How to Make Inexpensive Prints Look Like Fine Art

With a little creativity and some Modge Podge, you can turn inexpensive prints into beautiful pieces of art that will impress anyone who sees them. Let me show you how.

I used to struggle with finding an affordable way to decorate the many walls in my home until I discovered this simple technique.

Watch the full step-by-step Prints to Fine Art Tutorial:

Tools & Supplies

• Print
• Foam Board
• Ruler
• Utility Knife
• Modge Podge
• Paint Brush
• Foam Brush
• Pencil
• Frame
• Glazing Points
• Sawtooth Hanger
• Hammer
• Flat Head Screwdriver

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Fortunately, you won’t need many supplies for this project. See the supply list above for a complete list. The most important item on the list is your artwork. You will want to print your artwork on good-quality paper. I would not use photo paper for this project.

Step 2: Cutting the Foam Board

To ensure that the foam board matched my print in size, I traced the print onto the foam board with a pencil. Afterward, I used a straight edge and a utility knife to cut the foam board to the desired size.

Step 3: Applying the Modge Podge

I poured some Modge Podge onto the foam board and used a foam brush to spread it evenly across the board. My goal was to cover the board entirely so that the print wouldn’t peel or bubble at the edges.

Step 4: Attaching the Print

After I applied the Modge Podge, I quickly placed my print onto the board before it had a chance to dry. It was important to ensure that the print aligned perfectly with the board’s edges. Luckily, the Modge Podge was wet enough to allow me to lift the print and readjust it a couple of times. Then I used my hands to remove any bubbles and left it to dry.

Step 5: Painting On The Texture

Once the print had dried, I applied a second coat of Modge Podge using a paintbrush. This time I didn’t want my strokes to be smooth because I wanted them to look like paint strokes on an oil painting.

When I came to a specified item on the print such as the tree, I changed the method of my strokes and attempted to trace the curves and patterns of the object.

I continued this process until the print was completely covered with Modge Podge strokes and then I let it dry. Can you see the texture coming through as it dries?

Step 6: Framing the Art Work

After it was completely dry, it was time for me to put my print in a frame. Note: I personally prefer not to use glass in my frames as I believe it gives a more authentic look.

Once the print was dded to the frame, I used glazing points to keep it in place. These helpful little points have notches on one side and small points on the other.

I secured the board to the frame by placing the pointy end of the glazing points against the frame and then tapped the notches with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. This will insert the glazing points into the frame and ensure that the print stays securely in place.

To complete the framing process, I attached a sawtooth hanger to the back of the frame. The nails required for this task were quite small, and it took me a couple of attempts to get them in.

The Final Results

Here it is! The final results. I am absolutely in love with my faux oil painting. It’s perfect for this wall.

It’s difficult to capture the texture in photos. However, I think this close-up gives you an idea of how good it looks.

FAQ About Making Your Own Fine Art

Can you print your art at home?

Yes, it is possible to print fine art at home with a high-quality printer and specialized fine art paper. However, the quality of the print will depend on various factors, such as the type of printer, ink quality, and the color gamut of the printer.

In addition to a good printer, you will also need to use specialized fine art paper that is compatible with your printer and ink type. Fine art papers are available in various textures, weights, and finishes, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in the quality of the print.

It’s worth noting that printing fine art at home can sometimes be more expensive than using a professional printing service. I highly recommend Mpix for good-quality prints.

How can I find free artwork to print?

The National Archives of the United States has a vast collection of digital images and artworks available online that are in the public domain, which means they can be freely downloaded and printed. Here are the steps to find and download free artwork from the National Archives:

1. Go to the National Archives website at www.archives.gov.
2. Click on “Research Our Records” on the top menu bar, and select “Online Research Tools.”
3. Under “Explore our Records,” click on “Digital Vaults.”
4. In the Digital Vaults search bar, type in a keyword related to the type of artwork you are looking for (e.g., “painting,” “photograph,” “poster,” etc.). You can also filter your search by date range, format, and other options.
5. Browse through the search results and click on the artwork you want to download.
6. Click on the “Download” button to download the image file.
7. Once you have downloaded the image file, you can print it at home or take it to a professional printing service to have it printed on high-quality paper.

It’s important to note that some artworks in the National Archives may be subject to copyright restrictions or require permission from the creator or copyright holder to use or reproduce. Be sure to check the usage rights for each artwork before downloading and printing it.

In conclusion, turning inexpensive prints into beautiful pieces of fine art is easy with a little Modge Podge and some creativity. By following these simple steps, you can create stunning works of art that will enhance the beauty of your home or office and impress anyone who sees them. So why wait? Start creating your own beautiful artwork today!

DON’T FORGET TO GRAB YOUR FREE GUIDES

Make It Easy – is the perfect DIY guide for busy women like you. All the projects can be done with minimal supplies in less than an hour.

Beginners DIY Tool Guide – will teach you about the tools you’ll need to get started on your DIY journey.

Paint Your Space Guide – if you’re overwhelmed by all the paint choices at the home improvement stores? Then this guide is for you.