Create colorful, budget-friendly wall art using paint chips! This easy DIY is perfect for adding personality to your space with minimal effort.
Skills Required: Beginner. If you can use a punch and a paintbrush, you can do this project. It’s pretty perfect for beginning Mod Podgers.
You know those paint chips you grab “just to see the colors in better light” and then somehow end up with 20 in your purse? Yeah, me too.
They’re the free souvenir of every home improvement store paint trip – and if you’re anything like me, you probably have a little stack of them tucked in a drawer, waiting for their true calling. Well, today’s the day they go from hardware-store afterthought to modern DIY wall art.
(PS: if you feel weird about taking the current chips, ask them for ones they’re going to throw out for discontinued colors. You can save them from being thrown in the trash!)
This project is super easy, super satisfying, and the kind of craft that makes people say, “Wait—you made that?” It’s colorful, geometric, and surprisingly chic.
Even better? You probably already have everything you need to make it happen, especially if Mod Podge and craft paint are regulars in your crafting rotation.
I already had the Podge and the paint, and my chips were from a painting project where I painted a bunch of different wood panels. I didn’t know what I was going to do with them, but I loved the idea of turning them into something visual and textural.
I actually tried this project on canvas first and it was a total disaster. The canvas was too flexible, and nothing I did made the paint chips stick.
It wasn’t until I tried it on a wood panel that I got the chips to stick properly. And honestly, I love the wood panel. It’s pretty unique!
This project is also one of my favorites because it’s completely customizable. Want bold, primary colors? Go for it. Prefer soft neutrals or ombré vibes? The world is your oyster.
And because you’re working with simple supplies like paint, Mod Podge, and a wood surface, you can size it up or down depending on your space.
I will be honest that if you choose to go for a larger wood panel, I’d try a smaller one first. There’s a trick to the paint chips (which tend to curl). You’ll want to do a test run before committing to something larger.
Are you ready to try the project? I’m excited to hear what you think! Get the printable how to card below:
Paint Sample Wall Art
Equipment
- 1 Circle punch(es) 1 3/4"
Materials
- 1 Wood panel 9 x 12
- Craft paint
- Paint chips
- Mod Podge Satin
- Wax paper
Instructions
- Punch out several circles from the swatches. Arrange the dots on the wood canvas and take a pic using your cell phone (so you can remember your layout). Transfer the circles to a separate surface.
- Paint the wood panel with the color of your choice. Let dry and give a second coat. Let dry completely.
- Begin to apply the chips to the panel. You're going to apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to the wood, then smooth the chips into the Mod Podge. Brush away the excess. See notes for curling.
- Continue applying Mod Podge to the wood and smooth down the chips. Using your fingers helps keep the circles down.
- Cover the panel with the chips. As edges of the circles come up, smooth them down with your finger gently.
- Once the entire panel is covered with paint chips, smooth anything that's coming up with your finger. Then apply wax paper over the top and roll out with a brayer. Keep doing this until the chips don't come up.
- Add a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paint chips for an even finish and let dry completely before hanging.
Notes
What do you think about this paint swatch art? Would you make it? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other ideas:
Decoupage Napkins on Canvas • DIY Bow Holder • DIY Cork Boards • DIY Photo Mat • DIY Pressed Flowers • DIY Wall Decor • Doorbell Box Cover • Dried Flowers on Glass • Fabric Covered Books • Ice Cream Stick Wall Hanging • Magazine Collage • Photo Wall Collage • Wood Welcome Sign
Hi. I found you over at The Graphics Fairy. Love the sites . . . hers and yours! Looks like I’m adding more to my following list.
Thanks.
Cheryl B.
Interesting idea, thanks