How to Make Smooth Decoupage

Give your decoupage project a smooth, glassy finish by finishing it with polyurethane

Decoupage gives crafters the ability to transform almost any object, including tables, flower pots, lamps, picture frames and guitars. Multiple image cut outs are formed into a collage and embedded in adhesive to create a new surface full of pattern and texture. However, all those little overlapping edges in the collage combined with dried ridges in the adhesive left from brush bristles often results in a somewhat rough topography. Eliminate bumpiness and guarantee a smooth, final surface by sanding throughout the process and by topping the decoupage adhesive with a clear, glossy sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Water-based decoupage adhesive
• Natural-bristle paintbrushes
• Plastic putty knife
• 320-grit sandpaper
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth
• Water-based polyurethane

Instructions

1. Glue pieces of paper to the surface to be decoupaged. Apply the decoupage adhesive directly to the surface with a paintbrush then stick the paper to the glue. Make sure all air pockets and edges are smoothed down by running the blade of a plastic putty knife across the surface. Leave the adhesive to dry.

2. Paint a second coat of decoupage adhesive over the dried collage. Leave the second coat to dry.

3. Lightly sand the ridges in the second coat of adhesive with 320-grit sandpaper. Sand, using a sanding block, to ensure consistent sandpaper contact with the surface. Take care to not sand deeper than the decoupage coat. Wipe away all residual sanding dust with a tack cloth.

4. Apply a third coat of adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry then sand out the ridges and wipe away the dust.

5. Paint the entire decoupaged surface with a coat of polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to self-level and to dry. Sand the dried coat of polyurethane lightly with the 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the dust with a tack cloth then apply a second coat of polyurethane.

6. Continue applying two to four more coats of polyurethane, sanding between coats, to achieve a substantial and lustrous seal over the decoupage.

References

• Living with Lindsay: Updating Furniture with Mod Podge
• Plaid: Essential Mod Podge Techniques
• Painting and Decorating Concourse: Polyurethane