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

Decoupage is a method of decorating paper on virtually any surface. This is a technique of overlaying a picture on any piece of furniture so that the image on the piece looks as if it were painted. Many people think that this is a very complex art. In fact, the technique is quite simple. Materials are also inexpensive. The main component here is a decoupage card, which is an image drawn on a paper basis in a typographic manner.

Decoupage cards differ in thickness and quality of paper. It can be glossy or matte. Before you start gluing patterns cut out of paper or napkins, first attach them to the work surface. Check whether the drawings are suitable for the subject or if something needs to be added to the composition.

Rice paper is the best of all types of these products. These cards are translucent and very soft to the touch.. On some models, fibers are visible that do not interfere with gluing, but, on the contrary, look very original, especially on glass. Rice cards, due to the fact that they are thin, very durable and flexible, are easily applied to any surface of the item without visible wrinkles. They also stick easily.

In specialized and online stores there are sheets of rice paper in sizes 33 × 24, 35 × 50, 48 × 33 cm and rice napkins 50 × 50 cm.

Plain decoupage paper varies in density: from thin with a density of 60 g / m2 to a thicker 100 g / m2.Such a card is distinguished by bright colors, three-dimensional patterns and the fact that you must moisten it with water before sticking. There are various sizes of classic papers available on the decoupage market.

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

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 - has an ideal thickness and is widely used, since it is easily accessible, 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-copyright books - contain images of many kinds.

Decoupage is a fairly simple technique for decorating objects. The method is to stick decoupage paper on any item. It is not necessary to have artistic skills to create beautiful paintings on objects. Decoupage is a decorative technique that allows you to use ready-made patterns depicted 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 that will be needed.

• Scissors.
• A craft knife to cut out details and intricate sections. Use sharp blades, as blunt ones can tear paper.
• Soft sponge or rag to wipe off excess glue.
• Sandpaper for sanding varnish layers if necessary.
• Cotton buds to wipe off a small amount of excess glue.

It is best to start mastering this method by applying it to wooden types of furniture.

1. Before you start working with decoupage cards, you must determine their density. This indicator is important in order to choose a paper processing method. In addition, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the workpiece. If necessary, it is sanded 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 its edges are thinned with sandpaper from the inside.
3. The card is immersed in warm water until the paper dries (1-5 minutes). Then glue is applied to the updated thing. Decoupage drawing is taken out of the water. The card is placed on a file and glue is applied to the paper. After the paper base has dried, the pattern is varnished.
4. Rice cards have a low density. Therefore, they can quickly burst if not used properly. However, the rice card is easily decorated on any uneven surface. It can be glued to almost any item, such as dishes, bottles and other things that have different shapes.
5. Rice cards must also be soaked in water. In addition, they can also be glued without soaking. The card is also put on a file, glue is applied to it. Next, put 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 using decoupage? 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 next video.

Most of these items for decoration often need to be tinted or changed color. Acrylic paints are great for this. You can mix them together to get the color you want. Paints are applied with traditional brushes, rollers or sponges.

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

• First of all, brush movements should be smooth. Sliding bristles spread glue in a thin layer. This 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.

Decoupage cards can cover almost everything. However, wood, metal and ceramics are the most common materials. To obtain various effects, you can use wax coatings or special varnishes. Different items require different processing. Traditionally used wooden items, especially furniture, but you can use any smooth surface.

Trays, boxes and frames are ideal for beginners who love this activity. Before starting, make sure that the product is clean and free of dust or flaking paint. If the item needs to be painted, use a suitable paint and let it dry for 24 hours.

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

Antique metal objects also have great potential. The choice of such things is huge. Decoupage cards fit perfectly on such metal products. The items made with gilded cards look richly.

Galvanized steel is gaining popularity. But these items require some preparation to ensure adequate adhesion. Such things have complex wavy bends and can break. Therefore, they are best used purely for decorative purposes. Try not to wet the steel, especially if you use it as a support for flowers. Use a different 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 merge with the surface of the item. Try using light colors because the wipes completely disappear against a dark background. Enamel needs easy grinding, as well as the application of layers of steel, and then a universal primer.

Glass must first be thoroughly cleaned with warm water and soap.Glass objects are used, as a rule, for decorative use. It is better to use thinner paper drawings.