So you've got your blank Woodie, ready to be brought to life! Whether it's a super hero, a mermaid, or completely blank waiting for your touch, painting your Woodie is a fantastic way to personalize these charming figures. Today, we'll dive into the wonderful world of acrylic paints and ultra-fine brushes for detailed work, and how to protect your masterpiece with a polyurethane sealant. We'll also touch on the super-simple Sharpie alternative!

 

Gathering Your Supplies:

 

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

Blank Woodie: Your unassembled figure, clean and ready to be painted.

Acrylic Paints: A variety of colors to match your vision. Acrylics are great for Woodies because they adhere well and dry quickly.

Ultra-Fine Paintbrushes: Invest in a set of small, detail brushes. These will allow you to create intricate lines and delicate details. Look for brushes labeled "liner," "spotter," or with very small sizes (e.g., 000, 00, 0).

Palette: A paper plate is a great shortcut - just toss when done!

Water Cup: For rinsing your brushes.

Paper Towels or Rag: For wiping excess paint from your brushes.

Q tips - for when you paint outside the lines!

Water-Based Satin Polyurethane Sealer: To protect your finished paint job from little fingers and biting teeth!

Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure you're working in a space with good airflow, especially when using polyurethane sealant.

Protective Covering: Lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work surface.

 

Paint, then assemble, then seal!

 

Detailed Work with Ultra-Fine Brushes: It's time for the magic! Dip your ultra-fine brush into a small amount of paint. Remember, less is more! You can always add more paint, but it's harder to remove excess.

Layering and Blending: Acrylics dry quickly, so work relatively fast if you want to blend colors directly on the Woodie. You can also mix colors on your palette to achieve the perfect shade before applying them.

Let it Dry Completely: Once you're happy with your paint job, let the Woodie dry completely before moving on to sealing. The drying time will vary depending on the thickness of your paint and the humidity.

 

Sealing with Polyurethane:

 

Polyurethane provides a durable, water-resistant finish that will protect your beautiful paintwork from scratches and wear.

Ensure Dryness: Make absolutely sure your paint is completely dry before applying polyurethane. Any moisture trapped underneath can cause issues with the sealant.

Apply Thin Coats: Work in a well-ventilated area. Apply thin, even coats of polyurethane using a clean brush (you may want to dedicate a brush specifically for sealing). Avoid drips and puddles.

Allow to Dry Between Coats: Let each coat of polyurethane dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to apply 2-3 thin coats for optimal protection. Lightly sanding with very fine-grit sandpaper between coats can help create a smoother finish (be gentle!).

 

The Sharpie Shortcut:

 

For a super quick and easy way to add details and designs to your Woodie, consider using permanent markers like Sharpies!

Simplicity: Sharpies require no water, palettes, or drying time (beyond the ink setting for a few moments).

Bold Lines: They create crisp, bold lines that can be great for outlines, lettering, or simpler designs.

Variety of Colors: Sharpies come in a wide range of colors.

However, keep in mind:

Sharpie ink can bleed slightly on wood, so it might not be ideal for very intricate, blended designs.

Sharpie ink is permanent and cannot be easily corrected.

Don't seal with polyurethane.

 

Final Touches:

Now you have a truly unique and personalized Woodie creation, ready to hold your favorite audio!

Have fun getting creative and bringing your imagination to life on these wonderful little figures! We can't wait to see what you create! Share your masterpieces with us using #YourWoodieCreations (if you're sharing online)! Happy painting!