Scratch Off Cards From Scratch!

Intro: Scratch Off Cards From Scratch!

Hey guys!

Everyone likes scratch off cards, so in this instructable I'm showing you different ways to make them from scratch! I promise they're just as satisfying to scratch as store-bought tickets.

STEP 1: Acrylic Paint Vs. Watercolors

First, I wanted to test which paint works best.

Most DIYs that I have seen use acrylic paint mixed with dishwashing liquid, but when I compared it to pure acrylic paint, I didn't feel much of a difference.

I would go for one thick layer of pure acrylic paint instead.

But another option is using watercolors!

Watercolor comes off very easily, you barely need any pressure.

It is more dusty and less flaky. Optically it does look better and more smooth than acrylic paint.

All in all, I prefer watercolors, but it depends on the situation.

The disadvantage about using watercolors is that it can't be handled too much. If you want to make a more durable card that doesn't get scratched by accident, use acrylic paint instead.

STEP 2: The Plastic Sheet Method

Now let's make a scratch off card!

For the first method, I'm starting off with a clear plastic sheet. You can find it in packaging or stationery supplies - basically anything that is clear and smooth should work! You can do a quick test if you want to be sure.

Next, you will need some paper. I used some card. Make the plastic and paper sheets the same size. Then you can write whatever you want on your ticket! You can also use a printer of course.

STEP 3: Taping

To connect the plastic with the paper, you can either use nice looking tape, or you use normal tape and cover it up with paper (next step).

STEP 4: Optional: Framing

I used clear tape, so I wanted to cover it up.

I cut some paper strips for each side and folded them in half. Then I used a glue stick to glue them in place and trimmed the excess paper.

You should end up with a framed card :)

STEP 5: Making the Scratch Area

Now to my favorite part: Making the scratch area.

I used silver watercolor, but of course you can use any color you like. You can either freehand the paint, or you can make a border using masking tape.

And then you just need to load your brush with a lot of pigment. If the paint doesn't apply properly, you probably have too much water. Just swirl your brush around a lot and the paint should go on nicely.

After letting it dry for about 15 minutes, you can peel off the masking tape. Then you can do corrections with a toothpick and remove all the dust from your card.

If you want, you can also tape a coin to the card.. and you're ready to scratch!

STEP 6: The Tape Method

Another option is to cover your design with tape. I would recommend to test your tape first, because I've had some that didn't work, but most tapes are fine.

This time, I'm covering my motive with watercolors first and I'm cutting it out lateron.

Tip: Sometimes it's better to dab on the paint instead of doing it in strokes.

STEP 7: Cutting and Glueing

I used thinner paper so I could see where to cut it on the back side and cut out the symbols.

Another reason why I chose thinner paper is so I could see which side is the right side up when I glue on the symbols.
I used a glue stick again and was careful not to touch the paint too much - like I mentioned watercolors are more delicate.

And that's it! I am excited myself to use this idea for many occasions.

Hope you like it!

Comments

[SalvadorDoggie]

These were so fun to make! I love the idea!! The first one I made I used tempera paint... not a good idea, it peeled right off. I used acrylic and it worked soooo much better! Thanks!

[Randomona]

Thanks for the tip! I'm glad you tried it out and liked it :)

[engieneergirl]

i love this and i can't wait to do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is like so cool

[Randomona]

Yay I'm glad you like it! Have fun! :)

[Bajindo]

That is a very fun project. I wonder...maybe I can reduce the steps involved by using a low end Rubber Cement product and add some paint to make it opaque. (a single layer of Rubber cement rolls up when rubbed or scratched), and adding paint should make the surface non sticky after drying. It could be directly painted onto the card, skipping the clear plastic sheet and cutting squares, just mask the area to paint clean squares. I will give this a try and see if it works.

[Randomona]

Interesting idea! You made me curious :)

[jeff.verive]

Have you tried making a stencil with thin plastic sheets - like the transparency films for overhead projectors? I would expect that your paint would have to be fairly thick so as not to flow under the stencil, perhaps like the inks used in screen printing.

[Randomona]

I haven't tried that but that's a cool idea! Maybe making stencils from tape or adhesive foil is also possible :)

[Alexuma]

This is such a great idea for a custom card. I like how you gave many options and showed a bit of your exploration process! And good job with the video, too. Bravo!

[Randomona]

Thanks for the sweet feedback! I'm glad you liked it :)

[BlueFreckles]

Love these! So many possibilities!

[Randomona]

Thank you! :D

[MatthewD26]

Are you able to write on top of this paint? Or could you put it in a printer and print words over it?

[Randomona]

Good question! I actually tried it on top of the watercolor, but it dissolves too easily. On acrylic paint it would work, but I believe only with permanent markers, so printing probably doesn't work.