Decoupage With Printable Paper: A Beginner’s Guide

Decoupage is the craft of gluing paper onto an object and sealing it so the paper looks painted on. Printable paper is a great match because you can print a pattern at the size you need, on paper thin enough to wrap curves. The main thing to get right is the ink, because wet glue and inkjet ink do not always get along.

What you need

• Printed paper (see below for paper and printer choice)
• A decoupage medium, matte or gloss, or a water-based sealer
• A soft flat brush and a foam brush
• A brayer, an old gift card or your fingers for smoothing
• The object: wooden boxes, trays, flower pots, glass jars, plaques, notebooks or furniture fronts
• Fine sandpaper and a craft knife

Choose paper and printer

Thin paper decoupages best. Use 20 to 24 lb copy paper (about 75 to 90 gsm) or thinner. Thin paper softens and molds over edges, and its edges almost disappear under the sealer.

Laser prints are safest. Laser toner does not dissolve in water-based glue, so it will not smear. Inkjet ink can run when wet. If you print on an inkjet:

1. Let the print dry for an hour.
2. Spray both sides with two light coats of clear acrylic sealer, letting each coat dry.
3. Test a scrap with your glue before working on the real piece.

Step by step

1. Prepare the surface. Sand wood lightly and wipe off dust. Paint it first if you want a colored edge or background. Clean glass with rubbing alcohol.
2. Cut the paper slightly larger than the area, or tear it for soft edges that blend into paint.
3. Brush a thin layer of medium on the surface, not on the paper. Too much glue causes bubbles.
4. Lay the paper down and smooth it from the center outward with a brayer or card. Work out air bubbles and wrinkles while the glue is wet.
5. Let it dry completely, about 20 minutes, then trim any overhang with a craft knife or sand the edges away against the object.
6. Seal it with two or three thin coats of medium over the top, drying between coats. Brush strokes in one direction for a smooth finish.

Wrinkles usually come from paper stretching when wet. Thin paper, thin glue and quick smoothing fix most of them. A few small wrinkles are part of the handmade charm.

Project ideas

• Trinket and recipe boxes: a cottage floral or kitchen print on a small wooden box.
• Serving trays: one large print or a patchwork of coordinating papers. Seal well with a water-resistant finish.
• Glass jars and votive holders: thin paper strips or cut motifs. Keep paper on the outside only.
• Christmas ornaments: wooden or papier-mache shapes covered in vintage holiday prints. See Christmas ideas.
• Notebook and journal covers: one coat of medium makes a printed cover wipeable. Pairs well with junk journals.

Selling decoupage pieces

Decoupaged boxes, trays and ornaments are physical items, covered by our Personal license up to 500 items per design and without a limit under Commercial. See the license guide.