Acrylic Block Art With Reverse Decoupage
Have you ever seen acrylic block art and wondered how did they do that? Well, there are many different ways you can create acrylic block art, but I’m here to show you an easy one! This simple reverse-decoupage project combines a printed design, metallic foil, and a 6 x 6-inch clear acrylic block to create a small piece of decor that looks polished from every angle.
The best part is that you can personalize this project with any image you love. Once you understand the basic technique, you can create acrylic block art for every season, coordinate it with your home, or make a thoughtful handmade gift.
What Is an Acrylic Block?
An acrylic block is a thick, clear piece of acrylic that can be used for crafts, display pieces, photo blocks, stamping, and home decor. Because it is transparent and sturdy, it is especially pretty for reverse decoupage: the design is attached to the back and viewed through the clear front.
You may have seen ready-made acrylic block prints made with photographs or artwork. This project gives you a handmade version with the added character of decoupage and metallic foil. A thick block can stand on its own, so your finished acrylic block art is easy to display on a shelf, tabletop, tray, or kitchen counter.
Materials Used To Create Acrylic Block Art
- 6 x 6-inch CLEAR ACRYLIC BLOCK
- PRINTED DESIGN on RICE PAPER sized to fit the block
- DECOUPAGE MEDIUM that dries clear
- SOFT PAINTBRUSH
- FOIL ADHESIVE
- METALLIC FOIL in gold or your preferred finish
- Firm brush, burnishing tool, or small rubber-edged squeegee
- Rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth
- WHITE CHALK PAINT
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Small cup of water
- Clear polycrylic or additional decoupage medium for sealing
- Plastic wrap, optional, for smoothing the paper
Before You Begin Acrylic Block Art With Reverse Decoupage
For my acrylic block art, I applied the metallic foil to the sides before adding the paper to the back. It worked fine, but the project may be easier if you complete the reverse decoupage first and then add the foil afterward. This keeps you from sanding close to the finished foil while removing excess paper. The steps below will show you how I did it.
Rice paper is ideal for this acrylic block craft because its fibers make it stronger than ordinary printer paper. It gives you a little time to reposition the design and usually creates fewer wrinkles. If you use regular paper, place it carefully because it may not tolerate being lifted once it touches the wet medium.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Acrylic Block Art With Reverse Decoupage
Step 1: Clean the acrylic block
Remove dust, fingerprints, and residue with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Let the block dry completely. It may even be a good idea to cover the front of the block with painter’s tape. I handled it a lot and tiny pieces of foil like to stick to the acrylic.
Step 2: Apply foil adhesive to the sides of acrylic block
Brush a thin, even coat of foil adhesive around all four sides of the block. Check the front and back for stray adhesive and wipe it away with rubbing alcohol before it sets. Allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours. In a humid climate, it may need a little longer.
Step 3: Burnish on the metallic foil
Place the transfer foil against an adhesive-coated side with the correct transfer side touching the block. Rub firmly with a burnishing tool, firm brush, or rubber-edged squeegee, then pull the sheet away. If you see small missed spots, place an unused area of foil over them and burnish again. Continue until all four sides are covered.
Step 4: Apply decoupage medium to the back side of your acrylic block
Place the acrylic block with the back facing up. Brush on one light, even coat of matte decoupage medium. The medium may look white as you apply it, but choose one that dries completely clear so no residue shows through the front.
Step 5: Position The Acrylic Block Onto The Printed Design
Lay the rice-paper design face up on your work surface. Flip the block over and lower the decoupage-coated back directly onto the printed side of the paper. Center and straighten the image, then press the block down gently. Turn it over and smooth the paper against the back of the block. If needed, place plastic wrap over the paper and smooth from the center outward.
Want this acrylic block print design to create your own art? Grab it for free below!
Step 6: Add Decoupage Medium To Back Of Paper
Brush one good coat of decoupage medium over the back of the rice paper. Make sure the paper is fully adhered, paying special attention to the edges. Avoid overworking it. Rice paper is durable, but it is still easiest to handle with a gentle touch.
Step 7: Remove Excess Paper From Edges Of Acrylic Block
While the paper is still damp, wet your fingertip and gently work around the sharp edge of the block. Much of the extra paper should tear away neatly with a light sanding. Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining fibers. Sand carefully and only as much as necessary.
Note: If decoupaging the paper is done first, you could let the decoupage medium dry, then sand the edges without worrying about the metallic foil. Normally, I do like to wait and sand when the decoupage medium is dry; however I didn’t want to risk sanding too close to the metallic foil.
Step 8: Add A White Backing
Once the decoupage medium is dry, brush white chalk paint over the back of the paper. Rice paper becomes slightly translucent when decoupaged, and the white paint makes the design opaque so its colors appear brighter and clearer through the front of the block. Let the paint dry.
Step 9: Finish The Back With Foil, optional
For a more cohesive, finished appearance, apply foil adhesive over the painted back, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours, and transfer the foil using the same method. This step is optional, but it gives the piece a beautiful all-around finish.
Step 10: Seal The Finished Piece
Protect the Metallic Foil with one coat of clear-drying decoupage medium or clear polycrylic. Let the sealer dry fully before styling your acrylic block art.
Tips for Beautiful Acrylic Block Art
- Do not rush the foil adhesive. The 24-hour drying time is important for a clean transfer. If necessary, you can apply the foil a second time; brush adhesive right over the foil, wait the 24 hours, and apply again.
- Cover the front of the block with tape to prevent loose foil and adhesive from sticking to acrylic.
- If there are places where the foil didn’t transfer, simple lay an unused portion of foil down and rub it again.
- If you do not have an acrylic block, try the same design on wood or a 2-inch-deep canvas. Decoupage the image onto the front rather than the back.
More Ways to Use This Technique
Once you have completed one acrylic block craft, it is easy to imagine the possibilities. Try botanical artwork, family photographs, vintage graphics, seasonal designs, or small pieces of your own painted art. A coordinated group of acrylic block prints would also make a lovely shelf display, while one special block can add a little sparkle to a tray or tabletop vignette.
Check out this Acrylic Block Art Tutorial using Paints and Mold Castings!
A Pretty Acrylic Block Art for Your Home
The combination of the clear acrylic, beautiful rice paper print, and metallic foil gives this project a finished look without making the process difficult. I especially love the foil on the back because it makes the entire piece feel cohesive from every angle.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to turn a simple acrylic block into something pretty for your home. Choose a design you love, take your time with each layer, and enjoy making the project your own! Let me know in the comments if you try it!
If you love creating Upscale diy projects, check out my five most popular DIYs you can do in a weekend!
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Until Next Time!
Love,
Joanie
