How to Paint Designs on Conks
- 1). Wash and dry your conch shell inside and out with mild dish soap. Use your fingers to scrub away bits of seaweed and sand that might cause irregularities in the finish or prevent the paint from sticking. Dry it thoroughly, pushing the towel into the cavity at the shell's center.
- 2). Sketch out your design in chalk on the outside of the conch first. Curl your fingers into the cavity and around the center of the conch to hold it steady while you sketch. You can follow the lines of the conch to make stripes or choose your own design.
- 3). Paint in part of your design with one color, holding the conch as in Step 2. Let this color dry for about 10 minutes before continuing to the next color. This prevents smearing and muddy colors. Allow the finished exterior to cure overnight.
- 4). Hold the conch in your palm with the open cavity facing upward. If desired, sketch and paint the inside of your conch shell as in Steps 2 and 3. Allow this to dry overnight as well. You may choose a charming nature scene or simply continue your design into the cavity.