An ordinary wooden slab (chatris or palkis) is used to make Kinnal art. They are cut into circle, square or octagon shape. The process starts by applying mixture of chalk powder and gum and is applied evenly on the wooden slab as a base. This is kept for drying for some time. After it is dried, the surface is rubbed on by sandpaper to make it smooth for painting. Artisan uses scale, pencil and diameter to draw the borders on the slab. Gesso work is made on the borders and in the middle of the wooden piece. Gesso is a compound made of chalk powder and gum and distemper colour. The gesso work is basically made on the borders or in the center of the canvas. The designs are surrounded with flowers and leaves, with any mythological character in the middle and dried (chalk powder). After this is completely dry, silver foil is cut as per the required form and pasted evenly on top of the gesso work with the help of a brush and adhesive.
On the silver foil layer, outline for the embossed is given using thin lines in black colour to give the painting detailing and depth. To obtain the golden look, yellow powder (chemical colours) and water is mixed with wood polish and applied on the embossed area, and dried. A bright coloured paint is applied around the embossed parts to make it vibrant and striking. Flower work is done around the center of the slab using silver colour. To obtain this silver colour, a mixture of zinc powder with gum and water is soaked for 2-3 hours. These paints which are naturally made last for a long time and retains its charm. After all the painting process is done, the article is kept under direct sunlight for drying. Flower work makes the craft unique and special. It is rubbed using a tool affixed with an opal stone to its tip. It gives a shining effect to the painting. Finally, varnish is applied to obtain more shine and make it to look attractive. Tools, paints and brushes are developed by Kinnal craft artisans themselves.
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