How to Make Beautiful Scrape Collage Papers – Step by Step Guide

November 5, 2024

I’m excited to share a fun, inspiring technique to add unique texture to your art: scrape collage papers! Whether you’re looking to bring a personal touch to your projects or just want a relaxing creative activity, this approach is both easy and deeply satisfying.

Gathering Supplies
To keep your paper steady, I like using repositionable artist tape, though blue painter’s tape works well too. My go-to paint is Nova acrylic, but feel free to use any acrylic paint you enjoy! I store mine in condiment bottles for easy application, but use whatever is convenient. For the paper, I recommend a heavier weight, like 140-pound watercolor paper, which holds up beautifully to scraping paint.

The Scraping Process
Once your paper is taped down, it’s time for the fun part! Squeeze a few colors onto the paper, experimenting with both straight and wavy lines. Then, grab your scraping tools—my favorites include a comb, Catalyst scrapers, and even a simple bathroom squeegee. Pull the tool through the paint to create gorgeous layers and textures. Try different directions and pressure to see how each change impacts the final look. Adding a bit of metallic, like gold, gives your paper eye-catching highlights.

Embrace the Imperfections
One of the joys of this technique is its unpredictability. Each piece dries with its own unique textures and patterns, making every sheet one-of-a-kind. Don’t worry if some pieces feel less exciting—this process is all about exploration, and play.

Why I Love This Technique
Scraping through paint is liberating! Every time I try it, I discover something new, and it always brings a sense of adventure. I hope you’ll find the same joy in creating these unique, textured papers. It’s a simple, satisfying way to bring vibrant energy to your art and reconnect with the joy of experimentation.

Happy scraping!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notified when I post new art demos!