By: Sara Wolf

As graduation approaches, no one wants to be scrambling to decorate their graduation cap. Yes, it would be hilarious to write, “I did this last minute like everything I did in high school,” but if that’s not the vibe you’re going for, here are a few steps you can take to make a painted masterpiece out of these ugly hats.

Supplies needed:

Matte acrylic paint (available at Walmart)

Thick and thin acrylic paint brushes

Painter’s tape

Optional: Sharpie paint pens

Pencil

Cup for rinsing water

Paper towels

Drop sheet (old towel, sheet, newspaper, etc)

Steps:

1. Take your cap and put painter’s tape around all 4 edges.
2. IDENTIFY the top of your cap!! Make sure you do not paint it upside down! Been there, done that.
3. Set up your space before you paint by laying down your “drop sheet,” filling a cup with water to rinse your brushes, and having paper towels nearby to dry your brushes as you switch colors.
4. Use a fat brush to paint your background layer. This may require more than one coat.
5. Once the background has dried, sketch out in pencil the logo or quote you plan to have on your cap.
6. Depending on your preference, fill in your logo with acrylic paint using a smaller brush, OR use the Sharpie paint pens to outline any lettering.
7. Once it has completely dried (use the cool setting on a hair dryer to advance the drying process if necessary), begin to peel the tape off. You’re done!