Decoupage Picture Frame Project

A Practical Project To Preserve Childhood Memories And Artwork

Hello,

Your site is wonderful, but I'm still not sure what to do ...

My son's second grade class will be decoupaging a wood frame with their artwork. I am going to make copies of the artwork first, then apply the copies to the wood.

So ... can I use an acrylic paint on the wood frame to paint it? Then do I need to seal that paint with an acrylic sealer or what before application of the artwork?

Can I glue down artwork with Mod Podge let it dry, not putting any over the top, and then seal it with say Krylon Clear?

My concern is the artwork bleeding. Also, I live in Chicago, it's very cold. Will I be able to spray the sealer in our cold temperatures outside, bring it in immediately after spraying to dry, and have it still dry smooth?

It's a lot of questions, but I have these kids artwork on the line, don't want any upset parents if I ruin it.

I thank you for any help.

Maryanne

No worries. You said you will use copies of the artwork. That will keep the originals safe.

If your copies are printed from an inkjet printer, it's best to pre-seal against ink bleed. Spray the inked side of each copy with clear acrylic like Krylon Crystal Clear.

The spray vapor dissipates very quickly and the acrylic dries within a few minutes.

You could do either of the following ...

Cold Weather Acrylic Spray Method 1

Lay the copies in cardboard trays like the flat cardboard carriers that soda sometimes comes in (or make your own trays by cutting down tall boxes). You can stack several at a time to take them outside to spray. Spray. Immediately re-stack and carry them back inside. They'll be dry before you get through the door. Brrr!

Cold Weather Acrylic Spray Method 2

Lay the copies on newspaper (or cardboard trays as above) in front of an open window. Position a fan to blow the vapor out the window. Spray. Turn the fan on; then off. Repeat until all copies are sprayed.

Yes, you can paint the frames with acrylic paint. Just be sure the wood is smooth and clean first. Acrylic paint is compatible with water-based decoupage media like Mod Podge.

Glue the sealed copies in place and smooth out any bubbles. Let dry. New bubbles may appear as the paper dries. If they're not caused by lumps of glue, they're caused by uneven drying of the paper and most will resolve on their own.

Apply two or three coats of Mod Podge over the entire frame, allowing each coat to dry to the touch before continuing. I prefer "disposable" foam brushes for decoupage to minimize brush marks. They can be reused many times if you clean them well after each use.

I'm sure the children, as well as their parents, will be delighted with these preserved and practical mementos of childhood.