How to Decoupage Brass

Refinish your brass by decorating it with decoupage.

Decoupage is created by arranging paper cutouts and other two-dimensional objects onto various surfaces. The cutouts are held in place by a decoupage medium, which acts as both a glue and a sealant so your finished products are glossy and water-resistant. Almost any surface can be decoupaged, including brass. If you have an old brass object, such as a tray or bell, lying around that you want to update, decoupage could be just the solution. The materials you need are available online or in craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• 2 clean rags
• Warm water
• Soap
• Rust-resistant aerosol primer
• Foam applicator brush
• Decoupage medium
• Paper cutouts
• Spray acrylic sealant

Instructions

1. Unless your brass piece is completely free of rust, scrub it with a wad of steel wool to remove rust. Dust off any loose rust or dirt particles with a rag.

2. Submerge your piece of brass in warm, soapy water and allow it to sit for five minutes to loosen surface dirt. Remove the brass from the soapy water, and use a dry, clean rag to polish the piece of brass and dry it off. Be sure to remove any oily or greasy residue with the rag.

3. Prime the brass using a rust-resistant aerosol primer. Allow the primer to dry completely.

4. Using the foam applicator brush, paint a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the brass in all areas to be decoupaged. Allow the medium to become slightly tacky but not fully dried. Paint a small amount of decoupage medium onto the back of the paper cutouts and press onto the piece of brass in the desired location. Smooth out wrinkles or bubbles with your fingers. Allow the decoupage medium to dry thoroughly.

5. Paint another layer of decoupage medium over the brass, including the cutouts, with the foam applicator brush. Allow the medium to dry, and repeat once more. Allow to sit overnight to dry.

6. Spray a coat of clear acrylic sealant onto the entire surface once the final layer of decoupage medium has dried. Allow to dry before handling or displaying the decoupaged brass.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Clean Brass
• Homemade Gift Guru: Decoupage 101: For Gift Making
• Craftown: Decoupage