It is the folk art of decorative painting on tin and wooden utensils, objects and furniture.
It came into practice in New England(18th century) and was also extensively carried on among German immigrants in Pennsylvania. A separate, related tradition occurs among Scandinavian countries and immigrants. German tole painting may concentrate more on metal and tin objects, while Scandinavian may concentrate more on wooden objects and furniture. Two traditions vary slightly in patterns as well.
Modern tole painting typically uses long-lasting,inexpensive and sturdy acrylic paints. Good quality wooden work is sealed, primed and sanded before the decorative paint is applied.
As a craft, tole painting has an advantage as a bad painting can be sanded off and repainted.