Decoupage Photos on Trays

Making Personalized Trays

How to Decoupage Family Photos onto Wooden Trays

Here's a great decoupage gift idea with a very personal touch.

I need step by step instructions on how to decoupage family photos on wooden trays please as gifts.

Thank you for your help.

Cindy

What a nice gift idea!

1. I don't recommend using the actual photos.

Print copies onto regular computer paper and seal the ink with two coats of Krylon Crystal Clear spray to prevent the ink from bleeding.

2. If the trays are new and painted, no further prep is needed.

If the wood is unfinished, you can paint with acrylic paint or stain with water-based stain and seal with Mod Podge (the traditional decoupage favorite) or Liquitex Gloss Medium and Varnish (the up and coming decoupage medium). Many decoupers are switching to Liquitex because it forms a harder cure.

3. Arrange your sealed photo copies. When you are happy with the design, glue the photo copies in place with decoupage medium. Smooth out wrinkles and bubbles. Let dry.

4. Seal with two coats of decoupage medium allowing three hours between coats. Don't be alarmed if white spots come up and the paper seems to be developing new wrinkles.

Mod Podge does not reach a hard cure and turns white (i.e, softens) when moistened. The paper will tighten back down and the Mod Podge will turn clear again as it cures. Allow one week for curing before using the trays.

5. If the trays will be used for more than decorative purposes, for example for serving food, seal with two or three coats of Krylon Crystal Clear.

Here is a list of all decoupage related articles on The Artful Crafter.