8bit Crafts

Painted square patterns

Paint Blocks Getting Started

Learn how to turn a gridded color chart into clean painted blocks with crisp edges and even coverage.

This guide is one way to complete the pattern. Experiment in your own way, and share your finished work with us at 8bitcrafter on Facebook or 8bitcraftkits on Instagram.

You will learn the following:

  1. Basic Tools and Materials
  2. Laser Cut Wood Backing Boards
  3. Preparing the Surface
  4. Painting Blocks
  5. Paint Blocks Tip
  6. Recommended Materials

Basic Tools and Materials

Paint blocks use a gridded chart as a color map. Each block or marked square is painted with the matching color from the pattern.

Small flat brushes give better control on square edges. Painter's tape can help protect straight borders when the base material allows it.

Acrylic paint is a practical starting point because it dries quickly and layers well. Let each color dry before painting tight neighboring areas.

The cleanest paint block projects come from thin coats, patient drying time, and careful color organization.

Backing Boards

Laser Cut Wood Backing Boards

If you have a laser cutter, or a friend who has one, you can use our laser cutting files to create a polished wood backing board.

The files can cut out the shape of the pattern and engrave guide lines for where to paint, giving you a clean gridded surface before you add color.

Setup

Preparing the Surface

You can paint on a wide range of surfaces. Cut out the pattern shape before you begin, or leave the surface uncut and use the grid as a guide.

Step 1

Choose your surface

Wood, paper, cardboard, canvas board, and other flat surfaces can work. Wipe away dust and smooth rough spots before adding color.

Step 2

Transfer the grid

Use transfer paper and the pattern template files to help move the grid onto your surface. You can also trace, tape, or lightly mark guide lines from the chart.

Step 3

Pick your coloring method

Paint, alcohol inks, colored pencils, markers, and similar materials can all work. Choose the medium that fits your surface and let each color dry before adding tight neighboring areas.

Technique

Painting Blocks

Use thin coats and keep edges deliberate.

A small brush painting light coats inside a gridded paint block design.

Step 1

Paint light coats

Cover each block with a thin coat, then add a second coat only after it dries.

A brush controlling paint edges along a taped painted block surface.

Step 2

Control the edge

Pull the brush away from taped edges to reduce bleed.

A large brush applying sealer over a completed painted block design.

Step 3

Seal the surface

After the design dries fully, apply a compatible sealer for protection.

Tip

Paint Blocks Tip

Keep a spare brush dry so you can quickly lift excess paint from corners.