How to Participate


Tips on Decorating the Tins:

(subtitled: We made the mistakes so you don't have to!)

Spray paint works great!  Several LIGHT coats work best.
Metallic paints cover better than regular spray paints. We have found
a base coat of metallic will help the rest of the coats be more effective.
 
We have gotten feedback that dark matte or neutral "sandy" colors
are likely preferred to bright or shiny metallic decoration. Also please
note that any depictions of the crescent moon with stars, animals, people
or other similar designs will likely cause problems in Muslim countries.
Neutral geometric or abstract patterns will be best.
 
Paint with the tins CLOSED and try not to get too much on the hinges
or on the lip. Check between coats to be sure that the lid will open.
 
You need lots of decoupage to put stuff on the tins and make them smooth.
Decoupage needs LOTS of drying time between coats.
We don't like decoupage.

 
Stencils ROCK!
A spray polyurethane clear coat will help protect the spray paint from
scratching off.
Spray the polyurethane clear coat on the bottom and sides first, then
do the top.
It's important to spray the clear coat quickly and then move
the tin off the area to dry.
If you make mistakes, you can sand off the paint with a fine grit paper
and try again.
Pay attention to the coverage on the front (factory code area) and
the UPC code on bottom. These areas seem to be the hardest to
cover consistently.

Best method:

Make sure the tin is clean before you start
Spray bottom of tin and sides first
Let dry for 30 min. or more between coats!
Turn over and spray top and sides.
Repeat as needed - no more than 3-4 thin coats seems to be best
Decorate with stencil or decoupage (see notes above)
When dry, clear coat the bottom and sides, let dry
When dry, clear coat top and sides, let dry
1-2 thin coats will work best.

When shipping the tins to us, please place a layer of wax paper between each tin as the polyurethane will stick to itself and pull apart your wonderful creations. Trust us. This does happen. It sucks to work so long and hard only to have your creation ruined. Wax Paper is your friend!

 

 

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