Decoupage, which comes from the French découper or means to cut, is a craft or art form that requires pieces of material (usually paper) to be attached to objects and then coated with varnish or varnish. This process makes the appearance of flat pieces of paper look deep and makes patterns and images look as if they were painted on objects that were processed with the decoupage technique. Decoupage is a fun and easy way to decorate any object, including items in your home from small vases to large pieces of furniture. The possibilities are many. Fortunately, however, decoupage can be learned relatively quickly with just a few steps.
Step
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
Choose the object you want to decorate and collect materials to decorate the object. You can use any materials for decoupage, such as cards, tissue paper, gift wrapping paper, paper shopping bags, magazine cutouts, rice paper (a kind of spring roll skin made from rice flour), thin strips of cloth, or (of course) special paper for decoupage. You can also use homemade paper. In general, the softer and more flexible the material, the easier it will be to use if you are decoupage on a curved surface.
- Do not use picture paper that is printed on an ink-jet printer because the colors will blend in with the topcoat. Alternatively, photocopy the paper with color photocopies that use non-bleeding ink.
- Try using fabric or wallpaper to cover large surfaces directly. You can use this material as a background before adding other decoupage ingredients.
- Do not use materials that are too thick, as they can protrude from the surface of the object and may fall off accidentally. Of course, you want to keep the surface of the object as clean as possible.
- Use things around you to decoupage to save money on purchasing materials. Sheets of old letters, brochures, newspapers, and old books and magazines are great to work with.
Step 2. Cut out the sheets of paper
You can use whole sheets of paper, scraps, or cutouts to create interesting shapes and designs. Use scissors or a craft knife to create the desired shape, holding the scissors so that they are tilted slightly to the right. This will result in a smoother, sloping edge.
- Tearing the paper will result in a smoother edge. To tear the paper so that the edges are smooth, fold the paper along the line to be torn and flatten it with your fingernail. Do it again in the opposite direction and then tear the paper.
- No need to cover the entire surface with paper strips. Just prepare as much as you need for this project.
Step 3. Plan your decoupage project
Make a sketch of the design or place a piece of paper on the object without gluing it and then take a photo so you remember the arrangement.
- If you don't like planning things, don't hesitate to glue the pieces of paper directly without any prior plans. Pay close attention to the composition to make sure you stick the strips together consistently.
- Consider the color and texture of the glued pieces of paper. Mix and match different colors or try using different colors in your project.
Step 4. Prepare the object surface
Make sure the object you're decorating is clean and dry, also patch up any deep indentations, and sand the surface of the object to remove bumps and flaws if necessary. If you want to paint or varnish, you'll need to do this before gluing the strips of paper on top.
- For some objects such as wood and metal, you will need to prime the surface with a layer of latex paint so that the pieces of paper stick well.
- If you want to clean an object with water, make sure that it is dry before gluing it so that all the materials stick well.
Step 5. Protect your work area by covering it with newspaper
Step 6. Apply the appropriate glue to the surface of the object and the pieces of paper
You can use white glue, but it's easier to mix it with water. The ratio is 50 percent glue and 50 percent water. Make sure when mixing this glue, the container is closed. Then, shake the container.
Step 7. Apply glue
Use a paint brush to apply a thin layer of glue to the surface of the object and the back of the paper cut. Make sure you apply the glue evenly and all the way to the edges of the paper cut.
Step 8. Glue the pieces of paper one by one on the surface of the object
Place the strip of paper on the area to be glued. Lay out the paper carefully so that there are no creases and creases. Flatten it neatly using a brayer (small roller) or ice cream stick, smoothing it from the center of the surface outwards. Repeat this step with the other pieces of paper.
For a more elaborate look, lay out several layers of paper scraps. Lay down the first layer and then apply subsequent layers to the first, partially covering the layer underneath
Step 9. Let the glue dry
Make sure all the pieces of paper are completely dry before proceeding. If you are laying multiple layers, make sure each layer is dry before starting to coat the next piece of paper.
If there are curled edges, you can flatten them with a razor to make them more neat
Step 10. Apply varnish or polish
Coat the decoupage with several layers of an appropriate coating, such as a coating specifically formulated for decoupage (available at arts and crafts stores), varnish, or polish. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
Step 11. Sand the coated decoupage
Once the coating is dry, sand it with 400 grit sandpaper to remove the stain. Use a damp cloth to remove any residue from sanding. If it hasn't been coated with a coating to cover the surface and pieces of paper, don't sand the object.
Step 12. Continue to apply varnish or polish
The unique decoupage look is created from multiple layers of upholstery. The number of layers is up to you. You may need 4 or 5 layers, depending on the coating you use. Some decoupage artists use 30 or 40 layers. Remember, allow each layer to dry before applying the next, and sand the decoupage after the object has been given several coats for best results.
Step 13. Done
Tips
- Make sure the image on the light paper is on only one side, otherwise the image on the other side will appear after the paper is glued.
- Once the glue is dry, run your hand across the surface of the object, feeling for corners, wrinkles, or protruding paper that feels as though it won't stick. If you're having trouble sticking the pieces of paper, you'll need to apply the glue solution mixture all over the surface of objects, pieces of paper, and so on.
- Have a damp cloth ready to remove any spilled or excess glue and to help press the edges of the paper as you glue it.
- To achieve a three-dimensional look, glue the strips of paper in multiple layers by applying several coats of varnish or polish to each layer of paper, then pasting the next piece of paper. The layer of paper at the base will appear darker than the layers above it.
- You can buy special decoupage glue at a craft supply store, but it costs a little more than white glue.
Warning
- Make sure the work area used is free of cat, dog, or other animal hair, because animal hair can stick to the surface of the object.
- Follow the instructions for use when applying glue or coating. Some types of product may catch fire, require ventilation, or other precautions.
- In the early stages, practice using scraps of paper and unused objects.
