making a clock

[ChrisR]

well I've made myself a clock, but i want to glue a picture on the front and then put a coat of clear varnish on the front. any ways i could do this without ruining the picture and or wood?

[James E. Cannon]

Have you looked at KraftKote?

[no(SPAM)vasys]

Mod Podge should work.

See:

[Clint]

As always (IMHO), when trying something new, the best option is to try it with some scrap. Get a chunk of wood, get another picture, put them together like you did on your clock. Slap on the varnish, and see what happens.

Clint

[Roy]

Staples.

(Well, JOAT isn't around to say it, and it needed said.)

[Phil-in-MI]

Check out your local Crafts store for Decoupage adhesives and finishes. Most finishing products (varnish and so forth) will attack inks or paper of photographs. Decoupage products usually don't.

Mod Podge is one brand. Company Plaid also makes a product Royal Coat which is a bit more expensive.

problem with Mod Podge, (IMHO) is leveling of product during drying / curing. Test product 1st. Brush strokes may be visible when cured. Very wide foam brush is best. Spread a coat on the raw wood, good coverage, place photo on wood / adhesive, work out any air, apply thin coat on top. Aside: water based products, usual sponge water and light sanding for fuzzes is needed.

OR--

3M makes a couple of spray adhesives that artist use for mounting photos. I use the Super-77 and the Spray Mount can, both can be purchased at Office supply super stores. Don't use the Photo Mount spray adhesive as it is for temporary bonding. Follow the directions, spray both, and attach before dry. (wait until dry for temp bonding.) Test 1st, as solvent in spray may attack the color of photo, if you printed from PC inkjet printer. Watch for dust motes, as can cause problems.

Either way, When fully cured, get a spray can of Krylon's clear Triple Thick Glaze and apply a coat on top. (Check out Wal-Mart for cheapest price of Triple Thick Glaze, but be aware Krylon prices will vary as much as $2,00 per can so shop around.) Yes, you can purchase just clear Glaze, and apply three coats if you want. Again, test product 1st.

[the_tool_man]

Hi ChrisR:

You could take the picture to Kinko's and have it laminated first. Then, glue it to the clock face. The plastic would offer more protection than a water-based film finish. This protection might be needed if the time is set by moving the clock hands with your finger.

Regards, John.

ChrisR wrote: