Create your own 3D kids bulldozer decor with these step-by-step instructions and free patterns! Unlike run of the mill canvas transportation art, this DIY project creates a unique dimensional piece of wood wall art that will be treasured for years to come.
supplies:
- scissors
- bulldozer pattern — DOWNLOAD HERE
- pencil
- wood pieces (4 large wood circles, small wood circle, 3 wood buttons, 3 wood caps)
- wood coffee stir sticks
- square wood dowel (3/4 inch diameter)
- round wood dowel (1/2 inch diameter)
- 14 inch x 14 inch birch wood panel
- very strong wood glue, such as Titebond III
- strong clear adhesive (such as J B Weld clear epoxy or Gorilla epoxy)
- 220 or 320 grit sandpaper
- jigsaw or band saw
- MDF (medium density fiberboard) or birch plywood in three different thicknesses (1/2 inch, 1/4 inch, and 3/4 inch thick) Home Depot sells MDF and plywood in small sizes called “handy panels” that are great for small projects like this
- primer
- paint
step 1: download pattern & cut out
First, download the bulldozer pattern and cut the pieces out. IMPORTANT: When you print the pattern, make sure that your print settings are set to 100% scale so that the patterns print out at the correct size.
Next, use a pencil to trace around the bulldozer patterns onto MDF (medium density fiberboard) or birch plywood, noting the thickness needed for each piece. I used MDF because I like the smooth surface. It’s also an inexpensive option.
After tracing around the patterns, use a jigsaw or band saw to cut the pieces out.
step 2: gather remaining supplies
In addition to the pieces above that you cut from MDF or plywood, you will also need the supplies shown in the photo below: a 14 inch square wood panel, 3/4 inch square wood dowel cut to a length of 14 inches, 4 large wood circles, 1 small wood circle, 3 wood buttons, 3 wood caps, small round wood dowel, and wood coffee stir sticks.
When you combine the pieces from the steps above, everything should look like this:
step 3: assemble the bulldozer body section
Use wood glue to attach the main bulldozer body section to the lower section (see photo below). Cut off the tip of the round dowel to use as the exhaust stack, and glue that onto the bulldozer body as well. Then glue the 3 decorative wood caps in the space below the exhaust stack.
step 4: prime, sand & paint
Next use primer to paint all the pieces. When the primer is dry, sand the pieces using 220 or 320 grit sandpaper until the surfaces are smooth.
Now it’s time to add some color to your 3D bulldozer art. For best results, use at least two coats of paint. For the example below, I used 8 oz. paint samples from the Home Depot. For projects like this, you can’t beat those little samples. They’re very inexpensive (under $4) and you can have them mixed in so many different shades. It’s so easy to match your art to the rest of your room decor when you have tons of color options. I generally opt for a matte finish because it doesn’t show flaws like a gloss or semi-gloss.
Sand between coats if needed with a 220 or 320 grit sandpaper. For straight lines, use blue painter’s tape made for sensitive surfaces to tape off a straight edge for painting stripes or other details.
step 5: finish assembly
For the bulldozer lower section, glue gears and wheels as shown below.
Finally, assemble the remaining bulldozer pieces and attach everything to the wood panel, using a very strong adhesive such as Titebond III, J-B Weld clear epoxy or Gorilla epoxy. As soon as the adhesive is dry, your 3D wall art is ready to decorate a transportation or construction themed nursery or kids room!
Since the wood panel has a cradled (recessed) back, there is no need to add a picture hanger to the back of the frame. The open frame back will slip over the top of simply a nail or screw in the wall.
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