Turn out perfect designs by learning these decoupaging tips for working with paper and fabric materials.
Before getting started with decoupaging, commit these decoupaging tips to memory to achieve the best results.
Master tricks for surface preparation, which materials to use and how to achieve different effects, and how to protect finished work.
Surface Preparation Tips
- Smooth surfaces may need a light sanding to prepare them before applying paper or fabric cut-outs. In most cases, a fine grit sandpaper is all that is needed.
- Wood surfaces should be inspected for dents and protrusions and these should be filled or eliminated before proceeding. All surfaces should be clean, free of grease, and should be dry.
- Cutting: scissors can be used for most cuts but for precise cuts, a small-bladed utility knife may be preferable for intricate edges. Small manicure scissors can also be used for tricky curved areas.
- Filigree Effect: a paper doily or paper lace can be used to produce a filigree effect. These paper items are already cut out in intricate designs.
- Edges: to produce interesting-looking edges, paper can be torn. This is particularly effective if the edges are to be painted out or if paper cut-outs will overlap. Torn edges lay flatter and will blend better. A neat decoupaging tip: use pinking shears for zigzagged edges.
Materials & Effects Tips
- Tissue paper is an excellent material for decoupaging, lending a delicate beauty to surfaces.
- Wallpaper books offer a wonderful variety of paper designs.
- Textured Look: a textured effect can be produced by crinkling paper before decoupaging. (This works well with tissue paper.)
- Photos: it may be preferable to use copies of photos to prevent ink running or smudging, which can occur with printed photos produced via ink jet printers.
- Fabric: surplus fabric scraps can be saved and used for decoupaging.
Tips for Application & Finishes
- A small foam brush can be used to apply decoupage glue to surfaces and to the backs of cut-outs. Ensure that all areas are completely covered with glue so that cut-outs adhere uniformly. Work from the center, outwards.
- Air Bubbles: If bubbles form these can be eliminated by using a can of air or piercing with a pin or wooden popsicle stick.
- Layers: allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next layer.
- Different decoupaging mediums can be used to achieve matte, glossy, a shimmered or a brushed look.
- A durable decoupage medium such as Hard Coat Mod Podge or a clear acrylic sealer will protect finished surfaces.
Flawless Results
Good results can be achieved by following these decoupaging tips. A little know-how can go a long way toward a better looking end product.
Copyright Melody Rhodes. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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