# DIY Aluminum Box
Dress up a room with the strategic placement of simple upgrades such as decorative boxes. An easy way to decorate a box is to give it the shiny, reflective appearance of silver -- only using lesser priced aluminum. Aluminum leaf can be applied to any box with a cosmetic technique known as gilding. Gilding is a do-it-yourself project allowing you to decorate your box of choice in a style to your liking.
Things You'll Need
- Soft bristle brush
- Adhesive glue
- Aluminum leaf sheets
- Mineral spirits
- Oil-based varnish
Instructions
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1
Drip half of your brush into the adhesive, known as size.
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2
Apply a thin coat of size to the box. Spread the size evenly across the surface.
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3
Allow the size to become tacky and sticky to the touch. The surface should become tacky in approximately 90 minutes.
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4
Align a sheet of aluminum leaf with the bottom edge of the box.
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5
Apply the leaf to the tacky box with your fingertips. Continue applying aluminum leaf until the box is covered.
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6
Dip your brush fully into a small container of mineral spirits to clean the bristles. Dry the brush.
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7
Apply a thin coat of oil-based varnish with your brush to the surface of your newly gilded box. The varnish will protect the surface from moisture and air.
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8
Allow the box to set for 24 hours for the leafing to cure.
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