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Decoupage Picture Frames

Creating a Durable Decoupage Finish

I have started a business using the decoupage method for wooden picture frames. First I stain the back and sides of the frame.

Then I use glue to adhere papers and seal the frame with layers of water-based polyurethane.

Here are the problems that have come up.

Even after 4 or 5 coats of the polyurethane, the frames are not as durable as I would like. I've still seen scratches on the paper where the polyurethane has been rubbed off.

Also I am trying to find a good medium for personalizing the frames with names. Do you know if stamp inks will work and seal under the polyurethane.

I would LOVE your help, as I am frustrated with these problems. I have great designs but they have to be long-lasting. Can you be specific on the products for under and over the paper?

(I do have Durwin Rice's book but I wasn't sure about using the oil-based polyurethane for the final coat and also about using wallpaper paste to glue the papers down).

Thanks,

Aimee

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Prepping the Wood for Decoupage

Be sure your wood frame is properly sealed after staining or the decoupage glue will not hold. You say you already have Durwin Rice’s book. I assume you mean New Decoupage.

Turn to page 58 of “New Decoupage” and follow Durwin’s tips for sealing the stain with two coats of acrylic (water-based) polyurethane before gluing down your images.

Krylon Clear Wood Finishes are polyurethane and are available in high gloss or satin finish.

Durability of Decoupage Finishes

Your question on how to achieve a more durable decoupage finish is very timely because I just put up an article in response to another reader’s question on the subject of Decoupage Finishes.

Decoupage over Stamped Art

Some stamping inks are prone to bleeding, like water-based dye inks. Others are designed to dry very slowly, like pigment and embossing inks.

The two types of stamping inks that would fit the bill for your project are permanent or archival inks. They are permanent and waterproof, so are very resistant to bleeding. They also dry quickly.

Ranger Archival Ink Stamp Pads would work on your project.

There are some techniques that will help assure that your stamped images stay bright and clear. Read some tips from decoupage expert, Kay Davies’, and me on avoiding ink bleed.

Decoupage with Wallpaper Paste

Durwin’s recipe for wallpaper paste and PVA is intended for large projects or ones where you need a lot of slip to take more time positioning your decoupage images.

Unless you need more time for positioning your images, stick with pure PVA. I recommend Mod Podge.

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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