Can you cut and paste? So you know how to do decoupage. Basically, the technique refers to sticking paper scraps to the surface of objects, which gives them a fine, final look.
The term decoupage – or decoupage – comes from the French verb découper, which means “to cut”, but despite the French name, the technique comes from Italy. At the time it was created, technology was only one way to avoid the lack of resources and manage to decorate the house at low cost.
Decoupage: Know what it is, how to do it and use it with inspiration
Fortunately, a lot has changed since then, and today the decoupage is highly valued and is a great option for anyone who wants to give this repaginada an object, a bowl, a frame or furniture in a simple, quick and very economical way.
And don’t forget that decoupage is only suitable for MDF objects. No way! The technique is very suitable for objects made of wood, glass, plastic, metal and stone.
Not to mention that decoupage is still a great way to reuse materials that would end up in the trash, making it a sustainable craft business. So you already know what to do with the glass jugs of olives or the cans with tomato paste, don’t you?
The decoupage is so easy to make that you won’t even believe it. Follow the next step step by step and add this craft to your life (whether for yourself or to make some extra money), it’s worth it:
How to do decoupage: step by step
Before you start decoupage work, separate the necessary materials:
- Cover object with cutouts (furniture, frame or any other object)
- white glue
- brush
- scissors
- Paper cutouts (magazine, newspaper, printed papers, napkins or paper suitable for decoupage)
- Lacquer (optional)
Now follow these steps
- Before you start the cutouts, check how the piece should end. The paper can be cut by hand or with scissors, depending on the finish you want to give the work.
- Clean the entire surface of the object that you want the decoupage to receive. It is important that the part is completely free of dust and dirt. If necessary, use sandpaper to ensure the best finish.
- Once the cutouts start to position them on the part, but without using the glue. This step is important in determining the most appropriate positioning of the cutouts and the amount needed to cover the entire object;
- After you have determined how the cutouts will be glued, start using a brush to wipe the white glue over the surface of the object to ensure a homogeneous layer of glue. Use a thin layer.
- Thread a thin layer of glue on the back of the cutouts before sticking them on the paper;
- Glue each cutout to the surface, taking care that there are no bubbles on the paper. If this happens, remove it carefully;
- The cutouts can be inserted as you prefer: side by side or overlapping. You determine that;
- When you’re done, all of the cutouts glue a thin layer of the glue on all of them. Wait for it to dry and repeat the process one or two times.
- To ensure a nicer finish and to keep the part better protected, apply a layer of lacquer sealer;
Easy, isn’t it? But watch the following videos step by step to make decoupage, one in the MDF box and the other in the jar:
How to make decoupage with napkin in MDF box
How to do decoupage in a glass
Tips for a perfect decoupage
Follow these tips to get a perfect decoupage:
- A great trick to make decoupage work easier and faster is to use a hair dryer;
- Soft papers work best, especially if you cover a curved surface;
- You can use whole pieces of paper, tear them by hand or use creativity and give interesting shapes and designs for each cut.
- It is also not necessary to cover the entire surface of the object with paper, some parts can be discovered, which creates an interesting leak effect;
- Do not use paper with inkjet images, they will fade with the glue. If you want to make copies or prints, prefer printers that use toner.
- If you notice that the glue is too thick or sticky, dilute it in water. This makes work easier. The ratio for the dilution is 50% water and 50% glue, mix well before application;
- Wait for the necessary drying time between one layer and another layer, otherwise you risk tearing the paper;
- It’s very common to see flowers, Provençal, and romantic prints in decoupage work, but you don’t have to be limited to them. Use creativity and build a job full of personality, even if it takes longer to find the pictures you want.
- To facilitate work on larger or larger areas, use fabrics or wallpaper.
- Do not use very thick papers as they tend to pull the part off or be accidentally torn off. Remember that the surface should be as smooth as possible;
- Save money with the papers you find. It is worth using newspaper clippings, magazines, leaflets, etc.;
- Take the colors and textures of the cutouts into account when assembling the decoupage. Prioritize the balance and visual harmony of the piece;
- The object to be preserved on the decoupage must be clean and dry to guarantee the best finish of the piece;
- Materials such as wood or metal generally require a layer of latex paint to ensure the cutouts are secured;
- The varnish can be replaced by varnish without damaging the final work;
You already know how to do decoupage, but are you uninspired? Do not be so! We have selected beautiful pictures of pieces from decoupage to fill you with ideas. check-out:
Figure 1 – Delicate and with retro-retro, this table was renewed with the Decougapem.
Image 2 – A touch of delicacy for this screen.
Image 3 – Wooden boxes or MDF are the favorite objects for the decoupage technique.
Image 4 – Tray got a Provencal air with the decoupage of lavender.
Figure 5 – For a nicer finish, apply a layer of paint or patina before applying the decoupage.
Image 6 – Pure charm and delicacy of these hangers with decoupage.
Image 7 – Decoupage in tea box; Make sure that the cutout of the cover “snaps” into the rest of the cardboard cutout.
Image 8 – Decoupage evaluates a simple piece of MDF.
Figure 9 – Glass mug with decoupage; an art to be exhibited.
Picture 10 – Do you know this messy bag? Do a decoupage on it!
Image 11 – Everyone has a piece at home that looks fantastic with some paper clippings.
Image 12 – What a piece of paper for old furniture can’t do, right?
Screenshot 13 – Decoupage is also great for customizing objects.
Image 14 – Suitcase rated by decoupage work.
Figure 15 – Make a special box to store your jewelry.
Figure 16 – Discover the value of decoupage in simple pieces.
Image 17 – Look for the combination of textures, colors and shapes to improve your work with decoupage.
Figure 18 – The decoupage may also be present when cleaning the house.
Image 19 – Birds, leaves and flowers to decorate the small table.
Image 20 – Flower prints are always a good request if the motif is decoupage.
Image 21 – Decoupage in pastel shades: more tenderness and romance impossible.
Image 22 – A beautiful peacock to make every piece more beautiful.
Figure 23 – Words and phrases can also be used in decoupage.
Picture 24 – Wooden box with decoupage of flowers.
Picture 25 – Do you know that MDF niche has no attraction? Use the decoupage technique in it; look at the result.
Image 26 – The right prints and designs make the difference in technology.
Picture 27 – And what about adding candy to the pot?
Figure 28 – You can also give objects new functions; For example, this board has become a wall decoration.
Figure 29 – In this multi-purpose table, the decoupage was applied without the color layer on the underside.
Picture 30 – A versatile technique that can be used anywhere; from the largest to the smallest objects.
Image 31 – Decoupage can also be used to create aged looking pieces.
Figure 32 – A nice selection of gifts.
Picture 33 – And what do you think of a “decoupado” watch?
Image 34 – Decorate a party or other special occasion with decoupage.
Figure 35 – Radical decoupage.
Figure 36 – This chest of drawers has a special touch.
Image 37 – The big secret of decoupage is to use a good glue and apply it properly.
Figure 38 – Decorated eggs using decoupage technique.
Image 39 – A decoupage for botany fans.
Image 40 – Bring a new face to the wooden box.
Image 41 – Plate full of delicacy and romance.
Image 42 – Glass adopts the technique of decoupage very well
Image 43 – Have you ever thought about making earrings with decoupage? Check out this model.
Image 44 – Comic clippings make Decoupage’s work young and modern.
Image 45 – Evaluate your small plants with decoupage in the vases.
Image 46 – Easter eggs decorated for Easter.
Figure 47 – Skating and decoupage: a charming couple.
Image 48 – Use the concept of recycling and sustainability in your decoupage work.
Picture 49 – And a different print for every taste.
Image 50 – Decoupage in the caps of the glass pots.
Picture 51 – Use a color in the lower part of the piece that corresponds to the decoupage pattern.
Picture 52 – Leave the kitchen with the serviette technique.
Figure 53 – To finish the job, mini beads and bows.
Figure 54 – Overlapping sections are also common in decoupage jobs.
Image 55 – A single figure with the decoupage technique on the plate.
Picture 56 – There will always be a pressure for every taste.
Figure 57 – Care of the side parts so that no air bubbles appear on the paper.
Image 58 – Retro or aged style figures are often used for decoupage.
Picture 59 – For a happier and more relaxed work, use a lively background.
Image 60 – Bird stool to attract craft fans.
