What a beginner needs for decoupage. Decoupage for beginners - step-by-step master classes
The word decoupage literally translated from French means “cutting” or “unfolding”. Therefore, decoupage is a technique of decorating an object with cut out paper motifs.
History of decoupage technique
Decoupage is a very ancient decorative technique for decorative items and furniture, which consists of meticulously cutting out illustrations from various materials (paper, fabric, etc.), and then attaching them to the surface to be decorated.
The origins of technology lead to the Middle Ages. Although decoupage as an art form was first mentioned in the 15th century in Germany, it gained its greatest popularity in the 17th century in Venice, where at that time furniture inlaid with Chinese and Japanese motifs was in fashion. But such a hobby was not available to everyone. Therefore, Venetian craftsmen came up with the idea of making imitations of inlays using cut-out images that were glued to the surface of the furniture they produced.
The popularity of this idea grew, the technique of the process was constantly improved, and decoupage reached the peak of its glory in England in the 18th century. At that time, not only furniture, but entire rooms were decorated in this way.
The decoupage technique has not lost its relevance to this day.
Why is decoupage needed?
Decoupage is used to decorate hats, shoes, accessories (bracelets, watches), plates and trays, Christmas tree decorations, and to create exclusive interior items.
Thanks to this technique, you can easily turn an old vegetable box or drawer into a stylish piece of furniture. And a bottle that should have been thrown away can, in skillful hands, turn into an irreplaceable flower vase.
But that's not all decoupage is for. This technique not only allows you to save on purchasing new interior items, but also breathes new life into them, turning them into unique things that cannot be found in the store.
What materials are needed for decoupage?
Today there are a lot of things that make the traditional process easier and faster. It will not be difficult for experienced craftsmen to select the necessary “ingredients” for a certain type of work (for example, for decorating a plate). But for beginners, the modern variety of tools and materials is sometimes even scary.
In big cities, there are more and more specialty stores for creative supplies every day. And those who decide to take up decoupage, due to their inexperience, rush to exactly where polite consultants will try to sell them branded materials and tools. But more often than not, in ordinary stationery stores you can buy almost everything you need for decoupage for a beginner, and at a fraction of the price. Although it is possible that you will still have to go to specialized retail outlets for some materials.
Here is a list of what a beginner needs for decoupage:
1. Tools:
- sharp scissors;
- synthetic brushes, preferably with a flat tip (natural ones tend to lose bristles);
- masking tape;
2. Materials:
- any napkin with a pattern, magazine clipping, printout, etc.;
- primer or, more simply, ordinary white acrylic paint;
- simple PVA glue (perfectly replaces special glue for decoupage and is much cheaper);
- the finest sandpaper;
- acrylic paints (which paints are needed for decoupage - decide for yourself, it can be either colored or metallic, that is, gold, silver, bronze, copper and so on, you can buy it either as a set or individually);
- acrylic varnish (although it looks milky white, it becomes transparent after drying);
- paint thinner or white spirit;
- wood putty, necessary when working with wooden objects.
3. Additional materials:
- crackle (for the formation of cracks);
- bitumen (for aging);
- silicone (for 3D effect).
Types of decoupage
Depending on the type of surface to be decorated and the desired effect you want to achieve, there are five types of decoupage techniques.
The most common is direct decoupage. What is needed for beginners and is most suitable is this particular technique, which is the basis for all the others. Direct decoupage is the application of an image to almost any surface without unnecessary effects.
To decorate transparent glass objects, there is a reverse decoupage technique. Its essence lies in gluing the application to the reverse side of the surface.
Three other techniques are more complex and are not suitable for a beginner decoupage artist:
- Artistic decoupage is the combination of several techniques and effects into a whole picture.
- Volumetric decoupage. To perform it, in addition to the standard set of items, a special paste, small pieces of fabric and/or natural materials (pebbles, eggshells) are required.
- Decopatch is a mixture of decoupage and patchwork (patchwork). Made from many pieces of paper.
Main stages of work
As with any process, for decoration using the decoupage technique, there are main stages of work, which are almost always performed in a certain sequence:
- Cleaning the decoration item from any contaminants (label, plaque) using an alcohol-containing solution.
- Coating the surface with acrylic varnish.
- Applying a layer of primer or white acrylic paint.
- Re-coating with acrylic varnish.
- Grinding.
- Attaching a drawing.
- Another layer of acrylic varnish.
- The process of artistic underpainting, applying the main background, and so on.
- Coating with acrylic varnish in several layers.
- Decorating, creating various effects (for example, the effect of cracks is achieved by applying a layer of craquelure)
- Applying the last layer of acrylic varnish.
When working using the reverse decoupage technique, the order of some steps changes: first, craquelure is applied (if necessary), then an image is attached, then decoration occurs using patterns, stamps, and the main background.
Objects for decoupage
The most common decorative items are various boxes, plates, cabinet doors and glass containers.
In general, decorating jars and bottles is quite simple. The list of what is needed to decoupage a bottle is practically no different from a typical list: the basic tools and materials are the same.
There is only one caveat when choosing a decoration method. As stated above, the design of transparent glass surfaces is done using the reverse decoupage technique. This rule is more often applied to flat surfaces to be decorated, such as plates, glass lids or doors, and the like. Bottles can be decorated in direct, reverse, or both ways together.
What else you need to decoupage a bottle is just to determine what your craft will serve as: a vase, a container for oil, or just a decoration for a window sill.
Newbie mistakes
Decorating using the decoupage technique is a creative process. But even here there are some points that do not forgive mistakes that are typical of almost all beginners.
The most common are the following:
- Start working on an unprepared and unprimed surface.
- Do not apply a finishing coat of acrylic varnish.
- Haste and haste.
- Late washing of instruments.
- Smoothing the pasted image with your fingers.
- Using gouache and watercolor instead of acrylic paints.
- Mixing paints directly in a jar.
Sometimes it happens that you seem to be doing everything correctly, following all the steps and points, but the result is not very beautiful. To prevent this from happening to you, use the advice of decoupage artists:
- You cannot brush over the same place more than twice.
- You should squeeze the brush well from the glue.
- Mix the paints with a small margin, this way you will have something to touch up the edges of the application or the background after drying.
- The plastic surface needs to be made a little rough using sandpaper so that neither the paint nor the illustration comes off.
- Before you start decorating an iron can, you should apply a base coat to it, since without it the paint will quickly peel off.
- To achieve a uniform background coverage, apply paint not with a brush, but with a foam sponge with the smallest holes.
- Do not skimp on varnish for the final layer, i.e. apply several layers.
- Before gluing pictures printed from magazines or other paper, they should be wetted, this will reduce the likelihood of wrinkles.
- An applique pasted on a dark background becomes almost invisible, so avoid dark colors or apply a light background under the picture.
- Apply the craquelure with a sponge, then the cracks will be smaller and “run” in different directions.
Our master class today is exclusively for beginners. I will tell you where to start so that your efforts are not wasted. After all, as often happens, there seems to be a desire, and there are enough useful materials with textbooks, and the “first pancake” can at once discourage all the best undertakings.
And if you are still in thought and don’t know which type of needlework to choose, then my arguments, I am sure, will help you decide.
Let me start with the fact that decoupage (or napkin technique) is the simplest, most inexpensive decoration technique accessible to everyone, suitable for absolutely any surface. You can decorate everything with decoupage - from a hot stand to your grandmother's wardrobe. After such a transformation, the item not only looks very beautiful (as if hand-painted), but is unique in every sense. You will soon see this for yourself!
The first thing you should know when starting the decoupage technique is the properties of materials. What they are, why they are suitable or not suitable for you for certain purposes. This simple knowledge, although simple at first glance, has many nuances that a beginner should remember.
Acrylic paint is the most important thing. This is where the main work begins. You can use acrylic purchased from specialty stores, or regular water-based interior construction paint. By the way, in the future you will see that construction paint is ideal for one-step crackle in decoupage. But be careful - construction paint should not be dispersive, otherwise it will not adhere well.
In decoupage, special glue is used (for decoupage) and regular PVA (diluted by 1/3 with water). Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Specialized glue is ideal for the job because of its consistency, but it costs several times more than PVA (the disadvantage of PVA is that it adheres worse).
Varnish. Decoupage uses a special decoupage varnish and water-based acrylic varnish for construction.
Due to its consistency, decoupage varnish is ideal for coating decoupage surfaces.
Construction varnish is also well suited for these purposes. In addition, it is sold at any hardware store. But you need to keep in mind that when using construction varnish, decoupage requires more thorough varnishing than when using specialized varnish.
Glue varnish for decoupage (2-in-1) is suitable if you just want to understand what decoupage is. This glue is easy to use because (as you guessed) it performs two functions simultaneously.
Additional materials:
Putty. You can purchase it at any hardware store. Perfect for correcting defects on wooden products and creating 3D decoupage. Which is very convenient, since this inexpensive method eliminates the need for artists to purchase expensive 3-D gels to create volumes.
Structural paste also copes well with various defects in products and creates volume.
Color. In this capacity, you can use ordinary artistic gouache by adding it to acrylic paint. Gouache produced by “Nevskaya Palitra” has proven itself well in work, retaining its properties for a long time.
At Nevskaya Palitra you can also purchase acrylic pearlescent paints “Perlamex” and “Metalex” with glitter, wonderful metallics for giving the product effects of gilding, silvering and others.
Of course, it makes no sense for a beginner to purchase a large number of paints, colors, etc. at once. This is expensive and impractical. But you should always have a couple of shades of light gold and dark gold on hand. I really don’t recommend buying Decola paints because of their short shelf life.
An alternative to a specialized color for decoupage is its analogue, which is sold in regular hardware stores. It is indispensable when painting large areas - such as a closet or chest of drawers, for example. The colors of burnt umber and autumn foliage are well suited for this type of work. The cost of construction colors is low (two times cheaper than acrylic paints), and the efficiency is no less.
Brushes and sponges. Medium sized flat synthetic brush. Indispensable for final application of varnish.
Sponges can be used instead of brushes when applying acrylic paints to the surface of a product.
Rollers are very convenient for smoothing decoupage cards or napkins.
Spatula for working with putty.
Sandpaper copes well with roughness when working with wooden products and in cases where it is necessary to remove the ends of the napkin protruding beyond the edge of the product. I advise you to purchase the most common types of sandpaper - No. 240 and No. 280.
I will separately dwell on the decor for decoupage. It includes:
Special napkins for decoupage
Napkins for table setting (three-layer)
Rice paper
Printouts made on a laser printer
Each option has its own advantages, but I would advise beginner decoupage artists to start with napkins (regular or for decoupage). They are simpler and easier to use.
Today we will take the first steps into the endless world of decoupage possibilities. Let's start with the simplest product.
Hot stand:
We will need:
Hot stand
Napkins for decoupage
White acrylic paint
Glue varnish
1. First sand the workpiece with sandpaper.
2. Cover with the first layer of acrylic paint.
3. Dry well with a hairdryer at a distance of 20-30 cm or leave until completely dry.
4. Sand again.
5. Apply a second layer of acrylic paint (don’t forget to paint the side of our stand!)
6. Cut the napkin to the shape of the stand.
7. Remove two protective layers.
8. For gluing we use a stationery file. To do this, place a napkin in the middle of the file, fill it completely with water and smooth out the bubbles with a brush - from the center to the edges.
9. Blot excess moisture with a napkin.
10. Apply the file with a damp cloth to the base and carefully remove it.
11. Apply glue or adhesive varnish to a damp cloth.
12. Dry with a hairdryer or leave until completely dry.
13. Remove the remaining napkin that extends beyond the edges of the stand using sandpaper (“zero” or “two”).
14. Apply another layer of adhesive varnish, which will allow us to secure the napkin for hot use.
15. We do the same on the other side.
16. At the end of the work, if desired, the edges of our stand can be aged using the aging effect.
Helpful tips when working: decoupage without folds
Without having much experience in decoupage yet, you may encounter the fact that the napkin, when pasted, puffs up and gathers in folds. Now I will show you several ways to avoid this.
Method A: (only suitable for small areas of the napkin)
1. If our napkin consists of three layers (which is most often), remove the two bottom layers, leaving only the top, colorful one.
2. Using your hands (not scissors!), tear off the desired fragment of the napkin - in this case, it organically merges with the main background of the product, which creates the illusion of a pattern.
3. Cover a fragment of a napkin with glue, moving from the center in a circle. The resulting small wrinkles can be smoothed out by slightly lifting the napkin and then smoothing it out. You need to act very carefully, because a wet wipe is very fragile.
4. Excess napkin extending beyond the edge of the product can be removed using sandpaper. But only after the napkin dries well!
Method B:
1. Separate the colored layer of the napkin.
2. Apply it to the product.
3. Place a dot in the center of the napkin with a brush dipped in water.
4. Carefully lifting the napkin, we continue to saturate the motif with water in a circle, starting from the center. Here you need to be very careful so as not to accidentally damage the napkin at some point.
5. If, when wet, the edges of our napkin go beyond the edge of the product, then they can be removed with your hands while it is still wet. We will sand the small parts later with sandpaper when the napkin is dry.
6. We fix the still damp napkin with glue, while barely touching its surface with the brush.
7. Leave until completely dry.
The decoupage technique allows you to create real works of decorative and applied art using simple materials. This type of handicraft, which competes with artistic painting, can be practiced by a person who lacks not only an artistic education, but even drawing skills.
The decoupage technique (translated from French as “cut”) is based on the artistic decoration of interior items:
- Furniture;
- Crockery;
- Textiles;
- Office supplies;
- Household utensils
using a cut out image. The source of the pictures are decoupage napkins made using a special technology.
Rules, features of work, necessary materials for decoupage
Decoupage - applique for adults. In order to get an excellent result, you need desire, a little free time and material for creativity:
- Special napkins;
- Scissors for cutting;
- PVA glue or special adhesive composition;
- Varnish;
- Sandpaper;
- Alcohol;
- Tassels.
And, of course, an object for decoration.
Napkins for decoupage: what are they?
Napkins for decoupage are the most popular type of material for this type of needlework, the basis of the technology, so it is very important to know what this material is, what it comes in and how to choose it correctly.
Napkins for decoupage differ from serving napkins not only in their bright and unusual designs, but in their texture and material. I would like to warn you right away that some table napkins are not suitable for decoupage, since some of them are: low quality paper ones - too thin; and others: premium cellulose ones are too thick.
So, special napkins for blending, distinguished by an unusual picture or ornament, sometimes even by an entire compositional group, are different depending on the parameters:
- Number of layers. Napkins come from single-layer to four-layer (regardless of the number of layers, we use only the top layer);
- Size. Napkins are available in different sizes:
- In the shape of a square: 21x21 cm, 25x25 cm, 33x33 cm, 40x40 cm;
- Rectangular: 33x42 cm;
- Round, the standard diameter of which is 32 cm.
- Image Location:
- Four identical motifs;
- Four motifs, identical in pairs;
- Four different motifs;
- Two motives;
- One image that occupies the entire area of the napkin.
Designer napkins are small editions made in a specific style.
When choosing napkins for work, you need to pay attention to their properties:
- The top layer is very thin, working with it requires tension, but it is the thinness and transparency that ensures excellent merging of the image with the surface being decorated;
- The paper from which the napkins are made can stretch and form folds. Therefore, before sticking it onto an object, it has to be processed;
- When applied, the napkin blends into the background. This factor must be taken into account when choosing the color on which the image is placed.
Advantages of napkins for decoupage:
- A large assortment range: color, theme, style allows you to choose material for any type of work;
- The small transverse size of the layer, otherwise known as thickness, facilitates the process of implanting the pattern;
- Availability - you can even buy napkins in a supermarket;
- Cost-effective - the price of napkins, especially for beginners, is low.
Minuses:
- A certain size limits work, for example, with large objects;
- An extraneous background that interferes with the harmonious combination with the background of the decorative item.
Compared to other materials for decoupage, a napkin, given its advantages, is the most practical.
Glue
The quality of the adhesive material is important when working with decoupage technique. It is the glue that will allow you to preserve a thing you created with your own hands for a long time.
Glue for decoupage must have certain qualities:
- Homogeneous creamy consistency;
- Average drying speed;
- Transparent finish;
- Neutral odor;
- Reliable packaging;
- Availability of a special device for application.
Depending on various factors: quality, durability, method of decoration, you can choose different glue for creativity:
- Special glue for decoupage expands the possibilities; it can be used:
- Not only for finishing wood, ceramics, stone, cardboard, glass, but also fabric, candles;
- For decorative purposes, and dishes decorated with such glue, for example, can be used for their intended purpose;
- Not only for fixing, but also for adding gloss and shine;
- For working with gold leaf or potal;
- For outdoor work, creating decorative elements on concrete, metal and wood.
- PVA glue. In order for this adhesive to be suitable for use in decoupage techniques, several conditions must be met:
- Use PVA glue intended for construction work;
- Before use, dilute the glue with water in a ratio of 2:1.
- Glue prepared at home from the following products:
- Starch, water and sugar;
- Egg whites and granulated sugar.
There are many options for glue for creativity; at the initial stage, you can get by with a simpler product; with experience, you can afford to purchase a high-quality, expensive product.
Drawing
In order for work done using the decoupage technique to look harmonious and of high quality, it is very important to choose the right design and think through options for its design. To do this, you need to take into account important nuances:
- Size of the drawing. It is necessary to correlate the size of the image with the size of the object being decorated;
- Color solution. The correct combination of the color of the picture and the background of the napkin and the workpiece will facilitate the work process and improve the result;
- Style. To create a harmonious artistic image, it is important to choose napkins of a certain style: retro, fantasy, glamor, country, hi-tech. Of course, they can be successfully combined, but this must be done with taste;
- Background. The color of the blank canvas should favorably emphasize the applied image, and not distract attention from the drawing.
Taking into account all the points, the decision to use a specific drawing is made by the master himself. After all, the author’s work is good precisely because of its special handwriting and individual approach.
Surface application
Decoupage is creativity, and in creativity such a concept as composition is very important. When decorating a workpiece using the decoupage technique, it is necessary to take into account the harmonious arrangement of the napkin fragments in relation to each other and to the shape of the workpiece itself. Compositional basis of decoupage:
- Determining the center that carries the main creative and semantic load;
- Symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement of the drawing, depending on the idea;
- The harmonious existence of all elements of the work: the shape of the object, the style, the design, the color of the background, the design.
The idea is at the forefront, its embodiment is the main decor - the napkin motif, all other details serve only to decorate it.
Methods for gluing napkins
In the process of gluing napkins, you must follow an important rule: the top layer is used to decorate, which can be easily and tenderly separated from the whole napkin. This rule must be observed in all possible ways and techniques of attaching pictures from a napkin to an object.
Using a file
The “file method” is simple and universal. It makes it possible to transfer a fragment of a napkin to absolutely any surface: flat, round, to adjacent edges.
To use this method you need to prepare:
- Plastic file for storing documents;
- Water;
- PVA glue;
- Varnish.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Pour water into the center of the file;
- Place the required piece of napkin in the water, face down;
- Straighten the pattern and drain the water;
- We attach the file with the stuck pattern to the object for decoration;
- We fix the drawing;
- We gradually lift the film and remove it;
- We fix the wet fragment of the napkin with PVA glue;
- After the drawing has dried, apply a layer of varnish.
Using an iron
This method can be used when decorating a flat surface. Steps for iron/glue technique:
- Apply a primer to the surface;
- On top of the primer, use a brush to coat the entire area with PVA glue or glue stick;
- Using a hairdryer, thoroughly dry the item;
- Lay out and level the napkin on a dry, flat surface;
- We use parchment paper for baking: iron the napkin through it with a heated iron;
- We move the iron from the edge to the center;
- Coat the fixed composition with PVA glue.
This is the easiest way to allow a beginner to do his first simple work using the decoupage technique.
Using a fan brush
This method will help neat needlewomen decorate concave or convex objects:
- Place the napkin on the surface of the object;
- Pour water on it;
- Using a fan-shaped brush, carefully smooth the pattern with water;
- In the process, we smooth out the resulting wrinkles;
- Finally, coat with PVA glue.
All three methods of gluing napkins are effective in their own way. Depending on the complexity of the work, the size of the decor and the item that you intend to transform, you can choose one of the proposed ones.
Decoupage technique: design of wooden and metal surfaces, glass and ceramics, plastic.
We have already said that you can decorate almost any surface with a napkin. But there are peculiarities of working with each material.
- Decoupage on a wooden surface. Before applying a design to wood, it must be prepared:
- Sand and putty if required;
- Apply primer;
- Paint it.
And stick the chosen motif onto the dried workpiece and finish everything with a varnish coating. This technique is suitable both for working with small workpieces and for decorating furniture.
- Decoupage plastic. In order to turn a faceless plastic thing into a unique one, you first need to prepare its surface:
- Degrease with an alcohol solution;
- Clean with sandpaper;
- Apply a layer of gypsum primer;
- Sand again;
- Paint with acrylic paint in light shades.
After all the manipulations, paste the selected pattern (when working with plastic, do not skimp on glue). After complete drying, the work must be coated with several thin layers of varnish.
- Decoupage on glass. Glass is the most difficult to work with, but the result of painstaking work is interesting objects that can delight others. Before you get creative and decorate the glass with a bright motif and fix it with varnish, you need to prepare the product:
- Degrease with alcohol and dry;
- Allocate space for decoration;
- Tint the surface with primer or paint (do not touch the place where the drawing will be located).
- Decoupage of ceramics or porcelain. The technology for working with ceramics is the same as with glass, the only difference is the need to treat the smooth surface with sandpaper.
- Decoupage of metal objects. Buckets, cans and old saucepans will get a new life thanks to applications. But first, before the sacrament of creativity, the metal must be processed:
- Sand the surface;
- Treat with an anti-corrosion agent;
- Prime;
- Paint with construction acrylic paint or car paint in cans.
And, as usual, in decoupage - apply a napkin motif and varnish.
With this knowledge, working with various surfaces will be enjoyable and will remain unchanged for many years.
Decoupage is one of the ancient types of creativity, which, due to its ease of execution and incredible results, has become one of the most popular. There are no restrictions for practicing this type of needlework. Everyone can feel like an artist and a craftsman at the same time by picking up a decorative item, a paper napkin and a little patience.
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If you feel the need for creative fulfillment and want to learn how to create unique and spectacular things with your own hands, you should try to master the decoupage technique. With its help you can make things of incredible beauty, without requiring any special skills. It’s quite easy to master decoupage, the main thing is to have a very strong desire.
What it is?
Decoupage is a certain technique of decoration, which includes the possibility of fixing an image or pattern to any thing. The word itself comes from the French “to cut.” Pictures for decoupage are usually cut out, and the entire composition must be varnished.
The history of this technique dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Germans began decorating furniture in this way. However, decoupage flourished much later, in the 18th century, along with the fashion for Asian-style decor. Furniture makers from Italy and France imitated very expensive inlays with glued pictures, which were carefully varnished on top.
Despite the fact that it was just an imitation, such furniture was in great demand due to its attractive price. In England, decoupage craftsmanship gained particular popularity in the era of Queen Victoria; it became accessible to most segments of the population.
Already in the 19th century, decoupage needlework became widespread in Europe - only the styles changed, but the technique was improved. At the turn of the century, decoupage came to the American continent and became widespread there as a hobby.
In the modern world, decoupage art has received a new round of development, thanks to new technologies, convenient tools and the return of fashion to the styles of Provence, shabby chic and others. Our country is now experiencing a real boom in this type of decor.
In addition to traditional decoupage, a variety of techniques are used to create truly luxurious and unique creations: aging, gilding, volumetric and artistic decoupage.
Types and styles
First of all, we should highlight the main types of technology.
- Straight. Direct decoupage involves gluing an image to the surface of something from the outside. It can be painted, aged with craquelure or primed.
- Back. It can only be used to decorate transparent items, such as glass plates. Technically, direct and reverse decoupage are no different. The only caveat is that the drawing is glued with the front side to the back of the item. After which the background, coating and other details are already drawn up.
- Art. It is also called smoky, it visually matches the painting, since these two techniques combine perfectly with each other.
- Decopatch. This is a continuous pasting method, when there is no free surface of the object left. Not only individual subjects of images are used, but also a large number of fragments of patterns, which, like rags, are laid out on the surface of the thing being decorated.
- Volume. In this method, the details of the designed surface are visually made in volumetric form, rising above the rest of the composition. This highlighting is achieved by multilayer gluing, using special masses and pastes.
As for styles, there are a number of basic ones, which, firstly, are popular in themselves, and secondly, look appropriate in the decoupage technique.
- Provence. This gentle rustic style of provincial France has not lost its popularity for many decades. It looks very restrained and dim, yet expressive and deep. Provence has many noble notes, grace, and sophistication. Characteristic features are aged surfaces, abrasions, unevenness, bleached wood, light shades, an abundance of pastels. The calm color scheme perfectly resonates with floral motifs, floral patterns, images of small houses, lavender fields, and grapes. Main colors: lavender, mint, rose, lemon, heavenly, white, beige, milk.
- Shabby chic. It is often confused with Provence, but despite all their similarities, there are significant distinctive features. This style also welcomes a worn surface, artificial aging, delicate colors, and floral designs. Blurred motifs, pink color, scenes with angels, bouquets of roses, birds, and luxurious castles predominate. This style has a lot of comfort and elegance.
- Simple City. This style is distinguished by the mood of unpretentious city life, it is very democratic, it has many new and fresh ideas. Motifs of newspaper and magazine themes and torn edges predominate. A very laconic style, appropriate in modern interiors.
- Victorian. Aristocratic and status, combining classic features with luxurious elements. This style often uses gilding, catchy expressive tones of green and red. Stripes and checkered patterns are actively used. As for the subject images, these are mostly animals, roses, oaks, still lifes, fox hunting. The background is predominantly dark wood or metal.
What tools and materials are needed?
Most often, those who begin to master the technique turn to the decor of some household utensils, so the basis itself is already there. These can be jars and bottles made of glass, boxes made of plastic, tin, and metal. Experts, however, recommend turning to other surfaces first. Glass and plastic items are quite difficult to decoupage for a beginner, as they have a very weak adhesion.
To begin with, it is better to turn to plywood and flat wooden surfaces. These can be special blanks, panels, watches, boxes, cutting boards.
Once you've decided on the basics, check out what tools you need to purchase to get started.
- Synthetic brushes. You will need a set of brushes like this: a pair of flat ones, one round, several very thin brushes for painting. Keep in mind that the brushes for varnish, primer, glue, and paint should be different.
- Palette knife or spatula. You will need it when you want to hide a chip or add a voluminous paste to the composition. If these tools are not at hand, you can use any plastic card.
- Sandpaper. It will allow you to sand down imperfections in the work, make the surface neater, and eliminate roughness. Select two leaves with a fine and a coarse grain on a fabric base.
- Foam sponges. You don’t have to purchase this item on purpose, but simply take a sponge for washing dishes or a sponge for applying makeup.
- Palette. If you don’t want to buy it in a special store, take a regular plate made of plastic or cardboard. However, after using it you will have to throw it away.
You can also use glass plates, using old unnecessary dishes that can be washed for these purposes.
Additional tools that will make your work much easier, although not mandatory:
- dishes in which you will wash and store brushes;
- wet wipes;
- file for storing paper materials;
- sharp scissors.
As for materials, a lot depends on your imagination, but the necessary set must still be purchased.
- Paper motifs. These can be regular or special napkins, decoupage cards, rice paper, clippings and printouts. To begin with, it is better to buy special materials that do not require skill in working with them.
- Acrylic based primer. You definitely can’t do without this material, since it is the soil that provides high-quality adhesion to the surface, makes the image durable, resistant, and levels the surface, which is much easier to work with. Primer perfectly replaces white paint.
- Acrylic paint. To get started, just a few jars or tubes with the shades you need are enough. Try not to buy too large volumes of paint if you do not plan to constantly decoupage. You will definitely need black and white tones. Among the popular ones are red, brown, ocher, blue, yellow. First of all, start from your main motive, select tones in accordance with the image. If you decide to get creative seriously, purchase a set.
- Water-based acrylic varnish. Products decorated using the decoupage technique are carefully varnished many times. If the varnish is water-based, it dries well. Not only the quality of the varnish is important, but also its external properties. It can be of varying degrees of gloss, matte, semi-matte. Here you need to proceed from the tasks that you set for yourself. In general, the required set consists of matte and glossy varnishes.
- Decoupage glue. Without it, it will not be possible to capture the image on the surface. You can choose regular PVA, but there is a chance that it will turn yellowish over time or crumble. Craftsmen recommend buying special decoupage glue or varnish glue, which also allows for varnishing.
- Acrylic outline. Not mandatory, but very useful material that allows you to effectively complete the composition and frame the motif. The contours can be of different colors - golden, silver, white, black.
Beginners can try their hand at decoupage by purchasing special kits that already contain all the necessary materials to create a particular product.
How to do it correctly?
Decoupage technology often scares beginners, since there is a lot of information on it. In fact, it’s enough to go through the master class with your own hands from start to finish once to understand it. Of course, it will take some time to achieve the ideal result, but a good result will await you already when making the first product. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules when mastering decoupage techniques.
- Color it. Be sure to apply paint to the entire surface of the object that will be visible - if it is a flower pot, then the bottom outside and the top of the container to the ground should also be covered with paint.
- Choose light colors for the background. The main motifs look more expressive on them. White dye or any light shade of pastel looks good, which is easy to achieve by combining the desired tone with white. To apply the dye, use a flat synthetic brush. Do this carefully so that the paint does not run. Always wash your brushes after this procedure.
- Let the base dry thoroughly. Do not proceed to the next steps before half an hour. If you are in a hurry, dry the product with a hot air dryer.
- Re-paint. If you notice imperfections after drying, paint the item a second time and dry it.
- Only after this do you begin to form a drawing-plot by cutting it out of napkins or other materials. Start with small pictures that are easier to paste without defects. If you use regular napkins, remove the bottom layers, leaving only the top.
- Try on the drawing. Before you start gluing, be sure to check how the fragment will look in the area you have chosen.
- Apply glue with a flat brush. Move from the center to the edges, then place the design and glue, smoothing out wrinkles and creases - ideally there should be none.
- Don't forget about varnish. After the glue has dried, varnish the product.
There are features of performing decoupage against a background of dark tones. To make the composition look harmonious, try to select motifs that blend organically with the background. On a dark basis, a drawing on a napkin can simply fade into the background and get lost. A white background perfectly emphasizes the beauty of the picture, giving it expressiveness and brightness.
However, thick paper, which is specially designed for decoupage, can also be used on dark backgrounds. Napkins here can be used as additional elements placed around the main one.
You can do it this way:
- paint the product with white paint;
- attach a napkin;
- dry everything;
- apply matte varnish;
- Without affecting the picture, paint over the background with a dark shade, using a sponge for large areas and a thin brush to paint inside the picture.
Second method:
- paint the background dark;
- paint the part white, where the napkins will be placed;
- place the drawings and fix them.
Don’t be afraid of a dark background if you use expressive elements in the main motif:
- with silver;
- gold;
- copper;
- bronze;
- large elements, faces, inscriptions, figures.
Decoupage masters have come up with several rules that you need to know so that not only the result, but also the process pleases you:
- the thicker the paint, the worse it adheres, dilute it;
- several thin layers are better than one very thick one;
- the thicker and thicker you apply, the more cracks will appear;
- the slower you dry the product, the longer it will retain its beautiful appearance;
- under-drying is worse than over-drying;
- Varnish will not spoil the decoupage;
- If you're not happy with the result, fix it with sandpaper.
After you have studied all these tips and rules, you can begin analyzing the master classes.
Step-by-step master classes
In fact, you can use decoupage to decorate absolutely any surfaces and objects - from a bill holder to furniture and a refrigerator. As we have already said, it is better to start with wooden bases, gradually moving to glass, metal and plastic.
On wood
Wooden items are perfect for decoupling, as the surface is highly adhesive and provides good adhesion. You can try decorating a bird feeder, any wooden box: a spice box, a chest, a bread box, a box.
Very often, photo frames, paintings, banknotes are decorated using the decoupage technique, and compositions are formed on a cut tree. Where you start is up to you.
We invite you to learn a step-by-step algorithm for decoupaging a wooden box. Choose a rectangular box and follow the instructions.
- Prepare the surface. If the box is already decorated and varnished, all this coating must be removed using coarse and then soft sandpaper.
- Apply primer. Prime the entire surface with white acrylic or water-based primer or varnish.
- Select drawings. Then cut them out, try them on the future product, and carefully think through the entire composition.
- Stick it on. Saturate the image with glue and fix it on the box.
- Decorate. As soon as the glue has dried, dip the brush into the paint of the desired design and create a spectacular outline, draw in the details. You can use gilding, silver, and other contours.
- Don't forget the finish line. You will need two or more coats of varnish, which must be completely dry before you apply a new one. The surface must be perfectly smooth.
Designing a board using a photo:
- select photos, scan them and print them on thin paper, do not use photo paper under any circumstances;
- cut out what you need;
- prepare the surface, sand the old coating if necessary;
- prime the board in a tone that contrasts with the photo: if the photo is bright, choose a dark background; if it’s dark, choose a light one;
- After drying, apply glue and place the design;
- add decor or painting if necessary;
- varnish 2-3 times.
You can create a craquelure coating on top of varnished decoupage if you want to visually age the product. To do this, you need to treat the surface with two compounds. To create the effect of patina, that is, a cracked product, do the following:
- take a soft quality brush and apply a layer of the first craquelure composition;
- dry, but not completely, touch the surface - it should be slightly sticky;
- apply the second composition, dry thoroughly;
- then you will need a pigment type powder, eye shadow or pastel, which needs to be rubbed into the dried surface;
- rinse, dry, varnish.
On glass
After you have mastered decoupage on wood, you can start decorating glassware: dishes, vases, glasses, mugs.
Decoupage mugs
For this you will need:
- the base, that is, the mug itself is made of transparent glass;
- napkins with a chosen motif;
- acrylic paints to match the composition, always white;
- scissors;
- fan brush;
- paint brush;
- PVA glue;
- two containers;
- glossy varnish;
- sponge, garbage bag.
Step-by-step algorithm:
- pour white paint into one of the containers and paint the base with a sponge, excluding the bottom and handle;
- We leave the product to dry for an hour and a half, after complete drying we paint it again;
- dry again even longer, you can leave it overnight;
- paint it a third time, carefully painting over all defects;
- dry completely;
- cut the napkin in half, separate the top layer and apply it to the mug;
- in the second container, dilute glue and water 1 to 1, mix the composition;
- Using a brush, glue the image from the center to the edges, first on one side, then on the other;
- dry the product;
- varnish at least 5 times, more if possible;
- After drying, decorate with gold or other paint.
For metal
Decoupage on a metal surface can be done with tin boxes, a table lamp, or a candlestick. We suggest decorating a metal garden watering can.
Products created with your own hands have always looked and will look much more elegant and colorful than things that are expensive and fashionable. There may not be anything professional or experienced about them, but thanks to them you can feel that they were made with love.
Today there are tens of thousands of varieties of handicrafts and decoration techniques in the world. One of the most common types is decoupage, which allows you to apply decor to the product in such a way that it feels like it has been painted.
This type of decor was invented more than nine centuries ago and is still considered one of the most sophisticated. The decoupage technique can be seen step by step in the presented photos.
This technique gives any thing absolute originality and unforgettableness. You can use the decoupage technique on any interior items, such as furniture, various boxes or watches, whether they are made of wood, glass, plastic, paper or fabric.
The main feature of decoupage is applique, that is, a design that is applied to napkins, cards, fabrics or other products. In order to start decorating, you will need various devices and elements of materials.
Materials
Glue. There is glue for decoupage or you can use regular PVA.
Priming. It is an important tool when working with wood, as it prevents the paint layer from being absorbed into the wood. An excellent solution would be an acrylic primer. Sold at any hardware store. For other surfaces, you can use regular acrylic paint or the same PVA glue.
Brushes. Required for working with paint, glue or primer on a surface. A flat silicone brush is the best choice because natural brushes tend to shed. Standard brush sizes for decoupage are No2, 8 and 10.
Dye. Indispensable when working with backgrounds, small decorative elements and designing various effects. Just like primer, acrylic paint works great. This type of paint is highly soluble in water, and if you don’t like something when decorating, you can easily wash it off.
To create a translucent effect, you can use a thinner. As an alternative to acrylic paint, you can choose water-based paint.
Preparation of the product. Here you need to use your imagination, since absolutely any thing in the house is suitable for decoupage, be it bottles, wooden boxes, flower pots, glass vases and frames, fabric lampshades and much more.
Varnish. The best solution to protect the final product from random factors, such as sun rays. The product must be varnished at each stage of its decoration. The best choice would be alkyd or acrylic varnish.
Aerosol spray varnish can be used when the product is 100% ready. Sold at any hardware or automotive store.
Scissors. You need sharp scissors with a smooth motion, otherwise the picture can be ruined.
Additional tools. This can include a sponge for painting a large area or giving various effects. A roller that will help glue fairly dense elements, as well as masking tape, sticks or toothpicks, fine-grain sandpaper and a hair dryer.
Decoupage technique for beginners
Let's conduct a short master class on decoupage techniques: before decorating, you need to prepare the surface of the product, namely, go over it with fine-grain sandpaper if the material of the product is made of wood or plastic.
At this stage, while the surface of the product is drying, you can prepare paper decorative elements made from napkins in the form of a pattern. Particular attention should be paid to precision and accuracy and to use only the very top colored layer of the napkins used.
Next, the picture must be glued to the product. There are several ways to do this:
- Coat the surface with glue, apply the image and press it until completely dry.
- Apply glue directly to the picture pressed to the surface of the product, but do this with great care, as there is a possibility of damaging the picture.
- Apply glue only to the paper product and then press it to the surface
To ensure that there are no bubbles or wrinkles left in the drawing, the glue should be diluted with water. Apply glue to the image or smooth the pattern to stick it to the surface only from the middle to the edges, this way the image will remain in place and will not tear at the wrong moment. A box made using the decoupage technique will be an unsurpassed product.