Papier Mache/Collage?

Question

I'm wanting to cover a wooden desk with photos and magazine cut-outs. I'm going for a collage look.

What kind of paste should I use to get the cut-outs and photos to stick to the wood and what should I use to seal the photos and cut-outs?

Answer 1

Use decoupage glue to paste them down and then cover them over. You'll also have to add a glaze or several layers of polycrylic. NOT polyurethane. That yellows.

I make decorated walking canes for people who hate the drug store variety. I decoupage scrap booking paper and other things to the canes per the request of the customer. Want to see some? www.creativecanes.com

Answer 2

There are actually a number of things you can use to "decoupage" with, from thinned white glue (permanent, like Elmer's GlueAll), to special decoupage mediums (Royal Coat, ModPodge, etc.), to other clear drying acrylics (a wood finish like Varathane would be less scratchable than an acrylic gel medium intended for mixing with paint), for example. (Those things are generally used as both the adhesive to hold the papers to the base and as the clear sealer.)

You might want to check out more on all those on this page at my site, which also has links to how-to's, etc.
http://glassattic.com/polymer/glues-Diluent.htm
(... click on DECOUPAGE, under "Miscellaneous Re All Glues"...)

Instead of decoupage, you could use a 2-part epoxy resin (like Envirotex Lite) to pour over the whole assemblage, particularly if you want to add dimensional items. That's definitely more hassle though.

P.S. Be sure any of the photos (like inkjet prints) are not water-soluble before decoupaging them... can seal those first with several light coats of clear acrylic spray. And if using resin, any porous papers should be sealed first too or the resin will make them translucent.


Diane B.

Answer 3

i would suggest any type of glue that would work well on wood and not ruin the photos. its more the top coat that you would be looking for. youll need something that wont ruin the pictures underneath. talk to someone in an art store or even a store that makes furniture. i dont know any brands though, just thought id let you know .

Answer 4

you can use plain old elmers glue to glue them down, then i would purchase edging for the desk and a gallon can of 50 coat topping, it basically is like pouring a plastic top on your desk, if you go 3/4 inch deep on the topping you can imbed buttons and lace and little doo dads in it as well. do it in a garage or on a porch as the coating stinks like mad till its all set.

Answer 5

Use a decoupage medium like Mod-Podge.