Decoupage glue: which one is better to choose and how to use it correctly?

Decoupage is one of the most popular decorating techniques by gluing a pattern to the surface. He is chosen for his unusual ideas, uniqueness of the result and creative approach to common objects. The choice of glue for decoupage is of great importance, the durability and aesthetic appeal of the craft depends on it.

Not every glue is suitable for work, because different brands may differ in its composition and quality. It is on these factors that, first of all, the period of reliable fixation depends. Despite the fact that we trust the manufacturer, when buying, you have to take into account a number of nuances.

Decoupage compositions of different brands differ in drying speed. If it dries up instantly, the craftswoman will not have the opportunity to correct the work and straighten the glued paper. She will not be able to smooth out wrinkles and remove air bubbles.

A feature of decoupage glue is its transparency, which it acquires when it dries completely. As a rule, the qualitative composition does not change its transparency, does not become cloudy or yellow for a long time, and therefore the craft looks aesthetically attractive for several years. Besides, good glue contains no harmful chemical additives, and therefore it does not have a strong synthetic odor.

Decoupage glue varnish has a number of its features, for example:

• it is designed specifically for this needlework technique;
• its consistency is perfectly sustained;
• when dry, does not distort the colors of the glued pattern;
• sold in special jars indicating the type of needlework;
• can be matte and glossy;
• differs for each type of working base (for wood, fabric, glass, paper);
• creates a protective film that prevents deformation of the glued fragment;
• does not have a terrible smell, is easy to work with;
• does not need to be diluted with water and is not synonymous with PVA glue.

Such glue is sold in handicraft stores, it is not available at construction points of sale. The volume of decoupage glue is 50, 150 and 250 ml. Its main drawback is the price, which makes needlewomen look for analogues with a budgetary cost. That is why they replace decoupage glue varnish with other adhesives.

Today there are many types of decoupage glue-varnish. They differ in the type of work surface, the texture of the dried look and effect. Let's note the options that are popular with experienced craftswomen.

• Textile Potce - a product for working with fabric, after drying of which the material must be ironed with an iron. Excellent glue that can withstand washing at temperatures no higher than 40 degrees.

• Art potce - a versatile compound that can be used on wood, fabric and glass. Does not require additional varnishing of the treated surface after gluing the pattern and drying.

• Glitter art potch - a variety that differs from the others in its holographic effect. After drying, it leaves characteristic microparticles on the working substrate with a gloss of blue and green tones.

• Kerzen potch - a separate category for decoupage candles. It is used to lubricate a fragment before fixing it to a wax or paraffin base, which means that it does not burn, but melts as the candle burns.

• Porcelain glue - composition for decoupage items that may come into contact with food during use. This glue is oven dried, thereby increasing its strength and safety for users of the finished product.

• Mordan - composition for the most accurate gluing of the leaf. Depending on the subspecies, it can be oily or water.

• Mod podge - an expensive option in the form of a spray, which excludes the appearance of air bubbles under the glued fragment. It is applied to the base, then decoupage paper or other sticker fragments are glued.

You can replace the decoupage glue PVA glue in cans, which is sold in hardware stores. It has a white color and an optimal consistency, at the same time, if desired, it can also be used to create volume when performing decoupage techniques. This glue differs from what is sold in office supply stores in quality, it has a better degree of adhesion, despite the external similarity and the similarity of smell.

To properly prepare the glue for work, it must be diluted with water. To do this, prepare a separate container in which two parts of glue are combined with one part of water at room temperature. The mass is stirred until smooth using a wooden stick.

Of course, you will not be able to make decoupage glue yourself at home. It can be replaced with other adhesives, although their quality properties will be inferior to the strength and durability of the attachment.

• You can mix starch with sugar, water, and vinegar by adding 1/3 cup sugar to a glass of water. After the syrup boils, vinegar and starch (1/3 cup) are added to it. The finished glue is cooled, after which it is ready for use.
• Take 2 chicken proteins, mix with powdered sugar (two tablespoons), add a little tartaric acid.

Decoupage glue has its own nuances of application. It is applied in dosage using a flat brush. Someone prefers to use a soft sponge in their work. Excess glue can cause uneven adhesion of a paper napkin or decoupage card. The composition is applied after the picture is prepared, for which it is cut out in the intended shape and separated from the rest of the layers.

Someone thinks that the napkin must first be moistened in water and only then transferred to the working base.

After the picture is cut out, you can attach it to the place of fixation and grease with glue from above, soaking and straightening the paper drawing, preventing the formation of bubbles. You can put a little glue on the base itself and, attaching a drawing, add glue on top, smoothing the image with a brush or sponge.

It is impossible to hesitate with straightening - the napkin becomes soft very quickly. You cannot brush over the same place many times, because this can lead to a rupture of the picture. You need to straighten it in the direction from the center to the edges.

You need to choose glue based on what type of surface you will have to work with. If you do not need a lot of it, or you plan to perform decoupage on bases made of various materials, you need to take a universal glue varnish. If the decision is made in favor of construction PVA, you need to take products of a proven brand.

Narrow-type options are expensive. They are taken by professional masters who are constantly engaged in decoupage. Well proven acrylic glue for decoupage. After drying, it gains strength and becomes transparent. Such crafts can be coated with clear acrylic varnish.

If you want to decoupage hard surfaces, you can purchase the option Mod Podge. The formula of this product combines both glue and varnish. It dries quickly, after drying it gives the surface a matte texture and visibility of brush strokes.

Acrylic adhesive Decola provides for work with different work surfaces. It dries completely after 12 hours, with a volume of 50 ml it costs about 150 rubles.

Mordan can be purchased when you want to create the effect of gold leaf. It is good for water-repellent surfaces (eg glass). It dries slowly, it differs from other varieties in that gluing can be done only after half an hour from the moment the composition is applied. It is expensive (within 1000 rubles for a 250 ml jar).

You can find tips for choosing decoupage glue in the next video.