If we were to tell you the most common questions we get asked here at You Can Folk It, it would be how to paint on to different surfaces. Within our kits, you receive the materials that are best for beginner projects, mount board and wood. We chose these because they require no preparation beyond base coating and they are a delight to paint being small, manageable (thanks to the flat, smooth surface) and easily replaceable should you be unhappy with the finished result (though we have never met a customer yet who doesn't love their first project). Our recent tutorials have given you step by step instructions on how to paint on to plastic and glass objects that are often available and begging to be reloved instead of being thrown away. However, what about slate? There are so many different slate products in the high street at the moment, from notice boards to coasters, placemats to photo frames. With their rustic look and hand crafted appeal, they make the perfect addition to any home. So, if you want to add a few hand painted details, what do you need to know? 1. As with any surface, to help the paint adhere to your project as much as possible, you need to make sure that your surface is clean and free from dust and dirt. You can do this by simply wiping down the surface with water and a lint free cloth. 2. Being a porous surface, to paint on to slate you do not need a primer as the paint will adhere to the surface easily. 3. You can base coat your slate if you wish. To create a matte finish similar to the natural slate, choose a beautiful shade of Chalky Finish paint. 4. Plan your design around your surface. The natural characteristics of slate means there may be areas that you would not be able to add designs as easily as you hoped. Think about this when you are designing your patterns. 5. As slate can be easily scratched, in order to protect your project from signs of wear and tear, the best way to finish it is to apply two coats of varnish. Even though you are varnishing your project, there is no need to compromise on the matte finish. Seal your slate using two coats of DecoArt Ultra Matte Varnish and leave to dry. Please note: We recommend leaving your project to cure for a few days before using them. While paint and varnish can feel dry to the touch, they need a few days to cure completely. Happy Folking, Carol x SaveSaveSaveSave