Everything for decoupage: a list of materials and selection tips

Today, quite a lot of people are engaged in various types of creativity. Among them, it is worth noting such art as decoupage.

Decoupage is a very ancient technique. It is based on the decoration of various objects and surfaces using different materials, for example, fabrics or colored paper, or other improvised materials. This technique appeared in the Middle Ages. However, as art, it was first mentioned in the 15th century, in Germany.

Decoupage became really popular in the 17th century in Venice. At this time, furniture that was decorated with patterns with Japanese or Chinese motifs was quite popular. And since such art was not accessible to everyone, the masters learned to make various imitations using improvised materials for this. They were simply pasted on furniture, which looked no less beautiful than the originals.

There are several decoupage techniques.

• Volumetric. Most often used to paint caskets, bottles or even eggs. Here, often used, in addition to paper, buttons, ribbons or even broken glass. Using this technique, they make New Year's toys.
• Classical This technique is most often used by beginners. Here, ordinary napkins are used, which are glued to the surface in any way, and then varnished.
• Dekopatch. Knowing such a technique, you can turn an ordinary object into a beautiful painted work. Most often, thin paper is taken for it, which is either cut or torn into small pieces. Then, with their help, the entire surface of the selected object is decorated. As a result, everything is varnished.
• Reverse. In this case, all the drawings are applied on the back of any transparent surface. In this way, you can paint plates or bottles.
• Artistic. This technique is most often used for wooden surfaces, which allows the picture to smoothly connect to the selected surface.

It is very important to choose the right tools for decoupage, this is especially important for beginners. Indeed, their choice will largely depend on how this passion takes root in the life of a creative person. Therefore, you must purchase several tools.

• Synthetic fiber brushes. Several of them must be wider so that a primer can be applied. It is best to take one No. 10, and the second No. 20. And also one must be very thin, for example, No. 2, so that with its help it would be possible to paint irregularities.
• Rubber spatula. It will be needed for applying paste or to repair small cracks in the workpiece. If for some reason the spatula was not purchased, you can use the old plastic card.
• Emery paper. It is necessary to buy sheets with different grain sizes.
• Sponges. It is best to purchase foam sponges. However, you can use a regular sponge for washing dishes or even those designed for makeup.
• Palette. It can be purchased in a store or used for these purposes ordinary cardboard, which afterwards can simply be thrown away.
• Various auxiliary tools. Everything will depend on the chosen technique. For example, you may need scissors, a container for washing brushes, or other necessary tools.

No less important is the material for creativity, especially if decoupage is done at home. It is necessary to pay special attention to this issue for those who are just starting to engage in decoupage. First you need to purchase several basic materials.

• Motives. Many use tissue motifs, as this is one of the cheapest materials. However, working with them will not be so simple. Therefore, for those who do this for the first time, it is better to buy special decoupage paper. It is a little more expensive, but in the work it will be easier to attach so that wrinkles or even holes do not turn out.
• Acrylic primer. Some masters simply skip this step, but it is very important in decoupage, since its use will save on paint and also make the surface more even, which will greatly simplify work in the future. In addition, the primer significantly increases the adhesion of the material and the workpiece. In addition, it allows you to hide all the defects that are on the surface. Very often, a white primer is used instead of paint.
• Acrylic paints. When the master has already decided in what color scheme he will work, you can buy paints. However, do not buy them in large volumes, just take small jars. In addition, it is not necessary to buy all the necessary colors, because they can be obtained by mixing several already purchased paints. In addition, the process will be a pleasure, as well as help to better understand the shades. For those who can not quickly decide on their choice, it is best to purchase a whole set of acrylic paints, which can be used in the future.
• Acrylic varnish. Most likely, no type of decoupage can do without varnish. It is best to choose one that will be made on a water basis, because it is completely odorless, rinses well with applied brushes, and also dries quickly.For those who are engaged in decoupage for the first time, it is best to take a semi-gloss varnish. Experienced craftsmen choose its glossiness depending on the style of work.
• Glue. Most often, ordinary PVA glue is used to glue various motives. To find it of good quality, you will need to run around and a lot, because the one that is sold in ordinary stores, quickly turns yellow, and sometimes exfoliates. You should buy exactly the one that is designed for decoupage. In addition, there is such a glue that combines both glue and varnish.
• Topcoat. In order to keep a beautiful picture for a long time, it is absolutely necessary to put a layer of top coat on the thing at the end of the work. The most common options are peeled shellac with a beautiful glossy effect or satin gel polish, which turns yellow over time.

For beginners who are keen on decoupage, it is best to pay attention to sets that are already sold with everything you need for a particular technique. For example, the craquelure kit includes the following materials:

• craquelure glueapproximately 20 milliliters;
• decoupage adhesive, also 20 milliliters;
• acrylic paints, most often glossy; this includes four primary colors, which, if necessary, can be mixed and get the desired shade - this is blue, red, white and yellow.

In addition, for those who want to paint a plate, you can also buy a set. It will include everything you need, namely:

• glass plate;
• card for decoupage;
• several brushes;
• glue.

Many craftsmen use various trifles for decoupage, namely:

• ordinary glass bottles;
• cookie boxes that for some reason were not thrown away;
• old boxes dusting in the attic;
• other household items requiring a second life from the owners.

However, not every person has this. In this case, you can buy ready-made blankswhich provided a large number. In addition, they can be made of different materials. Most often, inexperienced specialists are advised to purchase a box to start.

When choosing napkins for decoupage, preference should be given to three-layer ones. But the picture can be chosen at your discretion. The main thing is that he fit not only in style, but also in the image. For example, for things in the old style, you can pick up napkins with neutral motifs.

For those who prefer modernity, they need to be taken with more abstract drawings. And also the color of napkins, which you need to buy in the same color scheme with the selected product background, is of great importance. In addition, all materials must be taken in good quality in order to avoid any problems in the future.

Having decided to do decoupage, Be sure to get started with all the features of various techniques. When the choice is made, you need to select all the materials and tools that you need, and only after that start work.

An overview of everything needed for decoupage is presented in the next video.