Painting tips for cardboard soundboxes

Here is how I paint soundboxes in a group dulcimer building project. Paint soundboxes as the first step in the building process, to maximize drying time. Use latex semi-gloss paint, interior or exterior. Sometimes paint stores have mistint gallons priced to go. Use inexpensive 3" or 4" wide "brushes" made of dense foam cut into a brush shape. These cost less than a dollar and can be thrown away or washed for re-use if you wish.

Paint dulcimer soundboxes while they are flat and before removing the heart-shaped cut out. Stack soundboxes with the inside (scored) surface up. You can use the box they came in as a table cover under the stack. Paint the inside surface of the soundbox on top of the stack, covering most of the surface(edges, ears, head, and feet and tail flaps need no paint on this side). Then remove that soundbox for drying (lean against a wall). Once it is dry (8-15 minutes) flip it over (on any remaining soundboxes in the stack?) and paint the good side that will show. Try to paint both sides on the same day to minimize warping of the cardboard that would occur when only one side is painted. Remove the heartshaped cutouts later when soundboxes are dry, poking them toward the inside surface of the soundbox.

I recommend having only two or three painting "stations" and letting members of your group rotate through to paint their soundbox. That way you need only 2 or 3 smocks and bruses. They should write their name on the inside surface of the soundbox. While waiting for a turn to paint, builders can be sanding their fretboard.

I have used both methods mentioned above. I now prefer to use the spray paint method. We hang the cardboard soundboxes from a rope and can do all the dulcimers easily at one time. I encourage participants to bring their own spray paint. Adults can help children paint their instruments. I give a short instruction on spray painting to prevent runs in the paint. This paint dries quickly so we can get to the rest of the construction rather quickly.