How to Prepare Wood for Decoupage

Decoupage is the art of applying and sealing paper cutouts on almost any surface to decorate almost anything from picture frames to lamps, furniture and dishes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Tack Rags
• Wood Stain
• Paint
• Rags
• Shellac
• Turpentine
• Wood Sealer
• Paint
• Rags
• Sandpaper
• Wood Filler
• Sandpaper
• Wood Filler

1. Fill any dents or holes with wood filler.

2. Sand thoroughly.

3. Rub with a tack rag.

4. Use a water-soluble and alcohol-based wood stain to stain the wood.

5. Use shellac to seal the wood.

6. Paint the wood and seal again, if you like, before applying the cutouts.

Tips & Warnings

• If wood is already painted, sand off the paint and wipe the remaining paint stains with turpentine before you begin Step 1.
• Choose a paint that's compatible with the sealant you use.
• Wood painted with anything containing silicone will be difficult to prepare.

[MilitaryMan]

on 10/2/2008 I would recommend paint stripper. Let set for 10-15 min. Then steel wool and lacquer thinner to finish the stripping. This is a fool proof and time saving technique.