Decoupage Tips

Help for Beginners - How to Get a Great Result

3 Tips for Someone New to Wood Decoupage

Some Simple Tips to Help Even Your First Decoupage Project Go Smoothly

Hello!

Your site has been SO helpful to me!

I am a beginner in decoupaging wood and after some bubbling of the paper and several frustrating moments, I got such great information from your site regarding where my mistakes were (I was using an oil based wood stain on the wood with water based Mod Podge.)

I do, however, want some clarification on the exact steps to decoupaging wood. I'm sure they are all outlined on the site, but I'm getting a bit confused!

Here's what I think. Please tell me where I'm wrong of if I'm right:

1. Prep wood ... sand and make sure there is no dust.
2. Use a water-based paint or stain on wood ... NOT oil based!
3. Seal wood with Mod Podge medium before placing paper on wood.
4. Decoupage paper into place using Mod Podge.
5. Let decoupage dry completely.
6. Seal with Krylon crystal clear varnish (but allow project to dry a day or two before varnishing)

Am I missing a crucial step? Also, what kind of water-based stain do you recommend I use on the wood?

Thank you so much for your time!

Becca

You've got the order of steps exactly right; but let me add a few tips.

Do a test board on a scrap of the wood you're using on your project. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

If your images have ink that runs when moistened, pre-seal with two coats of clear acrylic spray like Krylon Crystal Clear. You may want more than one coat of Mod Podge for more depth and to obscure the edges of the decoupaged paper (to make the images appear as if they were painted on). If so, you only need to let each coat dry to the touch before applying another.

Actually, oil- and water-based media can be compatible, but you must allow lots of time for each layer to cure - this can take weeks. That's why I recommend sticking with one or the other.

I suggest an alcohol-based water-soluble stain such as J.W. Etc. Craftsmen's Blend Wood Stain, available online at Create for Less. Just type "wood stain" into the search box.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad you found The Artful Crafter to be helpful in your new endeavor.

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