How to Decoupage a Photograph on Canvas
For a surefire conversation piece, decoupage a copy of a favorite photograph onto stretched canvas. Pictures of your children or vintage pictures are displayed beautifully using this method and make wonderful grandparents' gifts. Even a beginner can make a professional-looking canvas with a few supplies and a little patience.
Things You'll Need
- Picture photocopies
- Stretched canvas
- Straight edge
- Craft knife
- Acrylic paint
- 5 or 6 sponge brushes
- Decoupage medium
- Metallic-antiquing glaze
- Soft cloth
Instructions
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1
Choose a picture to decoupage and have it photocopied at your local office supply store. Make it the same size as the purchased stretched canvas board. If you have digital pictures on your computer, print your own. Most picture making software allows you to size the picture and print in color, sepia, or black and white. Use regular copy paper as photo paper is too thick and the finish too shiny for this project.
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2
Trim the photocopy 1/2 inch smaller on all sides than the canvas, using a straight edge and a craft knife. Scissors do not produce the finished edges you are looking for.
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3
Use a sponge brush to cover the canvas with a coat of acrylic paint. Pick a complementary color to the picture. For example, dark brown really highlights a sepia-toned photograph. Be sure to paint the edges of the canvas. This provides a border giving a matted appearance. Allow the paint to completely dry before proceeding with the next step.
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4
Coat the back of the photograph with decoupage medium, using a sponge brush. You need several inexpensive sponge brushes as you use a new one for each step. The medium hardens the brushes quickly and you have to discard them when this happens. Center the picture onto the front of the painted canvas. Smooth out wrinkles and make sure it adheres properly. Cover the entire canvas with another coat of medium. Remember the edges. Let dry completely.
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5
Follow up with 3 or 4 more coats of decoupage medium, letting dry completely after each coat. The more coats you add the better the look of the finished canvas.
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6
Wait 24 hours after the final coat to add the metallic antiquing glaze. Apply with a soft cloth and light touch. Make it darker around the perimeter of the canvas for a framed effect. Rub off any excess and let dry. Buff to a light sheen with a soft cloth.
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7
Add a picture hanger to the back of the canvas or use a decorative stand for display.
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