How to Decoupage

Decoupage is an inexpensive way to decorate the surface of almost any object with different types of paper cutouts. Decoupage can be added to anything from a piece of plain wood to a picture frame to an entire wall. The sky’s the limit with a bit of knowledge and preparation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Thinned white glue
• ModPodge
• Narrow sponge brush
• Pictures from magazines, etc.
• Surface to be using

1. Start by preparing your surface - if you plan on using wood, lightly sand then carefully clean with a clean, cotton cloth. To make a decorative trash can, take 2 coffee cans (or 2 LARGE vegetable or fruit cans), clean thoroughly and dry.
2. Make sure one can has both the bottom and top removed (so you can see through it. Place this can over the can with the bottom still attached - you can either use duck tape to connect them together or weld them together.
3. Cans with black paint sprayed on When using cans once I tape or weld the two cans together - I then spray paint the cans with black paint (black seems to pop out the best once the project is complete.
4. Apply a small amount of a decoupage medium to the surface. You can use a ready made medium such as Mod Podge available at your local craft store or for a more inexpensive glue, mix 3 parts Elmer’s glue to 1 part water. Using a sponge paintbrush, apply a smooth coat of the glue to the surface.
5. Finished Can Apply a second coating of glue to the back of the picture you have chosen. Carefully place the picture onto the prepared surface starting at one end, gently pressing down the picture to keep air bubbles from forming. Smooth the picture down with a clean, foam paintbrush, being careful not to rip the wet picture. Allow the picture to completely dry and then apply several coats of the decoupage glue or clear varnish to the surface of the picture, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Once the picture is completely dry, apply a final coating of acrylic sealant to completely seal the picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Tear the edges of the picture you are attaching rather than cut it to give another element to the design you are creating.
• With decoupage, you can overlap pictures to create a hodge podge type finish.
• Lay out the pictures before applying any glue to create the effect you want.
• Consider decoupaging an old trunk or lamp table to create a personalized piece of furniture.
• Work outdoors or in a well ventilated area to keep the fumes at a minimum.