DIY: Make a Scratch-Off Photo Valentine

You may have only interacted with a scratch-off card while trying to win the lottery (it's okay, I’ve tried and failed, too). But, did you know that you can easily make your own scratch-offs using dish soap and acrylic paint? It's really that easy.

To take your scratch-off cards to the next level, try following our tutorial below to create scratch-off Polaroids. It will fool your recipient into thinking you gave them an unexposed photo -- that is, until they read the message and scratch away. A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, this photo trick will surely leave an impression with the one you love. Here's a short video explaining all the steps - you can also follow our step-by-step instructions listed in this post. 

Step 1: Collect Your Materials

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:


A Polaroid camera and film OR
A 3″x3″ photo print
Black acrylic paint
Dish soap
Scotch tape
Paper plate (or surface for mixing paint)
Piece of paper
Paint brush
Black marker

Comments

[Don H.]

Polaroid went out of business years ago, you can't buy the film packs anymore.

[hbradley1]

Actually Polaroid still exists, they just don't produce film anymore. But Project Impossible makes 600 type instant film cartridges, they're around $24 for a pack of eight but they exist. Also for a cheaper price you can get older 100 type packfilm for older polaroids like the land camera series. They're made by fuji and cost around $7-10 for a pack of 10.

[AmyLuthien]

They still have a website (polaroid.com) and you can get the film packs on Amazon, amongst other places ;)

[ninjacow258]

Oooh, I saw this on Photojojo earlier. It's such an awesome idea :D

[mathiemom]

They don't make poloroid film anymore. Do you find that matte or glossy prints work better?

[mygibzone]

This is really neat! Now I can make a "lotto ticket of love." This is gonna be fun!

[EverydayKiki]

Picture.

[EverydayKiki]

Made this for my dads birthday!
We had to make it in about 15 minutes because he was on his way home!
We made this his card, and then attached a nickel to the front of the envelope.
Thanks, I’ve been looking for something like this. love it!

[sempei13]

I made a "lottery ticket" for my wife. I printed it on my inkjet, but covered it with packing tape. Here's the pic w/o the "prizes" I added for her: http://flic.kr/p/btNCwM

[GyroGearLoose47]

Thank you for your efforts. Photos with dye based ink may be preserved with a spray from a can of Krylon low odor, clear finish. Locally we have the Gloss type and a Matte type. I spray my digital photos after they have dryed. I usually spray these photos in two differing directions. Sometimes I also spray printed text, with or with out photos. As always safety first. Do not breath these fumes. There are ibles here about spray booths and ventilating ideas.

[mikegalloway]

Cute idea and great presentation. Nice job =)

[f5mando]

Shouldn't this work with inkjet printed photos, too? Great instructable, either way!

[dacker]

Have you tried this with a normal photograph? How about an inkjet print printed with waterproof pigmented ink? I know water soluble dye-based inks would fail.

[StevenMcFlyJr]

Pretty nifty invention/idea by a pretty gal. :)

[Xthinker]

I remember doing this, but I did it with a DVD and made a little Ornament! I also didn't use the dish soap.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

This is such a cute idea! I love the effect it leaves on the photo too!