How to Decoupage Canvas With Mod Podge

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Mod Podge

  • Wax paper

  • Acrylic paint

  • Paintbrush

  • Sponge brush

  • Newspapers

  • Magazines

  • Scrapbook paper

  • Tissue paper

  • Clear acrylic sealer

  • Old credit card

Use a sponge brush when working with Mod Podge.

To decoupage means to glue down several paper cutouts to a surface and then seal them with a craft glue like Mod Podge to create something artistic or decorative. Mod Podge attaches most paper items to a surface and doubles as a sealer to keep those items in place. Decoupaging may be done on wood, paper and even canvas. Decoupaging is similar to creating a collage but making a collage only requires the items to be glued down, not sealed.

Advertisement

Step 1

Put wax paper or newspaper over your work surface to protect it.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Paint the piece of canvas with one or two colors of acrylic paint to add color to the white background. Apply one or two thin, even coats of the paint. Let the paint dry. Use colors that you want to show through between the decoupaged parts of the canvas. If you plan on decoupaging the entire canvas, skip this step.

Advertisement

Step 3

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge with a sponge brush to the back of the item you want to decoupage. Use items like magazine cut outs, newspaper cut outs and cut-out pieces from decorative scrapbook paper to add color to the piece. For a translucent but colorful look, decoupage pieces of colored and decorative tissue paper. Apply a variety of these materials to the canvas to give it texture and visual interest.

Advertisement

Step 4

Fix the item to the canvas and smooth out its edges to attach it permanently to the canvas. Remove any air bubbles with the edge of an old credit card.

Step 5

Continue attaching items to the canvas. Wrap items around the edges of the canvas so these parts are covered as well. Allow the decoupaged items to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes. Look at the canvas for pieces that may not be completely glued down. Apply more Mod Podge to these items and let them dry.

Advertisement

Step 6

Apply a single, thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire piece of canvas to seal everything It will apply opaque, but dry clear.

Step 7

Let the Mod Podge dry. Apply a single layer of acrylic sealer to the canvas to further seal your project. Let the canvas dry before hanging it on a wall.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references