CARDBOARD LETTERS Draw a design with Tacky Glue Cover it with foil, then shoe polish. To antique the foil, use a mahogany gel stain rub it on and let it dry. Rub it in different directions, and sort of shove and pat it into areas for a darker look. It may take a few coats to get the look you want. Seal it off with a varnish so it would stay put.