Decorate a plain wooden box with colorful decoupage.

Decoupage

Project Level: Intermediate (what's this?)

Decoupage blurs the line between faux finish and artistic technique. Derived from the French word for "cut out" or "cut up," the term refers to a process of gluing thin paper images to a surface and covering them with layers of a sealing topcoat, which often carries a shine. It's an easy technique that can create vivid patterns and effects. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.

Most any surface that can accept glue can be decoupaged, but glass, ceramic and wood are the most common. The item to be covered should be smooth, because even adhesion of the paper to the surface is essential.

Nearly any kind of image on paper can be used, but the paper must be thin enough to be thoroughly soaked and coated by the glue. If you find something on thick paper that you'd like to use, try to separate the layers of the paper and use only the top one with the image on it.

Some stores carry specifically labeled decoupage medium, but it's just as easy to use thinned white glue or even wallpaper paste. Start by combining 3-4 parts water with 1 part glue, then adjust the consistency if necessary. The resulting mix should be thick enough to coat the picture but thin enough to allow you to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles when you apply the picture to the surface.

Scraps of colorful paper cut from magazines make perfect decoupage material.

Steps in the Decoupage Technique

1. Select the pictures you want to use, and cut them out carefully. For a smoother effect in the end, try to keep the scissors angled away from the cutting surface, so the edge of the cut-out is beveled.
   
   
2. If you want, you can paint the item to provide a colored background for the image. If you do choose to paint, let the paint dry 24-48 hours before applying the images.
   
   
3. Place the images you have chosen on the item, rearranging them until you have the pattern that you want. Overlap the images for the best effect.
   
   

4. Apply glue to the item first, then to the paper being applied.

   Fix the dampened paper in place and slide it until the positioning is correct.

   Coat the back of each image with the decoupage medium/thinned glue. Also apply a thin coat of the adhesive to the surface of the item to be covered.
   
   
5. Slide the image in place (you'll have a bit of time to adjust its position before the adhesive sets), and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles with a popsicle stick, a small art roller or your fingertip. Take care to touch gently, because the coating of glue will make the paper delicate.
   
   
6. Continue adding images until your pattern is complete.
   
   
7. When the object has thoroughly dried (at least 24 hours), protect it with your choice of acrylic or other topcoat, which can be found in both glossy and matte finishes. Use several thin coats rather than one heavy one.

Was this information helpful? Please let us know your do-it-yourself experiences. We'd love to hear from you!

These How-To's are provided as a service from Lowe's, the Original Home Improvement Warehouse of How-To information for the World Wide Web. The information in Lowe's "How-To" clinics is intended to simplify jobs around the house. Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.

© 2003 by Lowe's®. All rights reserved. Lowe's and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.