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Decoupage Ideas

The craft of decoupage is a delightfullyquick way of decorating all kinds ofobjects in the home. The techniquesof decoupage are very simple and arequickly learned. The most importantskill is that of carefully cutting out andhandling the paper cutting. This article describes all the basic processesinvolved in decoupage.

Preparing Surfaces

For older and worn wooden items, it isessential to wipe the surface with whitespirit (paint thinner), then fill anynicks with wood filler, following themanufacturer's instructions. Sand downthe object with sandpaper until smoothand seal with shellac.

Then wipe away any dust with whitespirit so that you have a clean surface.Finally, prime the object with two coatsof white emulsion (latex) paint. Anadditional colour can then be paintedon top before applying your decoupage.

Sealing and Cutting

This delicately-patterned screen addsa gentle feel to another wise barecorner of a room.The decoupaged leavesare complemented by vase of flowers.

1. Seal the image with a coat of shellacpainted on to the paper. The images maybe wrapping paper, colour or black-and-white photocopies or one-off pictures.Shellac also stiffens delicate images,making them easier to cut out andpreventing discoloration.

2. Cut roughly around the image with apair of large scissors. Then cut around theedge of the image with a smaller pair ofscissors. For delicate images, hold thepaper in your hand and rotate it as you cutthe curves. Always use a ruler to rearstraight edges.

3. To cut out internal unwanted paper,use a craft knife and cutting mat. Alwaysrake care when using a craft knife.

Decoupage Idea

1. Hold and arrange your cut-out imageson the painted surface with blobs of low-tack reusable adhesive. This allows you to try different arrangements without damaging and wasting your images.

2. When you are happy with the positioning, glue the motifs on to thebackground using PVA (white) gluediluted with a little water.

3. Use a pair of tweezers to pick up delicate images. Place in position, pressdown and rub over with your fingers or asoft cloth to get rid of any air bubbles orexcess glue. Wipe off any excess glue witha damp cloth. Allow to dry.

Varnishing

1 Varnishing is the final protection.Acrylic varnish is faster-drying and lesstoxic than oil-based varnish. Seal yourfinished design with up to twelve coatsof clear varnish, giving it a light sandingbetween coats. The object must be left todry in a dust-free atmosphere so that itdoes not pick up any dust particles.

2 Finally, to age an object and to blendthe colours, paint on a stained varnishsuch as antique pine or oak. To get rid ofany brushstrokes, rub off the excess stainwith a clean cloth, lightly dabbed all over.You can then use a wax polish to give adeep satin feel to the finished piece.

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