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Painted book cover with brightly colored flowers and leaves. Teal linen and colored pens rest beside painted book cover.
Print Recipe

DIY Painted Book Covers for Decor or Use

Use DIY Painted Book Covers for Décor or Use to upcycle old books for decorating or to express creativity on your journal or notebook.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Art Project
Cuisine: Art Project
Keyword: DIY painted books, how to paint book (book covers), painted book cover, painting a book cover
Servings: 1
Author: Shelly
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • Brushes
  • Small dish/glass of water to clean brushes
  • Sponge (optional)
  • Old toothbrush (optional)

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Paint the cover white (or color of choice) to give a base coat on which to paint a design. You may need to stand the book up a bit to get in the “nooks and crannies” of the spine and edges of the cover.
    Let this base coat dry. Apply a second coat if needed.
  • You may paint or sponge on another background color of choice.
  • If you cover part of the book cover with masking tape (your initials for example), you can do your painting and then peel it off at the end.
  • Use your paint brushes and acrylic paint to personalize the cover design. Paint a design, flowers, animals, write a saying or Bible verse, letter your name…
  • Decoupage the cover using Mod Podge to protect it if you want.
  • Stick on jewels or other stickers to finish things up if desired.

Video