Study Board How-To Guide

Which materials can be used to decorate a board? What type of fabric is best? Should I seal my board? Will my surface be smooth? Here's a How-To Guide to help answer those questions:

Step 1: Decorate your board.

Get creative! Our customers will use fabric, paint, paper stock, stain, stickers and vinyl to create unique designs. When creating picture/image collages consider using photo paper. This will give your images a bright and crisp appearance. Tip: group your images together and print as one image. This makes arranging and adhering the collage easier. Feel free to use Mod Podge to adhere your materials. Just make sure each piece is completely adhered without any bubbles or lifted corners. Acrylic craft paint is the best paint to use however chalk, tempura and tube acrylic paints are acceptable. Please allow your design to completely dry for a day before moving to the next step. Bottom fabric should be a heavy cotton or upholstery fabric. Silken and stretchy fabrics are not appropriate. Select from bronze, gold or silver nail trim to compliment your design and fabric.

Step 2: Apply a Seal Coat.

Apply at least 2 coats of Mod Podge or the like to your design. Sealing is necessary to create a clear, bubble free finish when we apply epoxy resin. Thoroughly sealing a photo collage will keep the epoxy resin from seeping under your photos or images. You can use matte or gloss sealer. It doesn’t really matter since the epoxy resin will give your design a semi-gloss finish. NOTE: Mod Podge goes on white and dries clear. However, if not applied uniformly the pooled areas may not dry clear. Using a simple latex or foam brush works. Most importantly, please allow your freshly sealed study board to dry completely before allowing anything to touch the sealed surface. Colors and images can transfer onto the wet sealer and ruin your design.

Step 3: Apply Epoxy Resin Coating.

We will apply a 2-part tabletop epoxy resin coating to your study board. Once applied we will create a bubble free finish and allow it to cure for 3 days. This gives your study board a clear, durable finish. NOTE: Epoxy Resin is self-leveling and applied at 3mm thickness. Any materials thicker than paper like wood lettering will not allow for a smooth surface.

Dos and Don’ts

DO use Mod Podge as glue and sealer	DON’T use tape, rubber cement or school glue
DO use water-based craft paints	DON’T allow Mod Podge to pool or it won’t dry clear
DO use thin materials if a smooth surface is desired	DON’T use materials not compatible with Mod Podge
DO use photo paper for bright crisp images	DON’T use silken or stretchy fabric
DO use paint and permanent felt tip pens	DON'T allow anything with ink based decals or images to press against your design. Example: the image ink from a plastic Hobby Lobby bag will transfer onto your design. This could distort your design before the epoxy resin is applied.
DO use heavy cotton or upholstery fabric

When in doubt please call, text or email me anytime.

405/760-1301 or jason@woodchuckcreationsllc.com