What is Decoupage?
Decoupage is a decorative art technique where paper cutouts are glued onto a surface and then sealed with multiple layers of clear finish, giving the appearance of being hand-painted

“Cut. Paste. Seal. Create. That’s decoupage magic!”

Materials You’ll Need for Decoupage Art 1. Surface Options Wood surfaces (trays, boxes, furniture) MDF boards for crafts Glass decoupage projects (bottles, jars, plates) Metal surfaces (tins, cans, frames) Ceramic items (tiles, mugs, pots) Plastic crafts (upcycled containers) Canvas boards for wall art 2. Paper Types Decoupage paper (thin and easy to glue) Rice paper for decoupage (delicate designs) Single-ply napkins (popular for napkin decoupage technique) Scrapbook paper (variety of textures & patterns) Magazine cutouts or craft prints Laser prints (to avoid ink smudging) 3. Adhesive & Sealer Decoupage glue/sealer (like Mod Podge) PVA glue / Fevicol MR (thinned with water in a 3:1 ratio) Acts as adhesive, sealer, and finish 4. Paints Acrylic paints for base coating (optional but helps designs stand out) 5. Application Tools Paint brushes (soft, flat brushes for glue & varnish) Foam applicators for smooth spreading Soft brayer / roller or old credit card (to remove bubbles & wrinkles) 6. Finishing Supplies Fine-grit sandpaper (400–800 grit) for smoothing layers Acrylic varnish or water-based polyurethane (available in matte, satin, or gloss finish) 7. Cutting Tools Sharp scissors for clean edges Craft knife & cutting mat for precision cutting 8. Extras Lint-free cloth (to clean & smooth surface) Plastic wrap / cling film (useful for wrinkle-free napkin decoupage technique)

“Every piece tells a story in layers.”

“Layers of creativity, sealed with love 💕 #DIYDecoupage”

Wood/MDF for decoupage: Sand until smooth, wipe away dust, and apply primer if needed.
Glass, Metal, or Ceramic surfaces: Clean thoroughly with soap or rubbing alcohol; lightly roughen glossy areas.
Plastic surfaces: Lightly scuff with sandpaper and apply a plastic primer if available.

Paint the surface with acrylic colors.
Light/pale shades work best under thin decoupage napkins or rice paper designs.
Allow the base coat to dry completely.

Cut out your decoupage motifs roughly, then trim neatly for a painted effect.
Arrange them on the surface before gluing.
👉 Pro Tip: Tear rice paper edges instead of cutting for a softer, blended finish.

Inkjet prints for decoupage: Seal first with a clear spray to prevent smudging.
Napkin decoupage: Carefully separate the napkin layers and keep only the top printed layer.

Brush a thin, even layer of decoupage glue (Mod Podge / PVA mix) onto an area slightly larger than your paper piece.
Avoid thick or puddled glue for smooth results.

Place the cutout, working from the center outward.
Smooth gently with plastic wrap, cling film, or a brayer to remove wrinkles and air bubbles.
Be extra gentle with decoupage napkins, as they tear easily.

Add 2–5 thin coats of decoupage medium, drying 20–40 minutes between coats (longer in humid weather).
For a smooth, professional finish, sand lightly with very fine sandpaper (400–800 grit) between coats.

Protect your artwork with 1–2 coats of clear acrylic varnish or water-based polyurethane (choose matte, satin, or gloss finish).
Allow the piece to cure completely – this may take several days for maximum durability.

Trim overhanging paper with a craft knife or sand gently downward.
Use glazes, stencils, distressing, or dry-brushing techniques to blend designs seamlessly into the surface.

Wrinkles: Use thinner adhesive layers and smooth from the center outward. For small creases, pierce gently and re-brush.
Bubbles: Lift and reapply while damp, or prick and press once dry.
Tears (napkins): Patch with small overlapping pieces; they blend in once sealed.
Cloudy finish: Usually too much glue or high humidity—apply thinner coats and extend drying time.
Brush marks: Use a wide, soft brush and lighter coats. Sand lightly between layers if needed.