How to Prepare Wood for Decoupage

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

I Did This Rate: (4 Ratings)

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1

Fill any dents or holes with wood filler.

Step2

Sand thoroughly.

Step3

Rub with a tack rag.

Step4

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

Step5

Use shellac to seal the wood.

Step6

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.

Who Can Help:

Comments

MilitaryMan said

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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.