Q&A for How to Decoupage

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  • Question
    What materials should I use to decoupage?
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can use many different things. I recommend trying scrapbook paper, magazine photos, newsprint, old sheet music, and old book pages.
  • Question
    Can I use photographs for this project?
    Community Answer
    Yes, though it's best to use those printed on photo paper.
  • Question
    How can I clean up the glue that goes over the edges?
    Community Answer
    Use the sandpaper to remove the excess once your project is completely dry.
  • Question
    Can I use mod podge as a sealer in my decoupage on a wooden frame?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use mod podge on wood. It may be best to get the one with gloss so you don't have to put a top coat on.
  • Question
    Can I decorate a rough surface like a hard case for a guitar?
    Community Answer
    Coat the area well with a varnish first and repeat it several times until the roughness of the surface feels smooth. The varnish will fill into the rough surface.
  • Question
    How can I decoupage paper that is printed on both sides?
    Community Answer
    Photo copy each side so it's blank on the back, that way nothing shows through when the paper is wet. Don't use an ink jet printer, and make sure you use a light-weight, thin paper.
  • Question
    How do I stop the pictures from bubbling?
    Community Answer
    Use a damp sponge or cloth to force out the bubbles. Also, apply the pictures slowly from one side or corner, smoothing them down as they lay down naturally, with plenty of product.
  • Question
    Are the finished objects flammable?
    Community Answer
    They are not flammable when dry, but I don't use this process on surfaces that will get hot like lampshades for instance. The glue/varnish will become sticky.
  • Question
    I want to put a picture of a person on a board. How do I do it?
    Community Answer
    Decoupage a printed paper of the person or use Mod Podge's photo transfer medium.
  • Question
    Will decoupage withstand foot traffic if used on steps?
    Community Answer
    If you apply lots and lots of layers of varnish, it should stay intact for a while.
  • Question
    How do I seal decoupage?
    Community Answer
    Polyurethane. However, you must make sure that you completely seal the paper or the Polyurethane will seep through and eat the paper and ruin your project.
  • Question
    Can I decoupage a tray, and then wipe it when it dries?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the tray needs to be made of paper. After the vanish is dry, use a gentle cloth to wipe
  • Question
    How do I decoupage the fabric of a kitchen chair?
    Community Answer
    Fabric is very tricky, but you would use the same steps above. However, the completed product will dry like a hard shell, so don't plan on sitting on the chair or you will crack the glaze. To decorate fabric that you want to sit on, try iron-ons or hand painting instead.
  • Question
    If I did decoupage on fabric. Is it washable?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you need to seal the fabric with 3 to 5 layers. Only iron on the back side of the material, though.
  • Question
    Can I decoupage if I use materials?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use mod podge on wood. It may be best to get the one with gloss so you don't have to put a top coat on.
  • Question
    Can I use wallpaper paste as an adhesive?
    Community Answer
    My mom used wallpaper paste as the adhesive. We found it very cost-effective.
  • Question
    Can I decoupage a photo on a colored wine bottle?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but if the picture is thin and has lots of bright colors, you would be able to see the bottle through it.
  • Question
    How do I decoupage a song?
    Community Answer
    You copy the lyrics onto a Word document or Google Doc and print it out on a thin sheet of paper. Then you trim it as you like. After that, decoupage it as in the directions.
  • Question
    Can I do decoupage on a metal box?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Follow the instructions above. Clean and dry it well. Use a primer if you are concerned it will not adhere well.
  • Question
    Can I decoupage a clear plate with a picture?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Use a big picture about the size of the plate, stick it down with Mod Podge, which is dishwasher safe. You could also decoupage mini pictures around the big picture to make a frame!
  • Question
    Would it be suitable for a desktop?
    Community Answer
    No, you should not do this on anything electronic.
  • Question
    Can I decoupage glass?
    Community Answer
    Yes, use mod podge so it will be water-proof and dishwasher safe. Choose a nice bright color, so it stands out and everyone will want to use them.
  • Question
    Can the jar in this project be washed in soapy water?
    Community Answer
    As long as it is washed with clean, pure water afterwards and then thoroughly dried, it won't matter.
  • Question
    Can I use old newspaper as a material?
    Arielle Fox
    Community Answer
    Yes. Old newspaper can be used as a material, but it may not be the best material.
  • Question
    Can I use real leaves?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as they are dry you can use real leaves.
  • Question
    May I decoupage on a mirror?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you may. It will make the mirror useless, so you can use the frame, or you can decoupage over parts of the mirror but not all of it.
  • Question
    Is polyurethane spray the same as varnish?
    Community Answer
    Polyurethane is a water- or oil-based plastic resin used for coating wood or as a wood finish. Varnish is an older type of finish made from resins, oils, and solvents, but very often, the term "varnish" is misused as a generic name for all types of wood finishing.
  • Question
    Can I decoupage a map on magnetic painted board? I want it to still be magnetized.
    Community Answer
    As long as the layer of decoupage isn't too thick and the map isn't thick either, you can decoupage over a magnetic board and it will still work.
  • Question
    Can I use cutouts from glossy magazines?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use whatever cutouts you would like to use.
  • Question
    Can I use jewels on decoupage?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it is not recommended as they may not stick well.
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