Decoupage: learn how to apply this artisanal technique

The artisans use countless techniques to work their raw material and transform it into totally new, more beautiful and more functional objects. Among the techniques is decoupage, also known as decoupage or decoupage.

The decoupage technique is the art of cutting and pasting decorated paper to cover an object, which can be made of glass, metal, wood or fabric. That is, you choose a beautiful paper, with a print that pleases you and use it to cover a jewelry box, for example.

The term decoupage is French (découpage, derived from the verb découper, to cut) and means the act of cutting into shape. However, the origin of the technique is Italian.

The technique arose from the lack of financial resources for decoration. With no money to hire artists, people decided to cover furniture and objects with paper.

Materials to apply the technique

The advantage of decoupage is that it does not require a lot of materials or a large investment by the craftsman. To make the decoupage you will need:

Learn how to decoupage step by step

Marinete Mattioli, author of the Facebook page specialized in the technique, Decoupage and Decorated Boxes, explains how to make the craft:

1. Choose the object to be worked on and make sure it is clean and dry.
2. In the case of MDF, apply a coat of white paint, wait for it to dry and then sand and clean the entire box.
3. The surface that will receive the paper must always be painted white, so as not to affect the final color of your work.
4. Choose the paper or napkin that will be used.
5. Apply a layer of glue to the surface where you will apply the paper and spread it out evenly.
6. Apply the paper on top carefully and gently to avoid wrinkles.
7. Let it dry completely and waterproof it with general varnish.

Videos: decoupage tutorials

Check out the two videos below to better understand the process:

How to make wooden napkin decoupage

How to make napkin decoupage in MDF boxes

Tips and tricks from those in the know

Marinete says that the best advice she can give to those who are just starting out is: don’t be afraid of making mistakes. According to the artisan, creativity combined with a taste for crafts are the most important requirements, as only practice will improve the work. Other valuable tips are:

• Test your material beforehand before applying to the entire surface to see if the result will be what you want.
• The hair dryer is a great ally when drying the paper that has been applied. Use the.
• Pay attention to the finish, as it demonstrates the craftsman’s whim.
• Do your work with love and taste and the pieces will turn out beautiful.

Get inspired!

Check out images of works done with the technique to inspire you and start practicing decoupage today to redecorate your home and your objects.