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Nautical Mermaid and Ship Towel Racks

Primers, Sealers, and Finishes

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Nautical Mermaid and Ship Towel Racks

designed by Jessica Alea

Set sail with beach-inspired décor on towel racks painted with DecoArt's new DuraClear® Iridescent Varnishes.

See more projects using this product.
Learn more about Primers, Sealers, and Finishes.

SUPPLIES

Americana® Acrylics

  • Burnt Umber (DAO64)
  • Cherry Red (DA159)
  • Deep Midnight Blue (DA166)
  • Honey Brown (DA163)
  • Mermaid Tail (DA373)
  • Open Water (DA374)
  • Snow (Titanium) White (DAO1)
  • Tropical Blue (DA375)

Primers, Sealers, and Finishes

  • DuraClear® Iridescent Turquoise Varnish (DS140)

Other supplies

  • water container
  • palette or plastic plate
  • paper towels
  • stylus or pencil
  • rubbing alcohol
  • sandpaper
  • tracing & transfer paper
  • wooden plaque (6" x 14")
  • E6000 Glue
  • basswood plaque (2 round; 1 scalloped)
  • paintbrushes
  • ceramic mermaid tail (2)

INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Let dry completely between painting steps.

  1. Wipe the surface of the ceramic tails with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. Lightly sand the wooden plaque surfaces.
  2. Ombre the tails from Deep Midnight Blue to Mermaid Tail.
  3. Allow the tails to dry and then paint with DuraClear Iridescent Turquoise.
  4. Paint the two wooden rounds in Deep Blue Midnight. Allow to dry. Dry-brush the rounds in Snow White.
  5. Print off the provided pattern and trace and transfer it to the scalloped plaque. Paint the ship's sails Snow White, shading with Honey Brown. Paint the posts and bow in Burnt Umber and Honey Brown. Accent the flag and bottom of the ship with Cherry Red. Paint the water and sky in Open Water, Mermaid Tail, Tropical Blue, and Deep Midnight Blue. Paint the clouds and wave tips in Snow White.
  6. Paint the edges of the ship plaque in Deep Blue Midnight and dry-brush with Snow White like the other plaques. Dry-brush the 6" x 14" plaque in Snow White. Let dry. Glue the painted plaques to the 6" x 14" plaque. Allow to dry. Glue the mermaid tails to the round plaques. Allow to dry. (See photo for placement.)