Making a glitter painting is an ideal method to add some depth to an acrylic painting, and to train your creative muscles. You can create glitter paintings without using a drop of glue: all you need is to follow some simple basic steps, and be patient as you will have to wait for each layer to dry before proceeding. If you want to know how to make a glitter painting, follow these steps.
Steps
Step 1. Buy new canvases
You can buy them for a few euros. You can start with a 21x26cm canvas. Choose a canvas that is fixed on the back, not the front. Also make sure it is tight.
Step 2. Add glitter to the canvas
To do this, you need a thick layer of acrylic all over the canvas, in a single color. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so you may need to have a steamer with water handy, or just add water to the paint. When you are done painting the entire canvas with acrylic, sprinkle the glitter on the canvas so that it sets when the paint dries. Glitter glues best when the paint is neither too dry nor too wet.
- You can distribute the glitter with a special tool or with a spoon. Fill it in and move it gently to make a few glitter fall on the canvas at a time.
- You can also paint just one section with acrylic, add glitter, and then proceed with a new section. This way the glitter will be distributed more evenly.
- When you are finished spreading the glitter, smooth the surface with a pencil and shake the canvas to remove the excess.
- Wait 24 hours for the glitter to dry well, then proceed further.
Step 3. Paint the edges
When the glitter is dry, use a brush to paint the edges of the design of your choice onto the dry glitter surface. Choose an acrylic of a color that contrasts with the base.
Step 4. Paint the background of the image
Paint the background outside the image so that the outer surface remains glittery.
Step 5. Add a fill to the glitter surface
Paint the inside of the picture using acrylic. You can create as many patterns as you want, with a large or thin brush. You can paint circles, add details to a face, or create totally new images.
Step 6. Add a second layer of glitter
When the first layer is dry, you can paint in glitter again on the same areas, using this one picked a different color. You can also lighten these parts, to get a less even and deeper final result.
Step 7. Paint over your starting glitter layer
When the two layers are dry, use a solid color to completely cover the first glitter layer. You should still be able to see the sparkle, but the surface will be completely covered.
Step 8. Reinforce the edges
Go over the inside of the edges, on the glitter side, to emphasize the contrast. Use a thick brush with black paint for this step. Notice how a person's blue eyes can turn black with this little brace.
Step 9. Dry the canvas in the sun
Wait at least a few hours. If you haven't added glitter, there's no need to wait 24 hours.
Step 10. Add more layers of glitter
For a final touch, repeat the steps with the glitter in the background of your design. Choose another color to add depth to the design. You can paint the whole background, or just a part, to create a new image, for example to add hair to a face. After 24 hours, shake or brush the excess glitter again.
Advice
- Use simple designs - the details are added later!
- Let the glitter and paint dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next layer.
- Use acrylic paint - dries quickly and stops the glitter inside.
- You can always add more glitter later, so don't worry about covering up some.
