How to Remove Decoupage
Decoupage, meaning "cut" in French, is the craft of taking fabric or paper and applying it to solid objects, like glass vases, picture frames or other decorative pieces. You use special paste to adhere the pictures or fabric to items and that paste glues, seals and provides a finish for the craft. The paste is strong and meant to stay, so it will take time and a little elbow grease to remove it from non-porous surfaces such as glass or plastic.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid fabric softener
- 10 oz. spray bottle
- Hot water
- Wallpaper scorer
- Pen knife or utility knife
- Putty knife
- Clean rag
- Petroleum jelly
- Liquid dishwashing soap
Instructions
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1
Pour 1/4-cup liquid fabric softener into a 10-oz. plastic spray bottle. Fill the bottle with hot water and shake it to combine the two liquids.
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Spray the surface of the decoupaged object with the mixture. Cut one section with a wallpaper scorer or pen knife for rounded edges. Use a putty knife to lift the decoupage away from the surface. This technique works best on smooth or artificial surfaces like glass or plastic. Wipe the area with a damp, clean rag.
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3
Use the solution on walls or doors with decoupage. Spray the surface and scrape off the decoupage with a putty knife using short, careful motions. The short motions may keep the drywall or wood finish from lifting up with the decoupage. Use a pen knife or utility knife to navigate corners and edges.
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4
Remove the decoupage paste from clothing by scraping the dried paste with a putty knife. Rub petroleum jelly over the area. Let it sit for several minutes and then remove the jelly with liquid dishwashing soap and a clean wet rag. Rinse the material in hot water.
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Tips & Warnings
Walls or wood surfaces will absorb the paste to a point that removing the decoupage without harming the surface is next to impossible. Once you remove the decoupage you may need to sand and repaint or refinish the surface.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
