What do I need for Decoupage?

Question

I'm not EXACTLY sure what it actually is...

What supplies do I need? Is there a good store online that I can get them from? Is it expensive?

What can I decoupage...on? Just anything?

THanks!

Answer 1

"Decoupaging" just means to adhere flat things (often paper, but not necessarily) to another surface, and then also seal the top of them so that the items are completely encased by the liquid.
Often the same liquid is used for adhering as for sealing.

Permanent "white glue" (like Elmer's GlueAll) has often been used... it needs to be thinned down with water a bit first to brush on well though.
Some things are actually sold as "decoupage mediums" too like ModPodge (basically a thinned white glue), or Royal Coat (less resistant to later humidity than ModPodge).

Clear acrylics can also be used (for example, water-based finishes intended for bare wood) --or even clear acrylic or "enamel" fingernail polish. Acrylic mediums intended for thinning acrylic paints can also be used as well as other things but they aren't often quite as strong and unscratchable as others.

The cheapest way to go is permanent white glue thinned with water, but you might also want to try some of the others.

The basic idea is to brush on some of the liquid medium you've chosen, then lay on a bit of paper, etc. (often ripped into shape so the edges will be thinner and more tapered), brush some medium over that and the area next to it, then brush over that, always working out any bubbles that might be trapped under a piece by brushing outward to its edges. Repeat till the whole area (or whatever area you want) is covered.
Let dry thoroughly, then begin a new layer of papers, etc.
Or, if you've added all your want, do a few more layers of the liquid for a final finish that's thicker and more totally flat all across the top.


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

I have used Mod Podge. It comes in a matte finish, glossy finish, and glitter finish, depending on the result you are looking for. You usually use lightweight paper but you can use anything you can glue down and have it be flat. You buy a cheap foam brush, brush a little section of whatever you are decoupaging on, lay down your cuttout piece of paper, and brush more decoupage glue down over it, sealing the paper's edges and providing a nice finish. Your craft store will sell special decoupage papers with ornate flowers, etc you cut out (fine tip scissors). but you can use almost anything, even magazines. I've seen people take the printed section of a cute cocktail napkin and decoupage it onto a 4"x4" plain bathroom tile. Put on a couple felt pads and you've got a cool coaster/trivet. You can also decoupage the back of a plain glass plate (fabric works for this too if you want to coordinate fabrics in a room) that is used for display purposes only. The craft store will have paper machie/chipboard boxes you can decoupage over as well. Check out a book on ideas at your local library.

Answer 3

As mentioned, Mod Podge is often used for decoupage. However, you can also use white glue - just make each coat very thin. Make sure your first layer is very very thin - otherwise, you might get bubbles. You can decoupage on just about anything. If it will see use and handling, varnish the piece when you're done.

Have fun!

Answer 4

You can decoupage on just about any hard surface. You need a decoupage medium such as Mod Podge -- maybe $3-$4 at a craft store -- and whatever your (technically) gluing onto your surface. I've used mostly paper things -- cutouts from scrapbook paper, magazines, etc..-- but you can also use fabric, I've been told.

Answer 5

I've just used white glue and then watered it down to make it thinner. Couple years ago I had taken flowers from my garden, pressed them, then decoupaged them as border on one of my walls. Turned out beautiful and it's always a conversation piece when people ask. They can't believe they are real flowers.