Reverse Painting with Posca Pens

 

Reverse painting with Posca pens and acrylic paint on a plastic sheet, such as those found in IKEA picture frames, offers a creative and fun way to create unique artwork. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do reverse painting using a copied image as a reference:

Materials Needed:

• IKEA plastic picture frame (with a clear plastic sheet)
• Posca pens (or other paint pens suitable for plastic)
• Acrylic paint
• Brushes suitable for acrylic paint
• Copied image for reference
• Tape
• Cotton swabs (for corrections)
• Paper towels
• Glass cleaner (optional, for cleaning the plastic sheet)

Steps to Reverse Paint:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

• Ensure your workspace is clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated.
• Lay down paper towels or a protective sheet to catch any spills or drips.

2. Prepare the Plastic Sheet:

• Remove the plastic sheet from the IKEA frame.
• Clean the surface with glass cleaner or soapy water to remove fingerprints and dust.
• Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

3. Attach the Reference Image:

• Position your copied image face up beneath the plastic sheet. This way, you will be painting on the backside of the plastic sheet, but you can see the image through it.
• Use tape to secure the corners of the image to your work surface to prevent it from moving.

4. Outline with Posca Pens:

• Start by outlining the major parts of the image using Posca pens. Because you are working in reverse, start with details that are in the foreground or those you want to appear on top.
• Allow the paint from the Posca pens to dry completely before proceeding. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.

5. Apply Acrylic Paint:

• Once the outlines are dry, begin to apply acrylic paint to fill in larger areas and add color.
• Work from the finest details to the largest areas, remembering that each layer will be underneath the previous one when viewed from the other side.
• Use thin layers to prevent the paint from running or mixing inadvertently.

6. Add Details and Textures:

• After the basic layers of paint have dried, add finer details, textures, or additional layers for depth.
• You can layer different colors or add special effects with sponges, brushes, or even splattering techniques.

7. Final Touches:

• Use a cotton swab dipped in water or acrylic medium to clean up edges or correct mistakes.
• Once you are satisfied with the painting, allow it to dry completely. Depending on the thickness of the paint, this might take several hours to overnight.

8. Reassemble Frame:

• Once the paint is dry, place the plastic sheet back into the IKEA frame with the painted side facing inward.
• Secure the back of the frame.

Tips:

• Test Paints First: Not all paints and pens adhere well to plastic. Test your Posca pens and acrylic paint on a corner of the plastic sheet to ensure they adhere properly and are opaque enough for your desired effect.
• Work in Layers: Since you’re painting in reverse, always apply what you want to be on top first.

Reverse painting is a fun method that can yield stunning visuals, especially when lights and colors play through the somewhat transparent plastic. Enjoy the creative process!