What is Tole Painting?
Tole painting is a decorative folk art technique that uses detailed brushwork—often with acrylic paints—on wooden or metal objects. It combines flat base painting with intricate floral, scroll, or seasonal designs.
| Tool / Material |
Description |
Notes |
| Acrylic Paints |
Fast-drying, opaque, and water-soluble |
Most popular for tole painting |
| Basecoat Brushes |
Flat brushes for broad coverage |
Use to prep background |
| Detail Brushes |
Liner, round, filbert, and dagger brushes |
For precision and flourishes |
| Palette or Tray |
Mixing area for paints |
Use wet palette for longer sessions |
| Transfer Paper |
Transfers design outlines |
White, gray, or graphite |
| Sealer / Varnish |
Protects finished piece |
Matte, satin, or gloss |
| Wooden or Metal Surface |
Box, tray, sign, etc. |
Sand and prime before painting |
| Stylus or Dotting Tool |
For dots, eyes, flower centers |
Use metal or plastic |
Surface Types & Prep
| Surface Type |
Preparation Needed |
Notes |
| Wood |
Sand, seal, then basecoat |
Common choice; absorbs paint well |
| Metal (Tins) |
Degrease, sand lightly, apply primer |
Use multi-surface primer |
| Canvas |
Use gesso for base layer |
Great for wall hangings |
| Paperboard |
Prime and seal surface |
Ideal for practice panels |
| Glass/Ceramic |
Clean thoroughly, use enamel paints |
Requires baking or sealing |
Basic Brush Stroke Techniques
| Stroke Name |
Brush Type Used |
Description |
Common Use |
| Comma Stroke |
Round or filbert |
Press, drag, lift—teardrop shape |
Flowers, leaves |
| S-Stroke |
Filbert or round |
Continuous S curve |
Scrolls, ribbon, petals |
| C-Stroke |
Flat brush |
One-side curve resembling “C” |
Rose petals, flourishes |
| Comma-Dot |
Liner brush |
A small dot with tapered end |
Flower buds, accents |
| Side Load |
Flat brush |
Load one side of brush for shading |
Shadows and highlights |
| Dry Brush |
Round/flat with little paint |
Scrubbing motion for texture |
Rustic and distressed effects |
Tole Painting Techniques
| Technique |
Description |
Tip |
| Base Coating |
Laying flat background color |
Apply 2 thin coats for opacity |
| Floating |
Blending with wet edges for shading |
Use side-loading technique |
| Detailing |
Adding fine lines, dots, flourishes |
Use liner brush with thinned paint |
| Stippling |
Dabbing brush to add texture or depth |
Great for flowers, backgrounds |
| Dry Brushing |
Light strokes with almost dry paint |
Gives aged or textured effect |
Common Tole Painting Motifs
| Motif Type |
Elements Included |
Popular Styles |
| Floral |
Roses, daisies, leaves, vines |
One-stroke, Scandinavian, folk |
| Scrolls & Swirls |
Decorative flourishes |
Rococo, Victorian, folk scrolls |
| Seasonal Scenes |
Snowmen, pumpkins, hearts, flags |
Americana, holiday-specific |
| Animals |
Birds, bunnies, cats |
Whimsical, folk, realistic |
| Fruits & Food |
Apples, berries, cupcakes |
Kitchen and country decor |
| Typography |
Hand-painted lettering and signs |
Welcome signs, quotes |
Finishing & Sealing
| Step |
Purpose |
Tips |
| Final Touch-ups |
Add highlights and small details |
Use toothpicks or liner brush |
| Dry Completely |
Let piece dry 24+ hrs before sealing |
Avoid smudging or lifting paint |
| Apply Varnish |
Protects against wear, moisture |
Use foam brush or spray for smooth coat |
| Sand between coats |
Optional for ultra-smooth finishes |
Use 400+ grit sandpaper |
Beginner Project Ideas
| Project |
Surface |
Motifs Used |
Notes |
| Wooden Welcome Sign |
Pine board |
Lettering + florals |
Great for front porch |
| Kitchen Spoon Holder |
Metal tin |
Fruit + scrolls |
Add magnet to back |
| Candle Tray |
Wood round |
Folk flowers + borders |
Seal with heat-safe finish |
| Mini Canvas Panels |
Canvas |
Seasonal scenes |
Rotate by season |
| Bookmark or Tag Set |
Paperboard |
One-stroke flowers |
Small-scale practice pieces |
FAQ
Do I need to seal between paint layers?
No, but make sure each layer is dry before painting over it to avoid lifting or muddying colors.
Can I use oil paints for tole painting?
Traditionally yes, but acrylics are now preferred for their fast drying time and ease of use.
How do I transfer a design onto the surface?
Use graphite or transfer paper, then trace with stylus or pencil.
What’s the difference between tole painting and one-stroke painting?
Tole painting is the broader folk art tradition; one-stroke is a specific technique within it.