How to Decoupage a Tin Can
The art of decoupage is a traditional craft technique which uses paper cutouts to create a decorative "painted" finish on furniture and ornaments. Specialist decoupage materials are available from craft shops, but it is not difficult to make your own at home, saving money and allowing you to be totally original in your creations. As long as you have an appropriate craft glue all you need to do is choose your object, such as a tin can, and designs and you're ready to go.
Things You'll Need
- Printed paper
- Craft knife
- Clear craft adhesive suitable for metal
- Medium-size artist's paintbrush
- Saucer
Instructions
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1
Remove any labels from your tin can, and wash in soapy water to remove any grease, dirt or glue and dry thoroughly.
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2
Cut out different printed shapes from your paper with a craft knife. Follow the outlines closely, leaving no visible border that will spoil the painted effect.
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3
Apply a coat of craft adhesive to your tin can. Dampen a cutout in the saucer of water, being careful not to tear it, and place it onto the surface of your tin can. Gently brush over it with a brush dipped in craft glue, smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
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4
Add a second cutout and continue adding them until you have covered the entire surface of the can. Do not worry if cutouts overlap or sit at haphazard angles as these styles are popular in traditional decoupage and will add to the look of your finished can. Leave cutouts to dry.
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5
Paint over the dried cutouts with a final coat of clear craft adhesive to varnish and leave to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Decoupage works best on smooth surfaces so avoid using tin cans with grooves round their middle.
Almost any kind of paper can be used for decoupage, but very thin paper can tear easily and very thick paper can be difficult to smooth in place. Gift wrapping paper comes in a huge variety of designs and colors and is a good thickness for decoupage.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
