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Transform a Screen Print into Unique Wall Art (Beginner’s DIY Tutorial)

Would you like to transform an inexpensive screen print canvas into an original work of art? You may have found inexpensive screen print canvas at thrift stores, and you’d like to transform them. With this DIY wall art painting technique, you can make a screen print canvas look like an original work of art.

Screen-printed canvases are less expensive than original art and can be easily found at second-hand stores and consignment shops. You don’t have to be a professional artist to learn these easy beginner’s tips. Today’s tutorial will teach you how to transform your inexpensive art into masterpieces.


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Do you wish your screen print canvas was an original painting?

My friend loved this painting, but once it was in her home, the pastel shades clashed with her decor.

It looked completely different in the shop and she was so disappointed.

However, I felt certain we could fix it and make it look like a painting instead of a screen print.

Screen Print Canvas - Before 
DIY Wall Art

Here are some simple steps to turn this inexpensive print into DIY Wall Art that looks like an original painting.

Supplies for DIY Wall Art Painting

Inspiration

First, determine the color pallet you want for your painting.

Here is the inspiration piece that inspired the color choices.

DIY Wall Art

Begin by painting the background in your desired colors.

Paint background of canvas

To create an original painting, you should paint over the edges of the Heron or main subject to blur the edges.

DIY Wall Art

Mix colors in the background by layering several paint colors.

In addition, you can add Mod Podge to the paint for added texture.

Add mod podge to add texture to paint.

For this painting we added the illusion of water at the Herons feet.

Mix colors for DIY Wall Art

Repaint your main subject

Continue to add satin mod podge to your paint and begin to repaint the Heron.

It’s much easier to paint over an existing shape on the canvas.

Repaint screen print canvas for an original art painting

Redefine the edges of the subject and recreate the feathers and plumage using shades of white, raw sienna and black for contrast.

Repaint a screen print for an original art look.

Add shading around edges of the main subject.

If you enjoy hand painted projects, check out these painted table runners.

DIY Wall Art Painting to look like original work of art

Remember to use 3 – 4 colors to assure authenticity and depth of colors.

Repainting screen print canvas

I have prints available of several original paintings. You can see all my prints here.

Final Details

To add a glossy look to the water, add more satin mod podge to the areas of water.

make DIY Wall Art look wet with mod podge

Once dry, the water will still appear wet.

Add a water effect with satin mod podge

After the canvas is dry, the pastel colors have disappeared and the Heron now looks like an original painting.

DIY Wall Art Painting After

Be Sure To Watch Video on How To Turn Screen Print Canvas Into Wall Art Here.


These simple DIY Wall Art techniques can be applied to any screen print.

In addition, if you are happy with the colors in your print canvas, you can give it an artistic painted appearance by adding Mod Podge and creating a build-up and texture with brush strokes.

You can also apply a heavy coat of Mod Podge to any art print to achieve a hand-painted appearance.

I hope these tips are helpful in creating the Wall Art you desire.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? To save, hover over the images and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button in the upper left-hand corner.

Cecilia

Thursday 26th of May 2022

What a clever idea! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!

Rachel

Friday 27th of May 2022

Cecilia, I really appreciate this.

kristie

Wednesday 25th of May 2022

That looks fabulous.

Rachel

Thursday 26th of May 2022

Kristie, I'm so glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by.

CoCo

Monday 23rd of May 2022

You are a wealth of inspiration, Rachel, this is so cool! I love how you completely transformed and up-leveled this piece of art. It's really beautiful. Hugs, CoCo

Rachel

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

CoCo, I'm just so glad my friend loved it. Thanks

Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 81 - Stacy Ling

Sunday 22nd of May 2022

[…] THIS DIY wall art idea. […]

Karolyn

Wednesday 18th of May 2022

Have to just say that I definitely prefer your transformation to the original!! Really nicely "re-created"!! Always love to follow you and what you're doing!! Thank you for sharing this great idea!!

Rachel

Wednesday 18th of May 2022

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for checking this out. More to come!