Retro portrait

Turn an old portrait print from an art magazine into a retro masterpiece with a little bit of help from Resene.

Resene art with Mark Rayner - Project 55

Difficulty level: Easy

You will need: 6mm marine ply, container for mixing PVA, old wooden picture frame, paintbrushes (including a medium artists’ brush), paint stirrer, pencil, PVA glue, Resene Aquaclear gloss, Resene Colorwood Whitewash, Resene testpot of Resene Colorwood Oregon, retro portait print cut from an old art magazine, ruler, sandpaper, saw.

To get the look: Mark painted the background wall with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen tinted to Resene Thorndon Cream.

Other ideas: For a bright modern look select a colourful abstract print and stain the frame with Resene Red Pepper.

Step one
Measure, mark and cut the marine ply to fit the frame. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step two
Lightly sand the picture frame.

Step three
Apply one coat of Resene Colorwood Oregon to the picture frame and allow to dry.

Step four
Carefully stir the Resene Colorwood Whitewash.

Step five
Apply one coat of Resene Colorwood Whitewash to the good side of the marine ply, brushing in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry.

Step six
Dilute some PVA glue with equal parts water and brush onto the back of the print. Allow to soak in for a few minutes and press the print onto the centre of the marine ply, as shown. Allow to dry.