Decoupage, how to decoupage |
Object
to be decorated
Paper Motifs
Fevicol/Vamicol
Varnish
Brush
| 1. |
Clean
the object. |
| 2. |
Cut
out the paper motifs. Plan their placement on the object. |
| 3. |
Thin
the adhesive with a little water. Spread it evenly across the
backs of the paper motifs. |
| 4. |
Stick
the paper motifs on the object. Run a rolling pin on these to
ensure that all edges are stuck and there are no air bubbles
trapped in the paper. |
| 5. |
Leave
to dry. |
| 6. |
Apply
a coat of varnish , brushing in one direction. |
| 7. |
Leave
to dry. |
| 8. |
Apply
3 -4 coats of varnish like this. |
Project
Ideas - Pencil holder, Trinket Box
Tip
- When using the cutting blade make sure you have kept a wad of
old newspapers below the design to give it support.
| Safety
tip - Be
careful of the scissors or knife. |
Varnish
and paints should also be kept out of the reach of smaller children.
Object
to be decorated
Paper motifs
Small scissors or Craft knife
Varnish
Oil paints
Brushes
Medium grade sandpaper
Fine grade waterproof sandpaper
Fevicol/Vamicol
Wax polish
| 1. |
Treat
the object to be decoupaged to strip it off old varnish, flaking
paint and dust. |
| 2. |
Coat
the surface with paint, using at least two coats. |
| 3. |
Use
a small scissors or craft knife to cut out the motifs. |
| 4. |
Plan
the layout of the motifs. |
| 5. |
Mix
a little water with the adhesive and spread it on the reverse
side of the designs. |
| 6. |
Place
the motif at its designated place on the surface. Press it down.
|
| 7. |
Using
a rolling pin, roll it from one end of the object to the other
making sure no air is trapped underneath. If air bubbles were
left under the paper than the varnish would seep in. |
| 8. |
Check
to see that the outside edges are glued down firmly so that
the varnish doesn't seep underneath. |
| 9. |
Leave
it to dry. |
| 10.
|
Apply
3-4 coats of varnish. |
| 11. |
Leave
for drying. |
| 12. |
Under
running water sandpaper with the waterproof sandpaper. Make
sure the sandpaper reaches the entire surface. Also, as far
as possible, the sandpaper should not work on a particular place
more than once. Use your palm to move the sandpaper rather than
the fingers. |
| 13. |
Let
it dry. |
| 14. |
Apply
another coat of varnish and then leave to dry. Then again sandpaper
it under water. |
| 15. |
Use
a fluff free cloth to wipe dry the object in between these steps.
|
| 16. |
Repeat
this process till 10 to 20 coats of varnish have been completed.
It is not necessary to diligently do this number of coats. The
aim is to build up a surface, which is perfectly smooth and
shiny, so that it is impossible to feel the outline of the paper
cutouts beneath the varnish. Once that has been achieved you
can stop. |
| 17.
|
Give
a layer of wax polish to finish off and your item is ready.
Does it look anything like what it was when you started off.
|
Wooden
objects are traditionally used as a base for decoupage but almost
anything can be decoupaged such as items made of wood, metal, glass,
terracotta, etc. Only keep in mind that whatever you choose must
be firm and strong enough to take the dampening affect of pasted
paper and the weight of many coats of varnish. For a beginner it
is best to start out with a small project such as a box, tray or
any flat surfaced item
The
paper motifs should be on thin paper, as the thicker the paper is
more the number of varnish coats are needed to disguise the raised
edge of the paper motif. Designs on a thick paper can be used by
removing layers of paper off the reverse side after floating it
in water.
Also don't use motifs on very thin paper, like newspaper cuttings,
should not be used, as once varnished the print on the reverse side
starts showing.
Instead
of cutting the motif you can also tear round it, which gives a highly
appealing affect.
The edges of a print can also be burnt to give a charred effect.
Use
a knife to spread the glue. Avoid using your hands, as you don't
want to leave smudge marks on your work. Keep a damp cloth handy
for wiping off surplus adhesive from your hands and the surfaces.
Give
it plenty of time to dry out thoroughly before varnishing. If you
don't let it dry properly than the dampness will stay trapped under
the layers of varnish and will ultimately spoil the paper motif.
Varnish should be left overnight to dry thoroughly between coats.
Project
ideas - ornamental tray, trinket box, table top
| Safety
tip - Be
careful of the blade/scissors. Varnish and paints should be
kept out of the reach of smaller childern |
|
Tips
| 1. |
When
using the cutting blade make sure you have kept a wad
of old newspapers below the design to give it support. |
| 2. |
Always
remember to close lids of varnish tins tightly. |
| 3. |
I
have always found in the long run small tins of varnish
or enamel paints to be more economical than bigger packaging.
|
| 4. |
Once
the tin is opened a wasteful skin begins to form on top,
because of which always store the tins upside down as
this makes sure that the skin forms at the bottom of the
tin and therefore doesn't cause problem in usage. |
| 5. |
The
golden rule for brushes for varnishing is always to buy
the best quality brushes. You don't want to waste time
and effort of having to stop constantly to fish out stray
bristles. |
| 6. |
I
always keep a separate set of brushes for use in varnish
as once used in varnish they are not of very much use
in painting, etc. |
| 7. |
Never
use damp brushes for varnishing. Always dry the brushes
properly after having washed them. |
| 8. |
The
work should be left undisturbed as much as possible and
kept away from household dust or steam. A small project
can be worked on an old tray so that it can be put away
while drying. |
|
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