Christmas Art using Aluminium Tape

Use aluminium roofing tape to create a work of art that resembles pewter and is easy and inexpensive for all types of craft projects.

12/2013

 

 

 

 

I love using self-adhesive aluminium roofing tape for projects because it's easy to use and a roll goes a long, long way. This year I'm making artwork that can be hung for Christmas, or to add to my collection. The design is a curly-whirly tree that stands out nicely once the aluminium tape is applied.


Aluminium tape is far cheaper than using pewter and looks just the same once the application and paint techniques is finished. You will find aluminium roofing tape at your local Builders Warehouse.

 

 

 

 

YOU WILL NEED:

Template (bottom of this page)

Scrap piece of supawood, hardboard or masonite

Bostik glass deco paints or lead outlining paint

Roll aluminium roofing tape

Dremel MultiTool and polishing tip

Black acrylic craft paint

Fine steel wool

Rags

 

 

Joburg skyline project designed and created by Janice Anderssen for Dremel stand at Grand Designs Live.

 

 

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

 

 

 

 

1. Print out the template below. You can enlarge this to size if you aren't good at freehand drawing. Transfer the design onto your piece of board with a pencil.

 

 

 

 

2. Use glass deco paint or lead outlining paint to follow your drawn lines. This paint can be squeezed out in thin lines and doesn't drop flat. Once dry, the raised design is perfect for this type of project.

 

 

 

 

Above is the finished design. I had to use two tubes of paint for the entire picture. Leave the paint to dry and harden for an hour or so.

 

 

 

 

3. Apply the aluminium tape strip by strip, working from the top to bottom and making sure that the seams are lined up accurately. Any gaps will be visible on the finished work, so take care.

 

 

 

 

4. With all the tape applied you can now rub over the top with the soft polishing tip and your Dremel MultiTool. This process presses the tape into the depressions created by using the deco paint. If you don't have a Dremel MultiTool, use cotton buds to press down the tape.

 

 

 

 

The Dremel 3000 and 4000 series MultiTools come complete with a flexible shaft that is attached to the end of the multitool and allows for lightweight handling over long periods.

 

 

 

 

5. To even out the finish before painting, lightly rub over with a pad of fine steel wool. Rub from top to bottom for an even, lightly scratched finish that will catch the paint.

 

 

 

 

6. Use a cloth or rag and dip in the craft paint. Once again, rub from top to bottom, or vice-versa. Before the paint has time to dry, wipe again to remove any excess paint and buff up the raised areas. You can also use the steel wool to lightly wipe the raised areas to remove any paint.

 

 

 

 

7. All that's left is to wrap the edges with aluminium tape and trim off any excess before attaching a couple of picture hangers or hanging wire to the back. I used a couple of screws and wire to hang my picture.

 

 

Full credit to unknown source