Things You\’ll Need
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Stiff bristle paint brush
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Black acrylic paint
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White school glue
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White acrylic gesso
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Brown acrylic paint
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Paper towel
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Acrylic sealer
Birch bark is notable for its unique colors and markings. Image Credit: Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Birch trees are known for having a unique and versatile bark that people have used in the making of many arts and crafts for years. However, a more environmentally friendly way to achieve the naturally pretty appearance of birch bark without harming any trees exists. With a few painting techniques, you can use a faux birch bark finish to transform the look of such items as picture frames, purse handles or fishing rods.
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Step 1
Use a stiff bristle paint brush to entirely paint the item that you are transforming into faux birch bark with black acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Step 2
Cover the item with a thick coat of white school glue. Give the glue enough time to partially dry.
Step 3
Dab the paint brush with white acrylic gesso and a small amount of black acrylic paint. Paint long, horizontal strokes across the item. Avoid overlapping the paint strokes in order to create a more authentic birch bark cracked appearance. Allow the paint to completely dry once you have painted the entire item.
Step 4
Dip the paint brush in brown acrylic paint and then wipe 95 percent of the paint off the paint brush with a paper towel. Lightly swipe the almost-dry paint brush back and forth over the entire item in a dusting motion. Allow the paint to dry once more.
Step 5
Highlight portions of the item with white acrylic gesso to create small areas of unblemished white birch bark. Let the item dry completely.
Step 6
Apply a coat of acrylic sealer to the entire item to protect the faux birch bark that you have created.
