How to Make a Paper Mache Box Look Shiny

Using Acrylic Gloss Medium

• 1

  Choose or mix a color of acrylic paint. Mix a small amount of water into your paint so you can brush the color on easily. Avoid adding too much water because it will soak into your paper mache and make it buckle or wrinkle.

• 2

  Paint the paper mache box with the acrylic paint. Let it dry and paint a second coat to make the paint opaque and saturate the color.

• 3

  Apply an even layer of acrylic gloss medium over the paint to give it a shiny look. A flat, soft brush allows smooth strokes, while a thinner brush lets you get into corners and edges.

• 4

  Customize your box. Sketch designs and details on paper or directly onto the paper mache box. Paint the details on the box over the base color with white paint and let it dry.

• 5

  Cover the white details with a brightly-colored paint. Let it dry.

• 6

  Add a layer of acrylic gloss medium over the detail area.

• 7

  Clean brushes with water and soap immediately after use.