Decoupage cards: what is it, how to make it and how to use it?

Decoupage is a way to decorate almost any surface with paper. This is a technique of overlaying a picture on a piece of furniture in such a way that the picture on the object looks like it was painted. Many people think that this is a very difficult art. In fact, the technique is quite simple. The materials are also inexpensive. The main component here is a decoupage card, which is an image drawn on a paper basis in a typographic way.

Decoupage cards differ from each other in paper thickness and quality. It can be glossy or matte. Before glueing paper-cut patterns or napkins, first apply them to the surface to be treated. Check if the drawings fit the subject or if you need to add something to the composition.

Rice paper is the best of all types of these products. These cards are translucent and very delicate to the touch.... On some models, fibers are visible, which do not interfere with gluing, but, on the contrary, look very original, especially on glass. Rice cards, due to their thinness, very strong and flexible, are easy to apply to any surface of the object without visible wrinkles. They also adhere easily.

Specialty and online stores have sheets of rice paper 33 × 24, 35 × 50, 48 × 33 cm and rice napkins 50 × 50 cm.

Plain decoupage paper varies in weight, from thin 60 g / m2 to thicker 100 g / m2.This card features vibrant colors, three-dimensional patterns, and the fact that you have to wet it with water before sticking it on. There are various sizes of classic papers available in the decoupage market.

Decoupage napkins can be bought in special stores... Countless modern and stylish designs and many colors give unlimited possibilities for decorating objects using decoupage techniques. Napkin patterns can also be used not only for decorating small items, but even for furniture.

Paper napkin patterns can be classic. Color and black-and-white drawings are also popular. You can make decoupage cards yourself. For example, print on a black and white printer. Also suitable:

• old magazines;
• photocopies of illustrations;
• handwritten drawings;
• letters;
• posters;
• invitation cards;
• wrapping paper - ideal thickness and widely used because it is readily available, it is often used in both traditional and modern designs;
• wallpaper;
• magazines / catalogs;
• Greeting Cards;
• the cloth;
• origami paper is small square sheets of paper with patterns;
• non-copyrighted books - contain images of many kinds.

Decoupage is a fairly simple technique for decorating objects. The method consists in sticking decoupage paper on any item. You don't need to have artistic skills to create beautiful paintings on objects. Decoupage is a decorative technique that allows you to use ready-made patterns shown on napkins or special paper cards for decoupage. With the appropriate experience, you will soon be able to show a master class.

List of tools you will need.

• Scissors.
• A craft knife to carve out intricate parts. Use sharp blades as blunt blades can tear the paper.
• A soft sponge or rag to wipe off excess glue.
• Sandpaper for sanding varnish layers if necessary.
• Cotton swabs to wipe up small amounts of excess glue.

The best place to start is by applying it to wood types of furniture.

1. Before you start working with decoupage cards, you need to determine their density. This indicator is important in order to choose a paper processing method. In addition, the surface of the workpiece must be prepared. If necessary, sand it with sandpaper, removing any irregularities. Next, an acrylic primer is applied to the decor area where the decoupage card will be located. The primer is applied with a brush or sponge.
2. Prepare decoupage paper. To do this, if necessary, trim it with scissors. If the card is smaller than the surface on which it will be glued, then the edges are thinned with sandpaper from the inside.
3. The card is immersed in warm water until the paper is soaked (1-5 minutes). Then glue is applied to the item being updated. The decoupage pattern is taken out of the water. The card is placed on a file and glue is applied to the paper. After the paper base dries, the drawing is varnished.
4. Rice cards have a low density. Therefore, they can quickly rupture if used carelessly. However, the rice card is easy to decorate on any uneven surface. It can be glued to almost any object, such as dishes, bottles and other things that have various shapes.
5. Rice cards also need to be soaked in water. In addition, they can be glued without soaking. The card is also placed on the file, glue is applied to it. Then they are placed on the decor.Then roll over the file with a roller to remove excess moisture. After drying, the surface must be varnished.

What can be decorated with decoupage method? Almost everything: wood, glass, ceramics, candles, fabrics, plastic, polystyrene, metal, furniture, walls, weaving and much more. The choice depends only on our imagination.

You will learn how to make decoupage of a wooden chair from the following video.

Most of the listed items for decoration often require tint or color change. Acrylic paints are great for this. You can mix them together to get the color you want. The paints are applied with traditional brushes, rollers or sponges.

Which brush should you choose? It should be made of soft natural bristles, thick enough and not leave hair on the object being treated. Why is brush selection so important?

• First of all, brush movements should be smooth. The sliding bristles spread the adhesive in a thin layer. It is important for decoupage so that the glue is not visible after drying.
• Decoupage brushes can be easily cleaned of glue by rinsing them with warm water.
• The coating will look aesthetically pleasing.

Almost everything can be covered with decoupage cards. However, wood, metal and ceramics are the most common materials. For various effects, wax coatings or special varnishes can be used. Different items require different processing. Wooden objects are traditionally used, especially furniture, but any smooth surface can be used.

Trays, boxes and frames are ideal for the beginner hobbyist. Before starting, make sure the product is clean and free of dust or peeling paint. If the item is to be painted, use a suitable paint and let it dry within 24 hours.

A new wooden product is easy to find and does not require much preparation. Varnished wood must be lightly sanded before use to ensure proper adhesion of adhesives and varnishes.

Antique metal objects have great potential as well. The choice of such things is huge. Decoupage cards fit perfectly on such metal items. Items made with gilded cards look rich.

Galvanized steel is gaining popularity. But these items require some preparation to ensure adequate adhesion. These things have intricate wavy curves and can break. Therefore, it is better to use them purely for decorative purposes. Try not to wet the steel, especially if you are using it as a support for flowers. Use another container inside the steel product.

Ceramic objects are the best for decoupage and come in a wide variety of shapes. These products are purely decorative. It is undesirable to pour hot food into them. Use them only as containers for dry foods such as walnuts.

Cards are a great option for using porcelain as they are extremely thin and blend in with the surface of the subject. Try using light colors because the napkins will disappear completely against a dark background. The enamel needs light sanding, as well as the application of layers of steel, and then a universal primer.

The glass must first be deeply cleaned with warm water and soap.Glass objects are usually used for decorative purposes. It is better to use thinner paper drawings.