How to Decoupage on Vintage Luggage
The solid nature of many vintage luggage pieces make them ideal for decoupage projects. They can be given a facelift and used as luggage, or as trendy home decorations and storage solutions. You can find old luggage at thrift stores and flea markets. But before starting to transform a vintage item with decoupage, check that it is not a valuable designer piece that will lose its value, if altered.
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Things You'll Need
- Luggage
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soft cloth
- Sponge
- Images
- Scissors
- Decoupage glue
- Foam craft brush
- Acrylic varnish
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Clean the luggage with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth, to remove dirt and grease.
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2
Rub the surface lightly with fine sandpaper, to provide a key for the glue. Wipe over it with a sponge and warm water, and allow the piece to dry thoroughly.
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3
Cut out images to use for decoration. Try to stick to one theme, such as travel or fashion. Use thin paper images from magazines, maps, old books, or food can labels. Or use purpose-printed retro luggage labels and other images, designed specifically for decoupage.
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4
Brush decoupage glue onto a small area of the piece, with a sponge craft brush. Gently place your cutout images onto the glued surface, smoothing them out to remove air bubbles before the glue sets. Overlap the images, and ensure all edges are firmly stuck down. Decoupage should completely cover the piece, so that none of the original surface shows.
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5
Cover the entire area you want to decoupage with images, and allow the glue to dry.
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6
Apply a coat of acrylic varnish over the decoupage, to protect the images from scuffs and scratches.
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References
- "New Decoupage"; Durwin Rice; 2008
Resources
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
