Aluminum Tape Box Tutorial

I love to alter things and my usual style is a bit more shabby chic. And while I think a distressed look is beautiful, not everyone shares my opinion. So I decided to make something a bit more modern and simple. Below are the instructions.

What you'll need:

• Wooden box (size of your choice)
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Black acrylic paint
• 1 inch key chain rings
• Foam brush
• E6000 glue
• Aluminum tape with adhesive (found at hardware store in Plumbing)
• Paper stump)
• Craft store varnish (optional)
• Scissors
• Paper towels

Step 1

Sand the box, both inside and out, to remove any rough edges.

Step 2

One the top of the box, take the ruler and the pencil and draw a diagonal line from one top corner to a bottom corner. Repeat. Now you have the middle of the box.

Step 3

Using the E6000, glue the key ring to the center of the box lid. You can add a key ring on either side (as pictured) or you can create a pattern of your choosing. The same thing can be done with washer. Set the box aside to dry and cure, usually for a day.

Step 4

Measure the box lid and cut the three aluminum tape piece that will fit on the box lid without going to the side. Measure the perimeter of the box lid and cut a long piece of the aluminum tape.

Step 5

Take one of the short pieces of the aluminum tape and pull off the backing. Line the bottom edge of the tape to the bottom edge of the top of the box lid. Burnish. Do the same thing with the top of the box lid and another tape. Burnish. Using the last piece of tape and gentle apply it over the key rings. Gently burnish.

Step 6

Take the long piece of tape and apply it around the bottom edge of the box lid. Take the scissors and snip a “V” shape onto each corner (miter cut) and then fold the tape over to the top of the lid. Burnish.

Step 7

Apply black paint over the aluminum tape. Using a crumpled paper towel, dab it across the paint to the mottled look.

Step 8

Paint the rest of the outside of the box and the inside of the box black. Let dry and apply another coat. If you want to varnish the box, be careful not to varnish the edges of the box where it closes. The varnish can make the box lid stick together.