Scratch-Off Globe

by LD_P

7.5K15610

Intro: Scratch-Off Globe

I love travelling, and I've been fortunate enough to see a fair few countries in my life. However, as any sufferer of wanderlust will know, seeing a few only makes one want to see more - there's a whole world out there just waiting to be explored!

Inspired by the method craftknowitall used to make the scratch-off sections of this Valentine's card, I created scratch-off paint from craft paint and dishwashing liquid, making this project super cheap! The globe cost me only R16 (South African Rands - under $1.50) and the paint and dishwashing liquid I already had - this couldn't have cost more than $2 in total.

The idea is to scratch off each country after you visit it, and eventually, one day, scratch it all off. It's a fun craft for any traveller, or a great gift for someone bitten by the travel bug.

If you like this craft, don't forget to vote for it in the Remix contest!

Supplies:

  • Globe
  • Silver craft paint
  • Dishwashing liquid

STEP 1: Mix the Paint and Start Painting

To make the paint, mix 2 parts silver paint with 1 part dishwashing liquid. This creates the scratch-off formula.

Carefully paint one country at a time, making sure the borders are still definable. Paint non-adjacent countries at first so that you can see where one country ends and the next begins.

STEP 2: Add Borders

Add the borders by creating the same scratch-off formula with black paint and dishwashing liquid and use a thin brush or toothpick to apply it to the edges of the silver-coated countries.

STEP 3: Cover Each Country

Continue this process until all the countries are covered, and the land masses on your globe are silver and outlined with black, so you can still tell which country's which.

STEP 4: Scratch Off Your Visited Countries

Use a coin or some sort of blunt object that won't damage the globe to scratch the silver coating off the areas you've visited, revealing the countries beneath.

10 Comments

xaxx 6 years ago

Where did you find the mini globe? That's just what I'm looking for!

hardlydavidson 9 years ago

hola! this is really nice work. a unique and simple idea as well. it'll be super fun to make. good for quizzing as well. thanks for sharing. all the best for the contest.

dummy1977 9 years ago

Now that is a really unique idea, great way to learn or be a geography nerd. I am bad with geography, but addicted to going on random Google Earth adventures to fill in the blanks. I would be all over this thing if I had it here.

Znaffi 9 years ago

Cooool!

I am definitely going to make this :-)

I've seen maps like this on online stores, but they are SO EXPENSIVE!

Also a good gift idea :)

verence 9 years ago

Nice!

Do you have more information about the silver coating colour? A brand name, the kind of solvent that is used etc.

I'd guess, just using any kind of silvery colour wouldn't work.

LD_P 9 years ago

It's just normal silver craft paint - the brand is a South African brand called Dala, but I imagine that any silver craft or acrylic paint should work. Also, any brand of dishwashing liquid should work. :)

MadMuz 9 years ago

Ha awesome, but i wouldnt be able to resist. Id scratch that clean in a matter of days :(

LD_P 9 years ago

It's SUCH a temptation! But I'm determined to save scratching for post-travelling satisfaction. :)

MsSweetSatisfaction 9 years ago

This is so cool! I bet it's great for learning geography and that kids would love it! Thanks for sharing!

LD_P 9 years ago

Thank you! That's actually a great idea for it, too! It'd make a fun educational tool!