What's the best paint-to-soap ratio for scratch off coating?

The classic ratio for a DIY scratch-off coating is 2 parts metallic acrylic paint to 1 part dish soap. That balance gives you a layer that lifts off cleanly with a coin but stays put through a pocket or an envelope.

• Mix ratio: 2 parts metallic acrylic paint, 1 part liquid dish soap.
• Consistency: stir until smooth with no streaks. It should look like a thin, opaque paint.
• Test first: coat a scrap card, let it dry, and scratch it to confirm it hides the message and removes cleanly.
• Adjust: too runny means add paint. Too stiff to scratch means add a touch more soap.

For a factory-clean result without the mixing, professionally printed scratch-off panels apply an even coating every time.