Things You'll Need
Mod Podge
Wax paper
Acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Sponge brush
Newspapers
Magazines
Scrapbook paper
Tissue paper
Clear acrylic sealer
Old credit card
To decoupage means to glue down several paper cutouts to a surface and then seal them with a craft glue like Mod Podge to create something artistic or decorative. Mod Podge attaches most paper items to a surface and doubles as a sealer to keep those items in place. Decoupaging may be done on wood, paper and even canvas. Decoupaging is similar to creating a collage but making a collage only requires the items to be glued down, not sealed.
Step 1
Put wax paper or newspaper over your work surface to protect it.
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Step 2
Paint the piece of canvas with one or two colors of acrylic paint to add color to the white background. Apply one or two thin, even coats of the paint. Let the paint dry. Use colors that you want to show through between the decoupaged parts of the canvas. If you plan on decoupaging the entire canvas, skip this step.
Step 3
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge with a sponge brush to the back of the item you want to decoupage. Use items like magazine cut outs, newspaper cut outs and cut-out pieces from decorative scrapbook paper to add color to the piece. For a translucent but colorful look, decoupage pieces of colored and decorative tissue paper. Apply a variety of these materials to the canvas to give it texture and visual interest.
Step 4
Fix the item to the canvas and smooth out its edges to attach it permanently to the canvas. Remove any air bubbles with the edge of an old credit card.
Step 5
Continue attaching items to the canvas. Wrap items around the edges of the canvas so these parts are covered as well. Allow the decoupaged items to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes. Look at the canvas for pieces that may not be completely glued down. Apply more Mod Podge to these items and let them dry.
Step 6
Apply a single, thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire piece of canvas to seal everything It will apply opaque, but dry clear.
Step 7
Let the Mod Podge dry. Apply a single layer of acrylic sealer to the canvas to further seal your project. Let the canvas dry before hanging it on a wall.
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