Friday, May 22, 2015

Paint Window Splashes

A storefront window is an opportunity for cheap, yet effective advertising. Paint your windows with dynamic window splashes to catch the eyes of passersby. You don't need to be an artist or designer to achieve professional results. With the use of a projector, you can easily trace and copy the desired text and graphics. A graphic is optional, but can help add visual appeal. Choose colors that are bold and that complement the exterior of the building. You can also use colors associated with your brand.


Instructions


1. Create your splash either freehand on graph paper, or with design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, PageMaker or QuarkXPress. Use a page that has dimensions that are equivalent to the window. Choose a font that is bold and legible. If drawing freehand, use the grid of the graph paper as a guide for making equally-sized letters.


2. Digitize the splash if you created it freehand by uploading it to your computer via a scanner. If you do not have a scanner, a print shop can perform this service for you.


3. Clean the inside of the window, using window cleaner and paper towels.


4. Affix a white sheet or butcher paper to the front of your window, using painter's tape or tacks. Backing is necessary to catch the projected image.


5. Mask the interior window frame with painter's tape.


6. Flip the digital splash horizontally so it is in reverse.


7. Connect a digital projector to your computer and aim the image at the window.


8. Trace the outline of letters and graphics with acrylic craft paint, using an angled-bristle paintbrush. Use the point of the angled bristles to achieve crisp edges.


9. Paint the splash with a second coat to ensure opaque, vibrant colors.

Tags: graph paper, painter tape, that bold, window using, your computer