How to Decorate With Paper Bags

If you've been wondering what to do with all those brown paper bags you've collected at grocery stores, why not use them for wallpaper? Brown paper bag wall treatments can give walls a unique texture that can resemble leather or stones. It's an easy and inexpensive way to cover imperfect walls that have cracks or stubborn stains. If you're looking for something different, try this technique for a great-looking faux paint wall treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Brown paper bags
• Wall paper paste
• Interior paint in satin or eggshell finish
• Glaze
• Wallpaper brush
• Paint brushes and rollers
• Paint tray
• Bucket
• Craft knife or box cutter

Instructions

1. Prepare your walls if necessary by sanding them or wiping them clean. Cover your floor and any surfaces you wish to protect. Open the windows for good ventilation and mix your wall paper paste in a bucket.

2. Cut off the bulky bottom parts of the paper bags and discard them. Tear the paper bags randomly into pieces, approximately six to eight inches, leaving the edges ragged. It's best if shapes and sizes vary.

3. Spread some wallpaper paste liberally onto a piece of paper bag. If the paper bags have any printing on them, spread the paste on the side with the printing.

4. Start in the middle of the wall. Press the piece of paper against the wall. Smooth it out with your hand to remove any air bubbles or creases. If you are going for a leathery look, creases are fine as they will add to the appeal.

5. Place another piece of paper bag on the wall. Slightly overlap it on the first for a leathery look. For a faux stone look, place it next to the first with a very thin space between them. Continue adding strips of paper to the wall radiating outward.

6. When you come to the floor, ceiling, or any point at which the paint job will end, use a box cutter or craft knife to cut the edges of the paper bag pieces straight. Be sure all the edges are even.

7. Allow the paper bag wall paper to dry for 24 hours or more.

8. Mix one part of interior paint in the color of your choice with one part glaze in a bucket or paint tray. Roll the mixture onto the wall to cover the paper bag strips. The glaze will give the paint some translucency, so the bag strips will still be visible, yet more muted.

9. Use a paint brush to finish the edging along the ceiling or floor, and spot paint any areas the roller missed. Allow the paint to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the technique first on a scrap of wooden board to get an idea of the kind of look you want to achieve.

References

• Brown Bag Walls
• How To Brown Paper Bag Your Walls