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DIY Key Toppers That Glow-in-the-Dark

By: Author Amy

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Learn how to make cute glow in the dark key toppers – to help keep track of which key is which and easily find them in your bag.

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you can accomplish this. You’re just using small scraps of paper with a little bit of Mod Podge. This is actually a great beginner project!

DIY Key Toppers That Glow-in-the-Dark

Last year, I got my hands on some Glow-in-the-Dark Mod Podge for a Halloween project – thinking I’d make some fun home decor with it.

But then I realized – hold the phone! – GITD Mod Podge has some awesome practical applications too.

How often do you find yourself rummaging for keys in your deep, dark purse? Today, I’m going to show you how to make cute key toppers to help keep track of which key is which and easily find them in your bag.

Here’s how to make this unique craft idea!

Key Toppers

Supplies

Scrapbook paper, scissors, keys, Mod Podge, and foam brush

Directions

Clean all of your keys with rubbing alcohol and let dry.

Keys being cleaned with rubbing alcohol

Cut your scrapbooking paper into strips that are about 3/4 of a centimeter by two inches. Apply a thick layer of GITD Mod Podge to the top of one side of a key with a sponge brush.

Strips of cut paper, Mod Podge, foam brush, and keys on a paper towel

Place a rectangle of paper onto the Mod Podge, adjusting to keep the holes of the key uncovered.

Key with a piece of paper Mod Podged to the top

Flip the key & paper over, apply another layer of GITD Mod Podge, and fold the paper in half to cover the back of the key.

Mod Podge added to a key with paper
Paper folded over the key with Mod Podge

Paint the whole top of the key (both sides) with GITD Mod Podge and let dry. I recommend letting these dry on waxed paper rather than aluminum foil like me, but I’ve been doing so many messy projects lately I ran out of waxed paper!

If you are desperate and use foil, just be careful to rotate your keys as they dry so they don’t glue to the foil and get ruined. I speak from experience…

DIY key toppers with paper glued to the top

Using an X-Acto knife with a fresh blade, carefully cut away the excess paper from each key, as shown.

Keys with paper Mod Podged to the top

Apply another thick coat of GITD Mod Podge over each key, particularly on the edges of the key to seal the cut edges you just created. When your keys are completely dry, use an acrylic sealant or a layer of clear nail polish to seal them.

DIY keys with paper toppers drying

Quick tip about using GITD Mod Podge: If you’re finding your keys glowing less than you’d like, set them in the sun for a couple hours to “charge” them. Also, the more GITD Mod Podge you use, the better your glow will be!

Glow-in-the-Dark Key Toppers

Since there wasn’t enough light to capture the glow-in-the-dark effect in action, the above left image is simulated.

Like this project? Check out how Heidi also made a flask glow in the dark, and also take a peek at these other project ideas you can make at home:

Cindy deRosier

Friday 30th of August 2013

I'm the Editorial Assistant for Fun Family Crafts and I wanted to let you know that we have featured your glow-in-the-dark key toppers! You can see them here:

https://funfamilycrafts.com/glow-in-the-dark-key-toppers/

Thanks for a great project idea!