What is Decoupage?
Decoupage is the art of decorating objects with cut-out paper or fabric designs, layered with adhesives and sealed with a protective finish. It’s a versatile, low-cost craft for transforming furniture, containers, home decor, and more.
Recommended Surfaces
| Surface Type |
Prep Required? |
Notes |
| Wood (raw) |
Light sanding |
Smooth surface helps reduce bubbles |
| Wood (painted) |
Clean, sand glossy |
Test for paint compatibility |
| Glass |
Clean with alcohol |
Use thin papers; seal well |
| Metal |
Light sanding |
Apply primer if very glossy |
| Canvas |
Gesso recommended |
Ideal for wall art or textured designs |
| Plastic |
Sand + prime if needed |
Use strong adhesive like Mod Podge for plastics |
| Ceramic |
Clean thoroughly |
Great for dishware (non-food contact) |
Common Decoupage Materials
| Material |
Description |
Best For |
| Napkins |
Thin, flexible, delicate |
Wrapping around curves, glass |
| Tissue Paper |
Semi-transparent, tears easily |
Soft backgrounds, blending |
| Scrapbook Paper |
Thicker, patterned |
Flat surfaces, contrast pieces |
| Magazine Clippings |
Glossy, colourful |
Collages, art journaling |
| Wrapping Paper |
Thin to medium thickness |
Gifts, boxes, seasonal decor |
| Fabric |
Lightweight cottons work best |
Mixed-media, dimensional texture |
| Printables |
Laser prints preferred |
Custom quotes, vintage designs |
Decoupage Adhesives & Sealers
| Product Type |
Use As |
Notes |
| Mod Podge (Gloss) |
Adhesive + Sealer |
Dries shiny, great for bright designs |
| Mod Podge (Matte) |
Adhesive + Sealer |
Dries flat, ideal for vintage or shabby chic |
| Mod Podge Outdoor |
For outdoor items |
Water-resistant; not fully waterproof |
| White Glue (PVA) |
Adhesive |
Budget option; may yellow over time |
| Decoupage Varnish |
Top coat |
Professional finish, high durability |
| Spray Sealer |
Final top coat |
Prevents brush strokes, good for glossy results |
| Acrylic Polyurethane |
Long-lasting sealer |
Use for furniture or heavy-use items |
Step-by-Step Process
| Step |
Action |
Tips |
| 1 |
Prep surface (clean, sand if needed) |
Dry completely before applying anything |
| 2 |
Cut out paper or fabric pieces |
Use sharp scissors or craft knives |
| 3 |
Apply a thin layer of glue to surface |
Work in sections for better control |
| 4 |
Place design and smooth from center out |
Use a brayer or plastic card to remove bubbles |
| 5 |
Let dry 15–30 min |
Avoid touching edges while wet |
| 6 |
Add 1–3 layers of sealer over top |
Let each coat dry fully before adding the next |
| 7 |
Cure for 7 days (for hard use projects) |
Especially important for furniture or outdoor items |
Troubleshooting & Fixes
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
| Bubbles |
Too much glue or poor smoothing |
Pop with pin, smooth gently |
| Wrinkles |
Paper too thin or too much liquid |
Use napkin technique or press with parchment |
| Cloudy Finish |
Sealer not fully dry |
Allow longer drying time |
| Peeling Edges |
Incomplete glue coverage |
Reapply glue underneath, press & reseal |
| Yellowing |
Cheap glue or sun exposure |
Use archival or UV-safe products |
Beginner Project Ideas
| Project |
Materials Needed |
Skill Level |
Notes |
| Wooden Coasters |
Wood rounds, napkins, sealer |
Easy |
Add felt backing for a finished look |
| Glass Jar Lanterns |
Glass jars, tissue paper, LED tealights |
Easy |
Use matte finish for frosted effect |
| Furniture Upcycle |
Dresser drawers, fabric/paper, varnish |
Intermediate |
Seal well for durability |
| Decorative Plant Pots |
Terra cotta pots, scrapbook paper |
Easy |
Use outdoor-safe glue/sealer |
| Canvas Wall Art |
Printed quotes, decoupage glue |
Easy |
Great personalized gift |
| Clipboard Makeover |
Scrapbook paper, Mod Podge |
Beginner |
Office or craft room decor |
Finishing & Display Tips
| Tip |
Why It Helps |
| Sand edges lightly after drying |
Creates a clean, seamless look |
| Use multiple thin coats of sealer |
Prevents streaks and peeling |
| Avoid direct sunlight on finished items |
Prevents colour fading or yellowing |
| Add hardware (hooks, knobs) last |
Avoids smearing wet adhesive or paint |
| Let cure 5–7 days before heavy use |
Increases durability and scratch resistance |
FAQ
Can I decoupage photos?
Yes—use laser prints or photo paper. Inkjet may smear unless sealed first.
Can I decoupage onto fabric?
Yes—especially for art projects or wall hangings, but not for washable clothes.
Is decoupage waterproof?
No, unless using waterproof-specific products. Always seal thoroughly for outdoor use.
What’s the difference between Mod Podge and white glue?
Mod Podge is formulated for sealing and dries clearer. White glue can work but may yellow.