Adirondack paint dabbers questions...

[Loulabelle.]

Hello, a question from me. I hope you don't mind.

Are the Adirondack paint dabbers permanent? Would I need to do something like varnish or spray a box if I had used these paints to decorate a box or memo board? I am going to make a ribbon dispenser for my Mum but also plan on decorating some cardboard boxes (like the ones sold at the Craft Barn) with paint and metal.

Last question for now... Are these the best thing to use to decorate boxes (wood, cardboard, papermache) and things or is there a better alternative? I like the idea of not having to bother with paint brushes becuase I am so darn lazy ^_^

Thank you

[lizzydripping]

To be honest if you are doing large areas it will be cheaper & may be quicker to use normal Acrylic paints. I use the large foam brushes & I found them very quick to do. I've altered soap tablet boxes as storage.

Liz

[CraftyPrincess]

I've use paint tester pots to paint little boxes and stuff like the little IKEA drawers/boxes. They have the brushes/sponges in the lids and they'll go further than a paint dabber.

[sixofone]

I use regular acrylics or testers with excellent results

[Loulabelle.]

Thanks for your replies,they are very helpful. It hadn't crossed my mind to use tester pots.....guess where I will be off to today :)

[Eileen C]

The paler Adirondack Dabbers are a bit gloopy, I can't get my pale pink one to come through the dabber top at all, so I end up decanting it and using a foam brush anyway!

[Jennywren47]

There is a good youtube video about getting your reluctant dabbers to dab. You spritz the sponge with water and keep dabbing in the same place until it starts to flow or else you can unscrew the top and add a little water directly to the paint.

[RoseAmongThorns]

Thanks for the tip Jennywren, going to give it a try. :)