What can you decoupage with?

Question

Can you only use like some Elmer's Glue to do this with, or do you actually need special supplies? I saw a couple of people using Elmer's glue so that is where I got the idea that maybe you don't have to use special stuff to do that...anybody?
help!

thanks!

Answer 1

you could buy mod podge. it is a brand that is sold in most craft stores. all you have to do is dip your brush in and go. you no longer have to thin elmers glue with water. it may cost a bit more than you want to spend, but at least you don't have to worry about the poportion of water and glue.

Answer 2

You can use regular old Elmer's White Glue (the non-toxic stuff kids use in school) thinned with a bit of water.

I actually prefer to use a product called Mod Podge--it comes in various finishes from shiny to matte and is a little easier to work with, because I find Elmer's dries too quickly for my taste.

If I might make a suggestion, I would suggest strongly that you use the sponge brushes rather than a bristle brush. I have had bristles break off in my project, and not been able to see them until it's dry. I then have to either cover the area, or sand it off to get rid of the bristles--kind of a pain.

The only other thing I would suggest is that you buy a can of spray on finish. I have done many decoupage projects, and regardless of what I use for the actual project, it gets a little tacky after it is dry. I have found that buying a spray can of clear finish stops that. You simply wait for your project to dry completely (take into account the moisture in your air--it takes a lot longer for a project to dry for me when I do one during the summer and our cooler is running, because it puts a lot of moisture into the air), then add a couple of coats of the spray, and you shouldn't have any tackiness.

Best of luck--decoupage is really, really fun.

Answer 3

You can use various things to decoupage with, but they may vary in how scratch- or humidity-resistant they are.

Plain white glue (the permanent kind like Elmer's GlueAll --not their "School" type which is actually washable and not permanent) can be thinned with water and used.
ModPodge is one brand of "decoupage glue-medium" which is basically white glue already thinned down.
Both of those will be more susceptible to humidity clouding them over time though.

Another brand of "decoupage medium" sold is called Royal Coat, and from what I've heard it's better quality and not as susceptible to humidity.

All those start white, but dry clear.

You could use other types of acrylics though too. The strongest would be the clear acrylic finishes for bare wood (like water-based polyurethanes, for example, Rustoleum's "Varathane"). But you could also use things like "acrylic mediums" from the craft store which would be more easily scratchable.

If you want a bit more info about decoupaging, check out the info and links on this page:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/glues-Diluent.htm
(... click on DECOUPAGE, under "Other Miscellaneous Glues")


HTH,

Diane B.