How to Decoupage Anything

Decoupage is an inexpensive and fun way to liven up a room. The term decoupage refers to gluing items that have been cut out, In fact, the term comes from the word 'decouper,' which means 'to cut out.' If you have been wanting to try it, follow these simple steps. Be warned, people have reported that decoupaging can be addicting.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Something to decoupage
• Pictures or other paper items
• Decoupage medium or white glue
• Scissors, razor blade, or craft knife
• Foam paintbrush, paintbrush, or cotton swab
• Polyurethane or acrylic spray sealer
• Craft stick or a brayer (optional)
• Damp cloth
• Toothpick
• Steel wool (optional)

1. Decide what item you want to decoupage. Anything can be decoupaged: metal, wood, plastic, ceramic or paper. If the item has been recently painted, you should wait 24 hours before decoupaging. Favorite items that people choose to decoupage include picture frames, furniture, vases, boxes, shelves and trash cans.

2. Decide what you will use to cover the item. Most craft stores sell items specially cut out for decoupage; however, you can find your own images from magazines, catalogs or books. Other items people have used when decoupaging include wrapping paper, wallpaper, greeting cards, tissue paper, postcards, fabric and images printed from the internet. If you want to use your own photos, consider having high-quality copies made. They are easier to work with and replaceable if you make a mistake.

3. Cut out the images you want using a sharp scissors, razor blade or craft knife.

4. Select a decoupage medium. You can purchase special medium from a craft store or watered down white glue. If you are doing a large project, you may want to use wallpaper paste. You want the paste or glue to be thin, but not too watery.

5. Arrange the pictures onto the chosen item. Feel free to overlap the pictures and get creative.

6. Apply the decoupage medium or paste to the back of one of your images using a foam paintbrush, paint brush or cotton swab. You can also apply the decoupage medium directly to the object and attach your images.

7. Gently press the item into place. You may want to use craft stick or a brayer (craft rolling pin) to help remove any wrinkles.

8. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess glue.

9. If the edges start to curl up or are not sticking very well, lift the image up with a toothpick and add a bit of glue. Then use your fingers to press it back down.

10. Repeat Steps 6 through 9 until all your pictures are applied. Let it dry.

11. If you find you don't like the finished item, you can use water to remove the pictures and try again. This will ruin the images, but saves the original item.

12. When you are pleased with the finished project, top it off with a coat of decoupage medium or diluted white glue.

13. Soft steel wool can be used to remove any white spots and buff the overall surface, if desired.

14. Apply a couple of additional coats of decoupage medium or white glue. Allow the project to dry completely between coats.

15. Seal the project with a coat of polyurethane or acrylic spray sealer. This step is optional, but the more coats you apply the stronger your project will be. Allow the sealer to dry completely between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• If you tilt the cutting edge toward the outside, you will get a softer, beveled edge that looks nicer.
• Make your project durable by applying 10 to12 coats of polyurethane or acrylic spray sealer.