Stained MDF Forest Glade Decoration

A project from our live show FUNKY TUESDAY - BRAND NEW AND EXCLUSIVE FROM SARAH GRAY - Broadcast 6th Sept 22 · 09/06/2022 · watch it from 48:45

A small layered MDF decoration featuring the Forest Glade stencil design. This project demonstrates simple techniques for colouring and staining untreated MDF using paper backing and acrylic inks, creating a rustic wood-stained effect perfect for gifting alongside a card.

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Step by step

1. Select a piece of patterned paper from the Mellow Moments pad that coordinates with your design. ▶ watch 49:15
2. Place the Forest Glade MDF overlay on top of the patterned paper and draw around it lightly with a pencil. ▶ watch 49:30
3. Cut out the patterned paper following your pencil outline. ▶ watch 49:45
4. Glue the cut patterned paper onto the solid MDF base piece using PVA glue. ▶ watch 50:00
5. Lightly sand the edges of the MDF with a fine-grade sanding block, sanding away from yourself to help the paper adhere and tidy the edges. ▶ watch 50:30
6. Apply acrylic ink or Distress ink directly onto the MDF overlay piece in colours such as Burnt Umber and Raw Umber, allowing the thirsty MDF surface to absorb the colour. ▶ watch 51:30
7. Layer the stained MDF overlay on top of the paper-backed base piece. ▶ watch 52:00
8. Stamp a leafy garland image from the Falling for Autumn stamp set onto the decoration. ▶ watch 54:00
9. Add the word 'Thankful' from the stamp set to the centre of the decoration. ▶ watch 54:30

Tips from the show

• You don't need gesso on untreated MDF if you're covering it with paper; simply glue the paper directly to the surface.
• Acrylic inks or Distress inks applied directly to untreated MDF create a lovely wood-stained effect without needing additional coatings.
• If using acrylic paint, apply gesso first as MDF is very thirsty and will require more paint layers for good coverage.

More from this show

• Textured Stencil Background Card with Circular Layered Elements
• Clean and Simple Layered Tree Die Card

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly