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How to Prevent Ink Bleeding in Decoupage Projects

Ink Bleed is a Major Decoupage Problem

Hi!

I'm beginning my first decoupage project, but have a small question... I want to use pictures from a printer, but have a concern.

Will the decoupage medium cause the ink to run or bleed?

I would appreciate any tips you could give.

Thanks so much,

Melia

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Here’s the scoop from contributor and decoupage expert Kay Davies:

"The answer to sealing inkjet prints for decoupage is to coat the printed surface with Elmer’s or other PVA glue.

I dilute with a little bit of water so it goes on smoothly. This will seal any ink....from inkjet or even magazines.

When it dries and the coats of varnish, etc. are put over it, very rarely do I have any "bleeding" of color....blue seems to be the worst color to run so I try to only go over the area with blue with a 'one-time swab' and watch the brush doesn't have any blue buildup on it.....

I use a water base varnish and have not had any trouble with incompatibility with the glue/varnish combination."

Thank you, Kay!

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After a lot of trial and error myself, I found a solution that works better for me. I don't even do an ink bleed test anymore.

If I have any suspicion that the ink might bleed, I routinely pre-seal images with three coats of Krylon Crystal Clear Spray.

Eileen

For more on decoupage, visit The Decoupage Index Page.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for decoupeurs. Not only do you get tips and techniques, but also artwork that you can use in your own projects.

New Decoupage: Transforming Your Home With Paper, Glue, and Scissors By: Durwin Rice The Victorian Scrap Gallery: A Collection of over 500 Full-Color Victorian-Era Images By: Dee Davis Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Decoupage By: Alison Jenkins Collage Discovery Workshop: Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and Ephemera By: Claudine Hellmuth 930 Matchbook Advertising Cuts of the Twenties and Thirties (Pictorial Archive Series) By: Trina Robbins Decoupage: A Practical Guide to the Art of Decorating Surfaces with Paper Cutouts By: Dee Davis

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