger image or stencils. If it is smaller in scope, such as a photo frame, use smaller stencils and position them so they will not obscure the image underneath. Because the plastic is transparent, the painting can be done on the back side of the plastic, protecting it from weather or other wear and tear. If painting on the back, be sure to reverse your image so it looks correct from the front.
3. Arrange your stencils on the sheeting, taping them to the front or back of the plastic, depending on which method is being used. If painting from a reference photo, draw your image lightly and carefully on the sheet with white paint and a small paintbrush.
4. Pour a range of paint colors specifically for use on plastic onto your palette and mix the shades you desire.
5. Press firmly on the stencil and paint within the cutout, only going on to the surrounding paper part of the stencil enough to make sharp lines. If painting from a reference photo, paint within the previously drawn lines, coloring it similarly to the photo. Use back lighting with the plastic to ensure the paint is being applied evenly.
6. Remove the stencils carefully from the sheeting and touch up all edges with a small brush. Remove any mistakes or images you do not like with a damp clean cloth before the paint dries to take the paint off of the plastic completely.
7. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions -- this can range from several hours to a full day.
