How to Decoupage on a Box

Magazines are a good hunting ground for suitable decoupage images.

Boxes can be tricky to decoupage because of tight-fitting lids, hinges, or curved sides in the case of round boxes. Magazine pictures work well for decoupage box projects because the paper used in magazine pages is very thin. This makes it easier to smooth the images around curves, get an even surface without ridges between the images, and decoupage -- sparingly -- under the rims of lids without preventing them from fitting.

Things You'll Need

• Images
• Scissors
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Craft glue or decoupage medium

Instructions

1. Find your images for the decoupage design. Cut out the pictures and set them aside.

2. Paint the box with acrylic paint to give it an all-over base coat. Choose a color of paint that complements your images. Set the box aside for the paint to dry.

3. Paint the backs of the images with a craft glue, or a purpose-made decoupage glue.

4. Stick the images in place on the box. Smooth the images down with your fingertips to remove excess glue and any air bubbles. Avoid sticking images over any hinges your box may have. Set the box aside to dry.

5. Paint over the images on the box with decoupage medium, or watered-down craft glue, to seal the surface. Leave the lid off, or open, until the sealing coat has completely dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideas for designs include images taken from hobby interests: Choose pictures of sewing accessories for a keen needle-worker, pictures of fish for a fishing enthusiast, or floral images for a gardener.

• Bear in mind the size of your box when choosing images. Choose the ones that fit comfortably on the top or sides of the box.

• Avoid covering the whole surface of the box with images if the box has a tight-fitting lid, otherwise the lid may no longer close smoothly. Instead, choose separate images that all relate to one theme and spread them out over the surface. The matching paint background will help to connect the images.