Napkins for decoupage: step-by-step decorating techniques. Decoupage. Master classes for beginners step by step with photos: from napkins on a bottle, box, plate, chair, on wood, from wallpaper, photographs, eggshells

Decoupage (covering plates, jars and other utensils with napkins) is a relatively new activity in the world of modern needlework. The technique is not very difficult to perform, but it requires attentiveness, accuracy and diligence, even for beginners.

This method of decoration originated in the 17th century in England and is still popular. Learning how to make original items can sometimes take a lot of time. For beginners, decoupage from napkins can be mastered gradually, working with photographs that show the process step by step.

What is decoupage from napkins?

Decoupage is a technique for decorating things by gluing patterns and designs cut out of paper onto them., corresponding to the artistic idea of ​​the master and subsequent varnishing of the finished work to protect it from damage. The completed picture will look like a real painting.

Using this technique, they give a second life to old pieces of furniture or household equipment and create stunning crafts that can be used to decorate the interior or give as gifts to friends and family.

Tools and materials for work

To work with simple equipment you need the following equipment:

This is the standard set. Depending on the working material, it is supplemented with improvised means.

Basic techniques and stages of decoupage of various objects

For those who are starting to master the decoupage technique, and those who want to learn the manufacturing technique step by step, experts recommend starting to make crafts from napkins using photographs.

Manufacturing sequence on a wooden object:

  1. Sand the surface with sandpaper to saturate the primer.
  2. Prime and then sand the workpiece again.
  3. Apply white acrylic enamel on top.
  4. Apply the image, cover with several layers of varnish, sanding each one for gloss.

To understand how materials interact with each other, it is advisable to conduct a test on a similar sample. The peculiarity of the technique lies not in the ability to draw, but in the mastery of accuracy and filigree, because... You will have to work with scissors. It is better to use special pictures for decoration that have optimal quality printing, and water- and glue-resistant paints.

When using napkins, you need to remove the two lower white paper layers, and the cards are used immediately.

There are the following techniques for attaching illustrations:

  • Glue- the most common way. To do this, place a napkin on the object to be decorated and apply glue on top with a brush.
  • Using a file- Suitable for textured bases. Place the prepared pattern on the stationery file facing the film and sprinkle it with water until the napkin is completely wet. After the paper residue is washed away, paint with the image will remain on the cellophane. Apply the film to the item to be decorated. so that the picture sticks to it.
  • Ironhot way Suitable for flat surfaces. First coat the work area with glue and let it dry. Place the design on top and cover with baking parchment. Iron over the paper until the pattern sticks. Apply a layer of varnish.
  • Using gelatin. Repeats the gluing technique, only the glue is replaced with gelatin. Suitable for decorating Easter eggs. For this, 1 tsp. dilute gelatin in 1 tbsp. boiling water and use as glue.

Creating a pattern from napkins

The following materials are used for decoupage:

  • napkins;
  • special cards sold in craft stores;
  • drawings from the Internet or printed photographs;
  • images from wrapping paper, magazine clippings, postcards.

You can glue any pictures, but not all of them fit perfectly, and it takes a long time to select the pattern.

The following parameters should be taken into account:

  1. The main criterion is the size of the image, which should be in harmony with the size of the workpiece. Having mastered the technique of processing printouts, it is easy to change the format of patterns in different graphic editors.
  2. The second factor is that the source material is not suitable for color palette. A successful combination of the colors of the design and the remaining decor is a significant part of success, which is solved with the help of a graphic program.
  3. Sometimes illustrations do not match in image and style. The wrong choice of motive spoils the effect of the work performed. It is necessary to choose pictures that correspond to the idea that has arisen.
  4. Sometimes napkins contain unnecessary elements that have to be removed.

An ideal illustration for decoupage looks like this:


Technique for creating textured patterns

To perform volumetric decoupage, it is recommended to prepare several layers of patterns from napkins. Next, they need to be glued together layer by layer and attached to the base using silicone, which gives the property a three-dimensional effect. In this technique, 3 zones are determined: the front part and the zones of intermediate layers. Before gluing the elements, it is advisable to form the component naturally.

An important condition is the creation of a believable sculpture. After the painting is completely formed, a water-based varnish is applied to some sections. These areas reflect light glare and are visually perceived as more voluminous.

Bottle decoration technique

Decoupage bottles from napkins for beginners is done step by step with photos. To do this, it is better to take a glass container that is flat and without any bulges. To work, you will need a standard set of tools with the addition of glass cleaner, which is used to pre-treat a bottle clean of stickers. It is advisable to work with gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

The execution sequence is as follows:

  1. prime with varnish or PVA glue, let dry;
  2. create a background with light acrylic paint in several layers until the transparency disappears.
  3. cut out the design with scissors. If it matches the background of the container, you just need to tear off the ends of the napkin;
  4. soak the image with water and secure;
  5. Apply varnish along the top of the motif with a soft brush or spray;
  6. gently straighten the folds with a swab;
  7. at the end it is necessary to polish out minor errors;
  8. After completing the final finishing, varnish.

DIY bottle decoupage: master class

To get high-quality decor for a glass bottle, you need to know several important nuances. Anyone can make beautiful decoupage of a glass bottle. Such a product can decorate any room in the house, for example, the kitchen.

Master Class:

  1. The first step is to prepare everything necessary materials for work. The main material is the bottle. It can be of any shape. However, it is worth noting that decoupage glass jar looks much more impressive.
  2. The material prepared for gluing must be cut. The napkins are first compressed and cut with scissors. You should not make identical sections; the work will be more beautiful if the napkins cover the containers in a chaotic manner.
  3. Alternatively, the work can use whole pieces of paper rather than cuttings.
  4. The master must think about the method of attaching the napkins in advance. The easiest option is to glue them with tape.
  5. The surface of the container must be prepared. It is important that it is clean and dry. To remove irregularities on the surface of the can, it should be sanded. If desired, the jar can be painted.
  6. The workplace should be protected from contamination. For example, you can cover it with newspapers.
  7. Next, take the glue and mix it with water. To obtain an adhesive mass, mix water and glue in equal quantities.
  8. Then the prepared adhesive mass must be applied to the surface of napkins and all paper surfaces that will be used for decoration. While the mixture has not dried on the paper surface, it should be glued to the surface of the jar.
  9. It is important to coat the edges of the cutouts well. To make the composition look better and more impressive, you should glue the napkins in 2 layers.
  10. Before pasting the jar a second time, you should wait until the first layer has completely dried.
  11. To secure the work, you need to apply varnish to the surface of the jar.
  12. After the varnish has dried, you need to wipe the surface of the jar with a damp cloth, and then varnish it again.

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  • The second layer of napkins should be glued only after the first layer has dried.
  • It is important to make sure that the design is printed on only one side of the napkins. Why? The fact is that after glue is applied to it, the napkin can print a design on the other side.
  • You must wait until the glue has completely dried. Before varnishing the jar, you should try to tear off a piece of the napkin. If it gives in easily and comes off, then you need to reapply the glue.
  • Sometimes napkins do not attach well to glass surface if the adhesive solution was prepared incorrectly. It is important to maintain the proportions and mix glue and water in the same amount. You can also purchase ready-made glue for decoupage, although its cost is higher than regular glue.
  • The technician should keep a damp cloth at hand. With its help you can easily remove glue residues.
  • If you stick napkins in several layers, you can achieve a beautiful 3D effect. Before applying the next layer, the previous one must be varnished.

What do you need to prepare for such decoupage?

Whatever the craftsman plans to make using this technique: making growths on a bottle, performing reverse decoupage, decorating dishes, he needs to “arm himself” with the necessary tools and materials.

So, he will need:

  • Container, the decoration of which will be carried out.
  • Glue. Most often, glue needs to be mixed with water, but stores sell a special adhesive for decoupage.
  • Scissors. They can be used to cut elements for decoration, such as paper or ribbons.
  • Varnish. Drying oil can replace varnish.
  • Decoration elements, that is, materials for decoupage.

How to get build-up on a glass bottle?

Creating volumetric elements using this technique is not uncommon. There are many ways to create build-up on glass containers. The best way is to glue polymer clay onto it. Thanks to this clay, any elements that the master wants appear on the bottle.

He can sculpt anything from polymer clay, animals, a sea anchor, or just convex balls.

Instructions:

  1. Glass containers, polymer clay and a means for softening it are prepared.
  2. The master makes with his own hands the growths that he wants to see on the bottle.
  3. The clay is mixed in advance with a special substance that softens its structure.
  4. After this, the growths can be attached to the surface of the jar, gluing them with “Moment”.
  5. The material should be baked in the oven. The temperature should not be lower than 130 degrees.

Tip: To do volumetric patterns, you can use putty. It forms the outline of the desired figure, after which the figure should be filled.

Reverse decoupage of bottles: step-by-step instructions

The operation scheme is described step by step:

How to make a beautiful bottle cap?

To give the composition a complete look, you should think about how it will look bottle cap. A beautifully designed cork will give the composition a logical conclusion. The simplest option is to glue the cork with knitting yarn. It is advisable that it be the same color as the design on the napkin. It is also important that the yarn is bright and noticeable.

There is no point in using thin acrylic thread for socks for this purpose, since it is practically invisible.

You can also glue some kind of decorative insect to the surface of a bottle cap decorated with thread, for example, ladybug. Don’t forget about the possibility of decorating a composition using acrylic paints. The master can depict any design on the surface of the jar, for example, a daisy or the sun.

Options for final design of work

Consider the design of a decorated faceted bottle:

  1. Take halves of beads to match the main color of the product and hot glue them on the edge to highlight unusual shape containers.
  2. We tie a lace bow at the junction of the painted glass and the neck.
  3. Glue small leaves and flowers onto the bow.
  4. Finally, we glue the edges of the bottle and apply golden sand (use spray or powder) to add shine and shimmer.

Make a border around the edge of the product. To make it even, you need to glue the paint sticky tape and spread rubber glue along it. Then remove the tape and carefully roll up the glue with your hands after the paint has dried. It is advisable to place a piece of paper at the place where the line will begin to accurately complete the line.

Box decoupage master class

Suitable for decoupage cardboard box with a smooth surface.

Step by step technique:

  1. Secure the corners of the paper box with strips of masking tape, and then prime the entire working area with acrylic compound.
  2. Allow to dry and sand the primer with fine sandpaper.
  3. If the coating does not lie evenly, do the manipulation again.
  4. Then paint the craft with the shade selected for the background.
  5. Apply decoupage glue to the illustration area.
  6. After complete drying, apply the design on top and smooth it with a hot iron, placing a piece of paper.
  7. Apply a thin layer of varnish to the image and surface of the product.
  8. Using a foam sponge, apply background dye and other tones that match the color palette.
  9. Use a brush to draw small elements.
  10. To add some sloppiness, experts advise using a toothbrush to spray white paint on top.
  11. Finally, varnish.

Decorating the plate

Decoupage of plates is done in several ways, but for beginners it is better to master this art of napkins step by step, preferably with a photo.

Decorating this dish is divided into two ways:

  1. Straight - the motif is applied to the front side.
  2. Reverse - the image is superimposed on the back of the dish.

For decoration, a smooth white plate made of porcelain and without patterns is suitable.


Decoupage for beginners step by step with photos from napkins is done using special devices.

Operating procedure:

  1. Cut out the napkin pattern.
  2. Degrease the workpiece on both sides with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
  3. Wipe dry to prevent bubbles and creases from appearing during operation.
  4. Carefully apply the resulting motifs to the front of the dish.
  5. Apply glue on top, while smoothing the elements with a brush.
  6. Allow the glue to dry and varnish the surface of the dish.

To use the plate for household needs, it is better to reverse decorate it.

The technique is similar to the above, but there are some features:

  1. The illustration is attached to the back of the tableware, which must be transparent for viewing the work.
  2. The glue is applied only to the edges of the motif, without touching the front of the dish.
  3. If you want to create an opaque background around the image, paint it with acrylic paint and dry it.

Chair decorations

For beginners creating decoupage of a chair from napkins, it is advisable to take a flat chair without large bends and carry out the steps step by step, preferably with a photo.

  1. Preparatory treatment, including cleaning, removing old paint or varnish and degreasing.
  2. Apply several layers of primer and dry naturally.
  3. Paint the chair using the main background. It is worth considering that napkins are translucent, and if the coating is too rich or dark, the design is lost.
  4. Carefully consider how the intended image will look and begin cutting out the pattern.
  5. Arrange and glue the pictures. As you work, you can adjust the motif, add paints and markers, and apply glitter.
  6. Apply varnish in 2-3 layers. Let dry.

Decoupage on wood

Wooden blanks, ready for use various shapes are on sale. If you have an idea to decorate a household item, you will have to decorate it yourself.

Wood surfaces are divided into 3 groups:

  1. Raw workpiece. If there is roughness, it is advisable to treat it with fine sandpaper. The recesses are leveled with putty or special primer. Dry and sand again with sandpaper. Next prime with white acrylic paint.
  2. Impregnated, which is sanded for better adhesion of the motif to the product. Then wipe off the dust and apply primer.
  3. Painted area requiring preliminary inspection. If the paint does not chip, then it should be sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. When the coating peels off, remove the old paint layer with a sanding device or a special solution. The treated surface is cleaned, primed and sanded.

Operating procedure:

  • Sand the working area and prime it. If you want to create an antique effect, 3 layers of white are applied to the workpiece, each of which must dry. Then use sandpaper or a metal scraper to clean out the defects.
  • If there are places eaten away by bugs, then treat them with a brush tip mounted on a drill and cover them with stain.
  • Cut out designs from the top layer of the napkin.
  • Place the motifs on the workpiece and carefully cover the top with glue and dry. Finally, varnish and let dry.

Decorating the cutting board

Carrying out the decor step by step:


Creating an original wall design yourself

The main idea of ​​​​creating such decoupage is to transfer or, so to speak, paste the image onto flat and other surfaces, such as walls, floors, ceilings or even cabinet doors. The images are paper applications that are later varnished, treated with crackle or additional paint, which gives them volume and realism.

Correct decoupage on the walls will definitely bring originality to any room.

Preparing images that are cut from ready-made templates does not require much time. However, if you are not confident in your design abilities, then it is best to choose floral and natural patterns, they are quite “not picky”.

Materials and tools for wall decoupage:

  • Emulsion/acrylic paint intended for walls and suitable for interiors.
  • A simple pencil.
  • Templates cut out of paper.
  • Wallpaper/PVA glue.
  • Cutter/scissors.
  • Primer coating.
  • Acrylic lacquer.
  • Level.

In addition, it is advisable to have on hand hard surface, which can be used as a lining when cutting ornaments, and the color of the paint should not stand out from the overall style of the room.

Instructions for creating wall decoupage

Before you start this kind It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the technique of smaller, traditional decoupage: Watch video tutorials or just take a general look at the features of the process.

After familiarization, you should try to put what you saw into practice:

  • The surface of the walls should be cleaned with sandpaper, then primed and painted with water-repellent or acrylic paint, preferably in 2-3 layers, and allowed to dry.
  • While the wall is drying, it is possible to cut out patterns from wallpaper or special napkins.
  • On the already dry wall, the center and extreme points of the future composition are outlined with a pencil.
  • After this stage, the pasting itself begins, for each fragment its place is carefully selected, smeared with glue on the back side and applied to the wall, gently pressing it with a slightly (!) damp piece of fabric.
  • At the corners of the composition or near windows and doorways, ornaments should be cut out more roundly.
  • After each action, it is worth trying to evaluate the work from afar, since the real scale of the work is impossible to see from close up.

After sticking the main drawings, you need to move on to smaller details. It is, of course, advisable to cut out all the templates together at the very beginning. Also, in no case should we forget that the composition must correspond to the idea and it should be checked from afar from time to time.

When the application has dried and all its parts are firmly in place, the composition should begin to be gradually covered acrylic varnish in 2-3 layers. After the last layers have dried, the decoupage is ready. If you adhere to all the above rules, this technique will be able to transform your room into better side.

Pattern smoothing technique

It is recommended to glue napkins using the ironing method using a special compound. The substance is applied to the surface to be decorated, preferably flat, and left to dry a little. Then apply the cut out pattern and paper sheet, on top of which run a slightly hot iron over the slightly damp decor. Make sure that no creases form and the motif is fixed.

There is a special transparent water-based paint that replaces glue. It is resistant to sunlight, moisture, even when the product is not varnished.

To avoid wrinkles, experts advise covering the surface with glue, placing a napkin on top, carefully smoothing it out with your fingers or a brush. Place a paper applique on a dry decoration item and cover it with a layer of adhesive.

Secrets from the masters

Decoupage for beginners step by step with photos from napkins can be gradually mastered even by beginners.

Subtleties that it is advisable for beginners to know:

  1. Each surface (except glass) is treated with sandpaper and degreased. Plastic needs this manipulation to obtain roughness and better connection with coating agents. The wood is stripped along the grain for smoothness. Metal objects are sanded to remove previous paint or rust. The glass is treated with alcohol-containing substances or acetone.
  2. Be sure to prime the work area before painting with several layers, preferably white paint. If the material is porous, then the acrylic lays down unevenly.
  3. Beginners are recommended to do decoupage from small parts. To stretch the images uniformly, when gluing them, begin to brush from the middle to the edge, while carefully removing any air bubbles that appear.
  4. Creases and folds must be carefully leveled and hidden. If the result is a product without defects, it must be fixed with several layers of varnish. The more, the better it will look.
  5. In order for a working tool to serve for a long time, after finishing work it is necessary to wash and clean it. To do this, place a container of water nearby and immediately lower the used brushes and washcloths into it.
  6. When applying each layer, as well as after gluing the ornament, you need to dry it well., and start the next stage only on a dry area.

Don't be afraid to experiment!

It's very easy to learn how to make decoupage from napkins. Best for beginners to use educational material with photos step by step. Having mastered this art, they create unique masterpieces that will delight others with their beauty.

Decoupage of cans, bottles, interior items and even indoor walls is incredible exciting activity, which anyone can handle. The main thing is to want to create a unique and beautiful thing and secure the most incredible interesting ideas!

Video: decoupage for beginners step by step with photos from napkins

Wash off simple decoupage for beginners, watch the master class in the video:

Find out how to glue a napkin using the decoupage technique in the video:

Even expensive or fashionable things cannot replace handmade items. They may not be as professional, but they will contain a piece of your love. Nowadays there are many types of needlework and techniques. One of the popular ones is decoupage. This is a special method of decoration that creates a painting effect on the surface. Decoupage has a long history. With its help, back in the 12th century, the most skilled craftsmen created masterpieces.

Decoupage allows you to turn any, even the simplest objects or surfaces into original and unforgettable. Using the technique, you can decorate small boxes and bulky furniture, both wooden and glass, plastic, paper or fabric surfaces.

The basics of decoupage are simple - it is an applique that is made from decoupage cards, special or regular napkins with beautiful images, labels, postcards, fabrics with designs and more. To work you will need some materials and tools.

Materials for decoupage

  • Glue. You can use special glue designed for decoupage or PVA.
  • Primer. It will be necessary when performing decoupage on wood. The substance will not allow the paint to be absorbed into wooden surface. A construction acrylic primer is suitable for these purposes. To level the surfaces, you should get acrylic putty. This can be found in hardware stores. On other surfaces, such as a primer for decoupage, use white acrylic paint or PVA.
  • Brushes. Needed for applying glue, paint and varnish. It is better to choose flat and synthetic brushes, as natural ones fade. Their size may vary depending on what kind of work you will be doing, but No. 10, 8 and 2 are most often used.
  • Paints. Useful for decorating backgrounds, drawing details and creating effects. It is better to use acrylic ones. They have many colors and fall on different surfaces. The paints are water-soluble, so they can be washed off with water before they dry. To obtain translucent shades, thinners are added to them. As an alternative to acrylic paints, you can purchase simple white water-based paint and pigment colors for it.
  • Blanks for decoupage. Everything is limited by your imagination. You can use bottles, trays, wooden boxes, flower pots, vases, frames, mirrors and lampshades.
  • Varnish. Needed to protect objects from exposure external factors. The object is coated with varnish at the initial stage of work and at the end. For decoupage it is better to use alkyd or acrylic varnishes. For the finishing coat it is convenient to use aerosol varnish, which is sold in automotive stores. But to create craquelure you will have to purchase a special varnish.
  • Scissors. In order not to spoil the picture, it is worth choosing sharpened scissors with gently moving blades.
  • Auxiliary Tools. To simplify the work, you should get a sponge, which is useful for painting large surfaces. They will also help create different effects. A roller will be convenient for gluing large or dense pictures. You may need toothpicks, cotton swabs, a toothbrush, masking tape, sandpaper, and a hair dryer to quickly dry paint or varnish.

Decoupage - execution technique

You should prepare the surface of the item you are going to decorate. If it is plastic or wooden, it should be treated with sandpaper. Then you need to apply a layer of primer: PVA or acrylic paint. If you are doing decoupage on glass or ceramics, the surfaces of the objects need to be degreased. You can use acetone for this.

While the surface dries, cut out the desired pattern from the napkin. This needs to be done as accurately as possible. Separate the bottom 2 plain layers of paper. You should only have the top color left.

  • Apply glue to the surface, attach the image and carefully smooth it out.
  • Place the image on the surface and apply glue on top. Do this carefully so as not to stretch or tear the picture.
  • Cover the wrong side of the image with glue, then apply it to the surface and smooth it out.

To avoid the formation of wrinkles on paper, PVA can be diluted with water. It is recommended to smooth the image or apply glue to it from the center to the edges.

When the image is dry, coat the product with varnish several times.

Video - how to do decoupage for beginners

What is decoupage? Decoupage is the perfect hobby. With it you can create works of art from wood, glass, ceramics, stone and many other materials. In this case, you do not need to be able to draw, sculpt or carve; all that is needed for decoupage is imagination, the ability to see beauty in simple things, patience and the desire to transform.

Historical reference

Since the 15th century, this technique has been used to decorate furniture in medieval Northern Europe. Later, when trade with the east flourished, decoupage was used to counterfeit Chinese and Japanese furniture painting.

This decoration technique became especially popular in France, hence the roots of the name; “decoupage” is a French word meaning “cutting” and reflects the whole essence of the process of decorative technique.

French mademoiselles loved to decorate their boxes with idyllic pictures in the style of Boucher or Watteau. To this day, the most popular designs for decoupage are floral motifs in romantic tones.

Decoupage as a decoration technique

What is decoupage today? In the context modern world handmade decoupage is a simple and inexpensive technique for decorating various items, from furniture to tiny accessories. In order to transform an ordinary surface, you need to select a ready-made drawing made on thin paper, cut it out and glue it to the selected object. This is decoupage.

It sounds surprisingly simple and crude. It would seem, where is the art here? What item would benefit from having some kind of design glued onto it? But not everything is so simple - decoupage is not simple, and you can’t do it without an artistic approach to the matter.

A correctly selected, carefully cut and beautifully designed design can give a second youth to pieces of furniture and decor. An original gift there will be a beautiful Christmas ball for the New Year; On Easter you can surprise your loved ones with beautiful Easter eggs; A uniquely designed bottle of wine will decorate any holiday table.

All this can be done with your own hands and without any special costs using a decoration technique called decoupage. The photos presented in this article only open the door to the magical kingdom of decoration.

Necessary materials

The following materials are required for decoupage.

  1. The surface to be decorated is any object that is planned to be transformed. It's best to start with smooth, level surfaces, such as a box, cutting board, flower pot or bottles. Degreasing liquid or wet wipes to clean the surface from stains, dust and grease.
  2. Ground coating; for glass and ceramics, a layer of acrylic paint is enough; for wood, it is best to use a professional primer, and apply the paint after the primer layer has dried.
  3. Designs suitable for the selected surface. Napkins, newspaper and magazine clippings, or even pre-printed drawings are suitable for this purpose.
  4. Scissors; It is best to use small thin scissors to more accurately cut out small details of the design. You can cut out designs using a stationery blade.
  5. Decoupage glue or PVA glue.
  6. Set of brushes and sponges; Instead of sponges, you can use small pieces of sponge, which are convenient for applying a primer layer of paint to the surface. A flat brush made of artificial fibers is most convenient for smoothing the paper while applying a design to the surface, and thin brushes are necessary for applying additional lines and finishing touches.
  7. Fine sandpaper or very fine polishing paper is especially necessary when working on wood.
  8. Acrylic varnish for the finishing layer.

Of course, you will need a number of containers for paints, a palette, masking tape and a container of water. The above materials are enough to master the decoupage technique. However, there are a number of additional accessories and materials used in this technique: various kinds sparkles, gilding, varnishes for artificial aging (craquelure) and sandpapers for polishing and rubbing.

DIY decoupage

For the first works, it is best to decorate objects with smooth and strong surfaces, use PVA glue (it dries transparent and is easily washed off) and drawings made on napkins. In this case, even if the first attempt at decoupage comes out lumpy, you can carefully wash everything off the surface with water and try again.

In terms of technique, decoupage for beginners is no different from professional decoupage - the same tools and materials, the only difference is in manual dexterity, knowledge of textures and the ability to foresee the end result.

The main task when applying a pattern to a surface is to glue it so that no folds, lumps of glue or air bubbles form under it. To do this, the drawing is moistened with water and smoothed over the surface using a wide flat brush. This is not easy, especially considering how easily a wet napkin tears. It may take several attempts before the drawing fits perfectly.

One of the little tricks is to apply the design using a plastic file. To do this, the drawing is placed “face down” on a regular file (not in the file, but on top) and smoothed out using a brush and water. The design must be completely covered with water and fit tightly to the file, without wrinkles.

Using a file, the design can be easily applied to a surface coated with PVA glue. The main thing is to carefully remove all the water from under the file after application; you can use a spatula or a soft towel for this. This method is convenient for working on wide and flat surfaces.

Decoupage of glass objects

In modern needlework, turning bottles into objects of art occupies a separate and honorable place, but not only bottles can be transformed using the decoupage technique. With your own hands, you can create unique and bright things from ordinary plates, vases, glasses and jars that will become home decoration or a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Used bottles can be transformed into exquisite vases and souvenirs using only acrylic paint, glue, varnish and selected designs on paper. Decoupage makes you see the potential in familiar and boring things and turn them into unique ones. It is this attitude towards surrounding objects that best answers the question “what is decoupage.”

Easter decoupage - photo master class

The Internet is replete with various options for coloring eggs for Easter, and Easter decoupage offers a new approach to this interesting tradition.

Using the decoupage technique, you can decorate wooden, plaster and plastic blanks, as well as eggs, which will then be eaten. Boiled eggs are best decorated with a paste made from starch or flour, and coated for shine. egg white; so no harmful chemical substances not used when painting Easter eggs.

Decoupage furniture

Once the answers to the question “what is decoupage” have been received, and your hands are familiar with the basic steps, you can move on to a more complex level and start decorating furniture using the decoupage technique. The master class on decorating pieces of furniture is different in that it is more reminiscent of the restoration process, turning grandma's old chest of drawers into a work of art.

Do-it-yourself decoupage of furniture items is associated with higher financial costs, since more material and processing time are needed. A piece of furniture, be it a chest of drawers, a stool or a table, is larger in size than the accessories, so the quantity of material increases, as does its quality.

In order to achieve the appearance of vintage antique furniture, in addition to the decoupage technique, it is necessary to master artificial aging techniques, which require a lot of time and additional materials.

New Year's decoupage

When the level of proficiency in decoupage techniques has moved from beginner to intermediate and is confidently moving to new heights, you can try decoupage of a fragile Christmas tree toy. To do this, you need to select materials. New Year is the most suitable occasion to use sparkles and rhinestones to create a festive composition.

The toy may be an old and boring relic in need of restoration, or purchased at an art supply store specifically for painting. It could be a ball, a Christmas tree or a symbol of the New Year. You shouldn’t limit yourself only to Christmas tree decorations; you can decorate with candles, bottles of champagne, glasses and even a tablecloth for the festive table.

The article allows the reader to become familiar with such a concept as decoupage for beginners. Step by step, with photos, we will analyze all the most popular decoupage techniques. After reading the article, you will learn to put some tips and instructions into practice, creating unique crafts with your own hands.

For ease of reading, the material is divided into several large parts:

  • what is decoupage, what you should know before starting work, list of materials and tools;
  • master classes on a variety of techniques - from regular work with napkins to creating glass goblets with designs;
  • reviews from masters, top 5 most common mistakes made by beginners during the decoupage process.

The concept of decoupage technique

Decoupage is a technique for decorating objects by inserting a picture or drawing, followed by coating the glued composition with varnish or paint, ensuring the preservation of the created appearance of the object.

The beginning of decoupage dates back to the fifteenth century. This art originated in Germany - there are the first mentions of the technique. Cut out pictures were used to decorate furniture and create unique interior items. In Venice, elaborately carved images were used, covered with many layers of varnish.

The second flowering of the decoupage technique began in the Victorian era in England, from where decoupage as a hobby spread in the first half of the twentieth century. In Russia, there was a similar technique of icon painting, and decoupage itself was developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.


Advantages and disadvantages

Decoupage is an excellent method of decorating interior items. Like any decor, it has its own pros and cons that determine its use for decoration.

Advantages:

  • the ability to use any material;
  • ease of execution;
  • availability of materials for work;
  • high durability of most types of decor.

Decoupage is undemanding to the source material. Napkins, magazine clippings, and individual printouts are used as drawings. If you wish, you can cut out flowers from the wallpaper and place them on the cabinets - decoupage does not limit the author’s imagination.

Decoupage does not require any special skills or tools - all you need is scissors, an old magazine, varnish and a brush. In some cases, there is no need to carefully cut out the design, since some carelessness can add additional charm to the interior.

Varnish and paint are sold in any store. Decorating a wooden door will take no more than one 200 ml can of varnish.


Almost all types of decoupage are durable due to varnish protection. Fragile works include those protected by other means or without protection at all. For varnished designs, the only threat is cracking over time.

Flaws:

  • impossibility of application to all interior items;
  • requirement for accuracy when working;
  • difficulties when working indoors.

Not every piece of furniture is decorated using the decoupage technique for beginners. Step by step, with photos, we will analyze how bottles, fabric, plastic, cutting boards and other objects are decorated. Upholstered furniture or glass is not so easy to decorate. The varnish will not adhere to the fabric, and the glass will be damaged. In some cases this is not critical, but do not apply decoupage to glass in windows, since removing the varnish is extremely problematic.


The surface for decoupage must be prepared - the old peeling layers of coating are removed from it. This applies to enamel on old furniture, which must be completely sanded.

To work, you need to be patient - delicate drawings require great care from the master when creating, since careless movement will easily tear the paper. This is critical for cases where it is used thin paper.

Paint and varnish products have a specific smell that takes a long time to evaporate from the room. Considering that decoupage requires applying several layers of varnish, we recommend carrying out this operation outdoors.


The situation is aggravated when it is necessary to sand the surface before starting work. With large sizes of the latter, a lot of dust and debris often form. This will put an end to the possibility of working indoors.

What you need to know before you start making decoupage

Before starting to work with drawings, study the features of the fabrics and materials with which you will work.

A thick pattern for decoration looks less natural. This imposes restrictions on the use of thick cardboard and introduces its own requirements for the accuracy of work during the creation of the drawing.


Not every drawing is placed under varnish. The image must have solvent-resistant paints that will not begin to dissolve under the influence of the latter. Glossy designs are great, less so are images printed with inkjet ink.

Consider the combination of colors during decoupage for beginners (step by step instructions with photos below). Carefully select images for decoration, since an already fixed illustration is almost impossible to remove from the surface.


What you need for decoupage for beginners: a list to get started

For almost any type of decoupage, a standard list of materials and tools is sufficient. So, what do you need for decoupage for beginners - list of things:

  • drawing;
  • scissors;
  • glue;
  • glue brush;
  • varnish;
  • varnish brush;
  • sandpaper.

To make standard decoupage you need a drawing. It is selected in advance. Scissors are needed to cut it. For greater accuracy of work, use a stationery knife with a sharp blade, or special decoupage knives.


Be especially careful when choosing glue. You can also use regular PVA glue, but over time it will give the image a yellowish color. To get rid of the effect, choose a special glue that is sold in arts and crafts stores.

You should choose a special varnish - it adheres more thin layers and does not use aggressive solvents that can damage the design. If you don’t have this, use regular varnish for wood or other material - it is selected depending on the material used.

Any brushes can be used, but for glue it is preferable to have several brushes different sizes, allowing you to carefully apply it exactly under the design.


Sandpaper is useful for cleaning the surface from roughness before coating and treating the varnish. Sandpaper We recommend taking the least accessible fractions – 1600, 3200 and others. Too large will unnecessarily damage the varnish and surface.

Decoupage for beginners: video master class

This video shows a master class on the technique. For successful work, just follow the tips and steps presented in the video.

Decoupage for beginners: step by step with photos 7 master classes

Below are step-by-step instructions with photos. Decoupage for beginners will not seem so difficult if you adhere to the clear rules that we described below.


Decoupage with napkins: step-by-step instructions

Napkins are a very affordable, but not the easiest material to work with. They have beautiful drawing and look good as decorations, but leave unsightly creases.

To work you will need:

  • napkin;
  • water;
  • flat surface for drawing;
  • acrylic lacquer;
  • brushes

Start by cutting out a design from a napkin. We recommend doing this with a stationery knife or a set of decoupage knives. The more accurately the design is cut, the better the quality of the finished element.

During cutting, the napkin will most likely begin to delaminate. Remove the layers without the image, leaving only the layer with the image. This will make the result more realistic.



1. Place the design on the surface - the napkin attaches perfectly to it. The approach allows you to completely get rid of all possible folds.

2. Wet the brush and begin to smooth out the design.

3. If any wrinkle appears during work, carefully lift the edge and smooth it out with a brush. The napkin will lie neatly without wrinkles.

Wait for the water to dry. During soaking, the napkin will increase slightly in size, so take this into account when composing the composition.

Finally, coat the entire composition with varnish. The varnish depends on the type of surface. Acrylic varnish is universal. Apply it with a brush in one direction. The number of layers depends on the wishes of the master; 2-5 layers of varnish are enough.

The detailed process of decoupage with napkins is in the video below.

On wood

In the master class presented below we will talk about decoupage for beginners in wood. Step by step, with a photo in it, we will decorate a wooden panel. No special skills are required for the work, and all materials are sold in craft stores.

List to work with:

  • tablet;
  • rice paper for decoupage;
  • green and white acrylic paints;
  • acrylic glue and varnish;
  • brushes

1. Work begins by painting the board with acrylic paints. Paint the front side and sides.

2. To highlight the main composition, paint the side in a different shade. White and green acrylic paint are mixed to create a softer shade.

3. While the board is drying, prepare your drawing. Tear the rice paper without fear with your hands - this approach eliminates noticeable transitions.

4. After the entire composition has been torn out, place it on a board and glue it with acrylic glue. It can be applied directly to the drawing itself.

5. After the glue has dried, add decorative branches. This is done with green acrylic paint.

6. Once the glue and paint are dry, begin applying varnish. The varnish is applied in one direction - for example, from top to bottom.

7. The last step is to add decorative beads, applied to acrylic varnish that has not yet hardened.

8. After the varnish has dried, the finished work is obtained.

The video shows the complete creation process decorative panel using decoupage technique.

Decoupage on fabric

Working with fabric is almost no different from ordinary decoupage; the main thing is to be as careful as possible while working. The master class tells how to use the decoupage technique to add a design to an ordinary bag, making it a work of art.

You will need:

  • bag;
  • special decoupage glue for fabric;
  • acrylic varnish for fabric;
  • brushes

1. Work begins with trying on a napkin. It is important to make sure that it is the right size for the item. It's okay if she goes beyond his boundaries.

2. After trying on, cut out the design, which is subsequently placed on the bag.

3. Layer the napkin - take only the front part of the napkin, where the design is located.

4. Next, place the napkin on the bag. To apply the glue evenly, mark the borders. It is convenient to do this with pins, marking the edges of the future drawing.

5. Apply acrylic fabric decoupage glue to the fabric. It is sold in arts and crafts stores. Before applying glue, place cellophane under the fabric - multifors are suitable for this.

6. After applying the glue, place the picture. Smooth it out with a brush. Place the napkin perfectly evenly.

7. Ironing is done through a multifora - this way the napkin will stick well. After this, apply a special varnish glue.

8. Wait until the fabric dries. To enhance the effect, iron the design through a sheet of paper.

9. Then make other decorations - for example, embroidery along the edges of the design.

Other features of the work are presented in the video, which makes it possible to create exactly the same bag.

On plastic

The master class explains how decoupage is done on plastic. An old computer mouse is used as a basis, which will become a pleasant element of room design.

Tools and materials:

  • mouse;
  • synthetic water brush;
  • acrylic lacquer;
  • napkin with a pattern;
  • PVA glue;
  • stationery knife.

The work begins with processing the plastic. It often becomes contaminated with grease, so wash it well and treat it with alcohol. This will get rid of excess fat, which will damage the fragile design on the napkin.


1. Cut out the design. Layer the napkin, removing excess layers under the pattern. After cutting the napkin, this is easy to do.

2. The next step is placement. Place the design in the desired location and smooth it with water. Water will soften the napkin and make it more flexible for the following operations.

3. Glue the design using PVA glue or decoupage glue. The latter is better because it does not leave a yellow tint, but in its absence, other adhesives can be used.

4. Apply acrylic varnish in several layers - the next layer is laid after the previous one has dried. This provides durability to the coating. After the varnish has dried, cut the pattern at the joints of the keys with a regular stationery knife.

More details about decoupage on plastic in the video below. It is permissible to use this method with any plastic – the main thing is to degrease it first.

Decoupage cutting board

Creating a board using the decoupage technique is almost no different from creating a panel. The technique is similar and the only differences are in the material used.

You will need:

  • uncoated wooden board;
  • a napkin with a suitable pattern;
  • acrylic paints;
  • PVA glue;
  • brushes and sponge.

1. Prepare the board. To do this, paint one side of it with acrylic paints using a piece of sponge.

2. Wait until the board is completely dry. At this point, prepare your drawing. As with any decoupage napkin, layer and cut or tear it to the desired size.

3. Glue the napkin with PVA glue. Apply it from the center of the design, smoothing it evenly and getting rid of wrinkles.

4. Since the drawing does not occupy the entire surface of the board, additionally paint over the free space. To do this, select acrylic paint to match the background color of the napkin and paint over the entire remaining space. It is permissible to work with an acrylic sponge.

5. When the paint is dry, coat the decoupaged side of the board with acrylic varnish. Cover with 2-3 layers - this will make the board more resistant to use. Use the other side of the board as usual.

Decoupage bottles for beginners: step by step with photos

Working with glass is different from other materials. It is specially prepared for work because regular paint or acrylic varnish does not adhere to glass.

To complete the work you will need:

  • bottle;
  • napkin;
  • acrylic primer;
  • sponge;
  • degreaser - solvent or alcohol;
  • acrylic paint;
  • acrylic lacquer.

Let's take a closer look at how bottle decoupage is done for beginners, step by step with photos and useful recommendations.


1. Degrease the surface with alcohol or acetone. It is important to wipe the entire surface - otherwise the soil will not settle on the glass.

2. Prime and paint the bottle. To do this, take an acrylic primer and mix it in half with the paint of the desired color. Apply priming using wet movements, leaving an equal layer of primer on the entire bottle. Cover the surface with paint of any color.

3. Prepare your drawing. This is done by peeling the napkin and cutting it into the necessary sections. After preparing them, start gluing - this is done with PVA glue. Glue it with gentle movements from the center to the edges, smoothing the napkin.

4. After the glue has dried, coat the entire bottle with acrylic varnish using a soft brush, creating several protective layers.

Decoupage on glass

Decoupage on glass is one of the most difficult, as it requires great care in the work. Otherwise, the glass will become cloudy and lose its appearance.

For work, prepare:

  • glass surface;
  • napkins with the required pattern;
  • decoupage glue and varnish;
  • brushes

1. Work begins with preparing the surface - degrease it using any solvent (alcohol or acetone).

Since the method does not involve coloring, immediately prepare the drawing - to do this, peel the napkin and tear out the drawing the right size and shapes.


2. Afterwards, the drawing is located in the required place and glued. Work from the center outwards, leveling the napkin. Additionally, dry the drawing with a hairdryer - this will speed up the work process.

3. The last step is to cover the drawings with acrylic varnish. Any extension beyond the edges of the design is noticeable, so apply the varnish with due care exclusively to the design. Acrylic varnish is difficult to remove from the surface, so there is no room for error during coating.

Wait for the varnish to dry and place a candle in the wine glass. The decorated piece acts as an excellent candle holder at night, creating stunning patterns in the room.

More details of the work in the video below - it shows the process of gluing and varnishing a glass.

To help beginners - from people with practice

Decoupage is a hobby with a lot of fans. Despite the apparent complexity, there are a large number of nuances that are not always accessible to beginners. Next we will talk about some of them.

What professional decoupage artists will tell us - reviews, recommendations

“Decoupage is a cheap and profitable hobby that requires almost no skills. But sometimes the work seems too deceptive. You should start learning technology with unnecessary things that you don’t mind spoiling. Don’t neglect special varnishes and adhesives - they allow you to do the work much more beautifully and accurately.”

Alla Nikitenko– teacher of decoupage courses in Moscow with 5 years of experience.

“For me, the main advantage of decoupage as a hobby is its limitlessness - there are no restrictions for a decoupage artist, since the technique can be applied to almost any surface. You shouldn’t stand still - having completed one subject, start another, because only through practice does one gain mastery.”

Olga Ivanenko– practicing decoupage artist, 4 years of experience.

TOP 5 mistakes

The list below is compiled by experts and allows you to find out about the most common mistakes during decoupage.

  1. Smoothing the pattern from the edges to the center. In this case, folds form on it. This is noticeable with napkins because they are soft and thin. When gluing the design, work exclusively from the center to the edges;
  2. When decoupaging glass or other smooth surfaces be sure to use a primer. Neglecting it will negate all efforts - the varnish will quickly peel off the surface, ruining all the work;
  3. When choosing a pattern for decoupage, you cannot use thick patterns with smooth edges. Such notches are very noticeable - especially when viewed from the side. This will spoil the appearance of the product and make it unpleasant.
  4. Buy a special set of brushes for glue and varnish. Usage natural brushes for varnish leads to damage to the appearance due to destruction of the fiber, and the use of synthetics for glue leads to damage to the design. Mixing glue and varnish on the same brush leads to unpredictable results.
  5. When working with napkins, cut them after delamination. Otherwise, the drawing will shift relative to the lines and deteriorate, becoming unsuitable for further work. Using glossy images, first cover them with water, loosening the tension of the surface layer.

Decoupage courses in Moscow for beginners - school addresses

How to make decoupage: instructions for beginner needlewomen

Decoupage is a simple technique for transforming things, which even novice needlewomen can handle. Nowadays it is fashionable and interesting to be creative. Almost everyone either sews or does embroidery. Decoupage is a method of decorating various surfaces thanks to the application of images that are printed using a printing method, and their further varnishing. But how to do decoupage? To master this simple task, you don’t need much time and effort, just a few tools and desire are enough.

Decoupage: how to make it using napkins

Using decoupage, you can stick a napkin, a decoupage card, or rice paper, but usually it is the napkin that becomes Starting point on the issue of getting to know decoupage. In addition, it is thanks to the napkin that decoupage is sometimes referred to as the “napkin technique.” It is worth choosing the right napkins; the best ones will be napkins with a plain background (especially white), they have images with clear edges. The background napkins have a striped pattern and small patterns in the same color scheme. Suitable for the insides of boxes and gluing the sides of blanks. Napkins with images of beautiful collages can be glued completely, not in parts.


Quite often, decoupage involves the use of various kinds of napkins, which help to apply a design to the surface.

There are three ways to glue napkins:

  1. File method. This universal method, with it you can transfer a napkin to a flat object (something like records or a photo album), an adjacent face, any relief, a round object (something like table lamp or bottles).
  2. Glue stick or iron. Suitable for flat surfaces, they need to be coated with a glue stick, a napkin is placed on top, and a napkin is placed on it. baking paper and all this is ironed. The glue, when heated, sticks the napkin, later you need to apply a layer of glue on top again.
  3. Fan brush method. Suitable for neat and diligent people. The napkin is applied to the object, water is poured in the center, then using a fan brush you need to slowly stretch the water, sometimes adding more. During the process, it is necessary to lift the edges of the napkin so that wrinkles do not form. This method is suitable for concave or convex surfaces - the napkin will stretch perfectly, gently enveloping all irregularities.

When working with napkins, there is no need to apply several layers of varnish. The thickness of the napkin is minimal; a couple of layers will be enough for it. To prevent the image from becoming faded later, it must be pasted on a light background.

The passion for decoupage originated from China. There, thin paper was invented, which was used to decorate various objects. Nowadays handmade work is in fashion, so with the help of decoupage you can learn how to make such a beautiful work at home that professionals will envy. Decoupage is used to decorate bags, postcards, bookcases, stairs, even benches and pianos.

If you want to learn the decoupage technique, you need to follow the advice step by step experienced craftswomen, only in this case you will get a high-quality craft. Now there are many resources where you can find competent master classes and learn this art.


Making decoupage with your own hands is not difficult, the main thing is to prepare in advance all the necessary materials and tools for work

  1. The biggest challenge will be creating the project itself. To create a real masterpiece, you shouldn’t thoughtlessly take the first item you come across. Yes, you can collect several small items and hone your skills on them, but if you are giving gifts to loved ones, you should take the choice seriously. You will need to choose an object for decoration, pictures, necessary materials and tools.
  2. There will be napkins best choice. When choosing a design on paper, you need to moisten the surface with water. Postcards with photographs must be carefully soaked and the bottom layer removed.
  3. Next, the surface to be decorated is processed. Wood using scratch sanding, primer on top. For glass, ceramics, plastic and porcelain products, the surface is first degreased with alcohol.
  4. A beautiful pattern is cut out. The top layer of the napkin is removed, and the piece with the image is cut out or torn off.
  5. The cut is applied to the object and spread back side napkins and glued with a flat brush. You need to glue from the middle and carefully so that the napkin does not stretch. Wrinkles and bubbles must be smoothed out with a brush.
  6. After drying, add decorative elements using acrylic paints. The remaining details are completed and relief is added. Then the result is fixed: the finishing coat has a matte or glossy acrylic varnish on top, and the work is given a touch of antiquity (spraying helps to achieve this). Cracks like those of an antique are created thanks to craquelure.
  7. Some surfaces cannot do without additional treatment. For example, the fabric is coated with more than one layer of varnish.

Each surface has its own characteristics. Glue applied to cardboard deforms it. To prevent this from happening, it must be primed with varnish or plaster, which will be diluted to a paste. A primer of 2-3 layers is also suitable.

Necessary tools and do-it-yourself decoupage at home

By making decoupage at home, you can give a second life to old and unnecessary things, which I wanted to throw away, or change new ones, in which there is something I don’t like. This is how the usual phone or bags, flowerpots, boring bookcases or lamps are transformed. Many needlewomen use different materials and paint colors: gold, bronze, silver; patina is very popular.


In order to create a beautiful decoupage product, you must purchase special glue, acrylic paints and, of course, a decoupage card

Before the process itself, you need to arm yourself with the following tools:

  1. Decoupage card. A picture, ornament or pattern made of rice paper or cardboard. Cards come in super thin, thin, medium or thick;
  2. Glue for decoupage. It has a special composition that is designed for gluing the thinnest napkins and pieces of fabric;
  3. Acrylic paints;
  4. Acrylic lacquer;
  5. Rice paper for large surfaces.

If you choose a very thick decoupage card, it should be placed in water for some time before gluing. This will make it softer and more pliable.

Simple do-it-yourself decoupage: decorating a can

If you have an old can lying around on the mezzanine, you can use it to make an unusual stand for kitchen utensils. In the same way, you can decoupage a samovar, a bucket or even a toilet.


The simplest and easy option is a decoupage of a small can

The process consists of stages:

  1. Before decorating, you need to check the can for flaws; if any are found, you need to treat it with sandpaper and apply putty. When applying a primer, you must first apply the first layer, then dry it, then the second.
  2. Paint the can with acrylic paint. The color can be any, but it must match the interior of the kitchen. The paint is applied in two layers, each one must dry.
  3. A pattern is cut out from a suitable napkin and separated. Glue is applied to the can, the napkin is glued with a soft brush, which smoothes out the folds. Smooth out from the inside to the edges.
  4. Use an old toothbrush to apply speckles using acrylic paint, this will simulate rust. Afterwards the procedure is repeated, but with white paint.
  5. The entire surface of the can is covered with acrylic varnish; a couple of layers is enough.

When choosing motives, you should take napkins in one color combination, do not mix warm and cold colors.

What can you do decoupage with?

Which surface is ideal for this technique, and which one needs to be treated in a special way before work? Everyone knows that standard objects, such as a painting or a photo album, can easily be decoupaged. Many people experiment on disks and records, canvas, and plastic. But few people know that you can decoupage a floor, window sill, chandelier, ceiling, shelves, clothes, tiles and even a bath!


Decoupage is a fairly universal technique, so it can be done on almost any surface.

Decoupage happens on:

  1. Skin;
  2. Furniture (wood and glass);
  3. On plastic items;
  4. On the floor;

When decoupaging a cabinet that has already been painted, it is necessary to take into account that the wood must be smooth. If there are cracks or chips on it, the surface will have to be treated.

Is it possible to decoupage a bathtub?

A cast iron bathtub can and even needs to be decorated when it begins to lose its original appearance.


Decoupage looks quite unusual and original in the bathroom interior

This is how it happens:

  1. The bath is degreased with alcohol or acetone;
  2. The motifs are detached from the napkins and glue is poured into the bowl;
  3. A piece of napkin is applied to a degreased surface and covered with glue using a brush. This way the entire outer part of the bathtub is covered with patterns from a napkin;
  4. After the glue has dried, the decorated areas are covered with acrylic varnish. At least 5 layers will be required, otherwise moisture will spoil the motifs in the future.

If you use this method of work, the design on the bathtub can last about three years.

How can you do decoupage?

Each material, like each technique, has its pros and cons. So how can you do decoupage?


If you decide to do decoupage for the first time, then it is best to use special decoupage cards in your work

Decoupage is carried out using:

  1. Napkins;
  2. Decoupage cards;
  3. Rice paper.

Napkins have a big disadvantage: very often their motif and pattern is cut off and intertwined. Sometimes it is impossible to cut out part of a pattern without disturbing the integrity of the next one.

How to make decoupage (video)

Learning decoupage on your own is not that difficult. You can start practicing on cardboard or chipboard, so that you can later make a gift to a friend or relative. Costume jewelry or set of jewelry – good present, but where better gift, made with your own hands. Music decoupage, shell decoupage, patterns inside the box or work on stones are very elegant. Some will be interested in an icon in this style of creativity. Lessons are being taught more and more often in schools children's decoupage for a child, others master decoupage themselves using putty through a stencil.