In today’s tutorial, our lovely IOD Artisan Michelle Phippard shares her process for applying IOD Paint Inlays with a clear topcoat, using the La Folie Paint Inlay.

If you love a vintagey flip that keeps the original chippy details intact, you’re going to jump for joy over this tutorial. Michelle shows you how to prep your surface, then uses topcoat to help the inlay settle in beautifully—enhancing the character that’s already there instead of covering it up. She even shares how she handles the little “uh-oh” moments, so they become part of the story instead of deal-breakers.

And a little bonus for those of us who save every pretty scrap—this is a perfect project for using leftover bits from holiday crafting. Paint Inlays are so forgiving and flexible that you can patchwork the most scrumptious details into something completely bespoke. La Folie, especially, has that timeless yet delicate French feel that’s beautiful for holiday decor, but just as lovely displayed year-round.

Before you get started, be sure to grab your favorite IOD supplies from a stockist near you. ❤️

• La Folie Paint Inlay 

• Rubbing Alcohol (for cleaning)
• Water-Based Top Coat 
• Sealer 
• Dark Wax

STEP ONE: PREPARE YOUR COMPOSITION

If you thrifted your upcycle, then begin by cleaning your piece with rubbing alcohol or prepping the surface as you see fit. Choose which La Folie details you want to feature, or pull from your leftover holiday crafting pile. For this project, Michelle picked a few larger florals and placed them around the existing hooks as her focal points. 

Pro Tip: The back of the IOD Paint Inlay packaging is a super helpful guide for visualizing your layout before you commit.

STEP TWO: APPLY THE INLAY

Brush on a generous coat of water-based topcoat over your surface, then lay your Paint Inlay right into it. Using small, gentle circular motions, press the sheet down to embed the pigment (this helps prevent halo marks). Next, Michelle uses a slightly damp paper towel or cloth to dampen the carrier sheet. Once the carrier sheet has dried, gently peel it back to reveal your design.

Don’t be afraid to layer your designs for more depth. Adjust any placements that aren’t quite right; your top coat acts as a forgiving medium for alterations. With a damp paper towel, you can easily remove or reposition the inlay before it dries completely.

STEP THREE: FINAL TOUCHES 

Once you’re happy with your layout, go back in and add a few extra touches—little pops of color or smaller inlay elements that make the whole piece feel richer and more layered. Tiny roses or delicate swags are perfect for filling in open spaces and drawing the eye exactly where you want it.

To finish, seal everything with even strokes of topcoat. This locks in the pigments and keeps your details crisp.

STEP FOUR: THE FINAL FLOURISH

Once complete, reinstall any hardware and add a touch of dark wax for depth and texture. This helps accentuate the piece’s natural beauty, providing a delightful contrast between the new paint inlays and the vintage patina.

Thank you for creating along with our IOD Artisans! We hope this gave you the nudge to try your own Paint Inlay project.

If you make one, we’d absolutely love to see it. Share your piece in the comments, because your ideas always inspire someone else to give it a try, too. And remember—every little project can add warmth to your space and a fresh chapter to the story you’re telling at home. Now go make something lovely. 🥰

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!