Combing can creates bold, geometric patterns. There are special combing tools, but even an ordinary plastic comb will make a good design.

You'll need:

Small brush for base coat
Artist's acrylic paints: chrome yellow (base), burnt sienna (glaze)
Sand paper, fine
Tack cloth
Acrylic scumble medium
Brush for glaze
Cotton rags
Combing tool
Low-tack masking tape (optional)
Brush for varnish
Water-based satin varnish

To make a comb, cut a plastic lid in half and cut small V-shaped notches along the edge.

Here's how:

1. Prepare the surface.

2. Using the small brush, apply two coats of chrome yellow acrylic paint to the piece, allowing the paint to dry between coats. Lightly sand the. surface to ensure it is smooth - the comb must not hit any bumps or the combing pattern will be disturbed. Wipe away the dust with the tack cloth.

3. Make the glaze by mixing one part burnt sienna acrylic paint, one part scumble medium and one part water. Make sure the paint is thoroughly mixed in before adding water.

4. Using the brush for the glaze, apply a coat of brown glaze to the surface. Use a cotton rag to lightly dab over the wet glaze to soften the brush marks. If working on a larger piece, it is better to work on one surface at a time to ensure the glaze does not dry before it is combed.

5. With the comb in one hand and a cotton rag in the other, run the comb through the wet glaze to evenly reveal the base colour. Use moderate pressure and draw through without hesitation so the combing lines remain consistent. Wipe the excess paint from the comb onto the rag. Any pattern or direction is acceptable - straight lines, crosshatch, basket weave, waves or swirls - but experiment first on a sample board before committing to the final piece. A more dramatic effect can be achieved by combining patterns such as waves with a straight geometrical pattern.

6. To create a border, use low-tack tape to mask 5mm borders. Using a brush and the brown glaze, add the painted border. Allow it to dry and carefully remove the tape.

7. To complete the box, apply two coats of satin varnish.

Source: Painted Finishes (Murdoch Books)