How to Paint Your Own Aussie Animals Set

Quick answer

Grab the Australian Geographic Paint Your Own Aussie Animals set, follow the simple steps below, and you'll have three hand-painted keepsakes in about an hour.

Step-by-step painting guide

1. Prepare your workspace: Cover your table with newspaper or a plastic mat. Lay out the three animal models, the paint pots, and the brush. Pour a small amount of each colour onto a disposable plate so the pots don't get contaminated. A common mistake is letting the brush sit in the paint pot, which dries out the paint. Always close the pots when not in use.
2. Paint the base coat first: Start with the largest areas — the koala's body, the kookaburra's back, and the platypus's body. Use broad, even strokes. Let the base coat dry for 5–10 minutes before adding details. If you paint details over a wet base coat, the colours will bleed and look muddy. Patience here saves rework.
3. Add details and features: Use the tip of the brush for small areas like eyes, beaks, and paws. Refer to the animal shapes on the models — the moulded lines show where the ears, nose, and wings go. You can also invent your own colour patterns. Don't overload the brush with paint; a tiny dab is enough for eyes and noses. Too much paint can drip and ruin the face.
4. Let the paint cure fully: Once all three animals are painted, leave them to dry for at least 30 minutes. Acrylic paint dries quickly to the touch, but it needs time to harden so the finish won't smudge. Touching the paint too early can leave fingerprints. Set them somewhere out of reach and wait the full 30 minutes.
5. Display or gift your creations: After the paint is fully dry, the animals are ready to sit on a shelf, desk, or bedside table. They also make a thoughtful handmade gift for grandparents or friends. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight for long periods — UV rays can fade the acrylic colours over time.

What's in the box

• Australian Geographic Paint Your Own Aussie Animals - Set of 3: The Australian Geographic Paint Your Own Aussie Animals set includes three animal models (koala, kookaburra, platypus), five acrylic paints, and a paintbrush. You have everything needed to start painting right away — no extra shopping or preparation required.