Cling Film Technique For Beginners
What is the Cling Film Technique?
The cling film technique is an artistic effect developed to create texture on the surface of wet paint. By manipulating the cling film, also known as plastic wrap - you are moving the paint around to gather in certain areas, which creates interest and texture!
Not unlike the marbling or shaving foam techniques, this super-fun method is ideal for creating abstract art effects, or you can cleverly select your colour palette and tones to emulate the look of a skyline. Here is a fantastic example of colourful skies using the cling film technique from expert crafter Jennifer McGuire! In this video tutorial, Jennifer talks you through colour combinations, changes the application of the cling film to achieve different looks and pairs her beautiful backgrounds with silhouettes for maximum impact!
Changing the application of cling film for different looks
In this second video tutorial, artist Creations Ceecee has us transfixed with a beautiful approach to this classic technique. Using watercolour, Ceecee paints a gestural bouquet of flowers using primary shades, she then applies the cling film in a controlled way to achieve darker tones in certain places. It's important to let this dry naturally for the effect to work fully. Using this as a base, Ceecee then applies shading to the design using pencil crayons and white highlights using a gel pen - and wow the result is stunning!
Using watercolours to achieve the cling film technique
Inspiration Gallery
Click here to browse all the amazing cards on CraftWorld which feature this amazing technique!
Here are just a few examples of the cling film technique used on projects on the site, click the link above to find the tutorials for the cards below.
And last but not least, check out this amazing video step-by-step by crafting royalty Sue Wilson! In this guide, Sue shows you how to achieve high contrasting backgrounds using Cosmic Shimmer Lustre Polish. The consistency of the polish makes it ideal for manipulation through the cling film - take the technique further by transferring the waste on the cling film onto another piece of cardstock for positive and negative effects!
Using Cosmic Shimmer Lustre Polish to achieve cling film backgrounds
Did you know we have Pinterest?
Check out more inspiration for this fun technique, follow us and be sure to share your projects with us on CraftWorld!
If you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the cling film technique, then check out the articles below for similar effects!