I was really excited to find 3 really nice textured square pieces of OSB meta compressed wood. I know this is technical but its sort of outdoor wood which is made from compressed wood pieces. It has the most awesome texture.Armed with my wood I scoured the paint section for the miniture paint samples. I have recently been watching the 15 minute recipes programme on sky by Jamie Oliver. More than the recipes, I watch the programme to see his food plating ideas using most beautiful wooden boards in some amazing rustic colours.
Armed with my three pieces of wood, three pots of miniture paints costing me a total of £3.00, I was on my way home to create some amazing boards for my photography. Unforunately due to aheavy work load and un forseen circumstances, the paint sat in the bag and the boards in the garage for a few weeks.
This week I have had few days off work, its been too wet and cold to go out so I dug out the boards and paints and started on my project.I decided that to get maximum use of the boards and save storage space, I would paint each side of the board a different colour so that I would have 6 backgrounds in total. I am going to show you how I did this.You do not need any specialist skills to paint these, the more random you paint them the better and more unique and rustic the finish you will be able to achieve.
You will need:
Wooden boards of your choice
Paint brushes
An empty jam jar for water
Couple of old rags
Paint of choice, I used turquoise, white, brown and coral
An empty plastic tray/ tub for diluting the paint
A large plastic sheet or bin liner to spread on the table
1 sheet sandpaper
Method:
1.Check the edges of the boards to see if there are any splinters, if the edges are rough gently rub them down with sand paper to smooth them.
2.Wipe the wooden boards to remove any dust and make sure they are dry. Place them on the plastic sheet facing down.
3.Put a dollop of your chosen paint onto the plastic tray and add a few drops of water to thin it out.We want a white wash effect so paint needs to be really thin. Dip the brush into the paint very sparingly.
4. Paint the colour on to the board in random strokes and making it very patchy leaving some “missed” areas. This will give your boards a very rustic look.
5. Next take a rag and scrunch it up wipe away the paint in some random places to make it patchy. Leave the board to dry.
6. Once the board is dry, flip it over and you can paint this side a different colour.I painted the darker colour on one side and diluted the same colour and used it on the second side to get two different colour finishes.
7. To do the lighter colour add a drop or two of the white paint to your original colour and mix it to the desired shade.
8. Follow steps 4 and five and leave the board to dry.
9. Repeat the same procedure for the other two boards with your chosen colours.
10. Leave the boards to fully dry overnight before using them.
I love my finished boards, I have a coral board, dark turquoise and a dark brown boards. In the lighter colours I have a light Turquoise, white and a pine coloured boards.
You may all be thinking what am I going to use the boards for? Below you can see my boards being featured in some of my food photo shoots.
Strawberry and Chocolate cheese cake and Strawberries photographed on the dark coral board:
Pomegranate shot on the white painted board.
Spices shot on the dark Turquoise board:
Red onions on brown board.
I now have a lovely new collection of background boards. I am really excited about them and hope to use them in some more shoots.
A vegetarian influencer that loves to travel and discover new places.
Another helpful and interesting tutorial Nayna and such good ideas! Karen
I think I like the blue and white the best. I've had a panelled board sitting in my hall waiting to be sanded and painted for weeks now, *sigh*
I made Ed jump into a skip the other evening to retrieve some planks. The lengths that bloggers go to…
I really like the blue board, it's a lovely colour. These are great tips for budding food photographers, I'm gradually learning to improve my skills and need to start sourcing some new backgrounds soon.
Fantastic idea Nayna, I like all of your boards, but like Jac, I think the turquoise is my favourite.
What a great tutorial! I used to work for B&Q and its nice to meet someone that uses the offcuts it used to drive me mad all the wood we'd throw away
AliceMegan
We are always on the look out for blog props aren't we! I like the different coloured boards. Must get organised too!
What a great idea, I will have to pop into the local diy store and have a nose through the wood offcuts too!
Wow – what a super idea. Now that the days are warmer – I must try and make a board or two!! I like the pink board very much.
Great idea!!! I'm particularly drawn to the gorgeous blue one too. Definitely going to be on the lookout next time I'm in B&Q.
very useful post.
This is a great DIY idea Nayna, so simple and doesn't involve a long list of materials. I am definitely going to try these. Its such a basic and really helpful preparation for food styling.
You can never have too many backdrops! Great tutorial!
brilliant idea, your photography is amazing, thanks for the tips! x
Wow they are ace and what a fantastic tutorial. Your photography is really great
How wonderfully creative. That would never occur to me but you're right they do make lovely backgrounds for your food shots.
What a great idea ~ making he think more about my presentation
great idea , i hover never get no spare wood in my house as hubby would steal it to make something lol x
oohh love this. What a fantastic tutorial. thank you
These look amazing – you're very creative!
What a great idea! I went to a food photography workshop recently and had prop envy. 🙂
love the tutorial. My daughter recommended the same — to paint a few boards to make my pictures more exciting.
A great idea! I'm making some backgrounds myself too! xx
This is so clever!! I'm off to B&Q to find some off-cuts! Thank you.
Wow what a great post!! Your photos look amazing!!! Thanks so much for the advice! x
Lucie x
I'm always trying to find different backgrounds but can never find anything different so this post is really helpful! x
What a great idea this is x
Wow i love this idea, thank you for sharing. Brilliant post. 🙂
Wow this is great! I didn't think something like this would be so effective! So clever! Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing idea! .. i may try some of these boards myself .. eek!
great idea i didn't know that about the off cuts of wood from B&Q – so were they free?
Beautiful, effective and simple. Your product photography really really stands out as a result!
what a fun idea, I love the blue background! x
They look really effective – what a fabulous idea
What a fantastic and very effective way to create backgrounds! They look lovely in your photos! x
what a great idea and so simple too
Such a great idea, I hadn't thought of doing this but now I must add to my to do list
Wow, this is such a wonderful idea. I will have to create a few board for myself. Thank you so much for this inspiration.
I am always keeping my eyes open for anything I can find to use for props! You are great inspiration.