Beginning Decoupage

Decoupage a Desk Top

Decoupage Under Varnish by Leslie Linden

I am doing a desk.

I have the pattern glued down in the places I want it. Here is my question.

Do I apply the glaze on the whole desk or only on the patterns?

Thanks

Carole

I have to make a couple of assumptions: by "doing", I assume you mean "decoupaging"; and by "desk", I assume you mean a "wooden desk". If my assumptions are correct, the short answer is "Yes, you glaze the entire surface.

Two or three coats are generally recommended. You want the surface to be so smooth that it appears the images are painted on rather than cut and pasted.

In fact, that is how decoupage began. In the 17th century, the wealthy were in the habit of commissioning master painters to paint their furniture.

It didn't take long for clever knock-off artists to draw copies of masterworks and have prints made for their use. In fact, many antiques formerly believed to have been painted by the masters were later found to have been copies using very skillful decoupage.

There are a couple of articles on our site which you may find helpful. The first is on the basics of decoupage. The second provides more details for decoupaging on wood.

You might also be interested in this lovely instructive book by Alison Jenkins: Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Decoupage.

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