Today, all old and dull things are sent to the trash. In the interior they look boring. But do not make such a drastic decision. After all, these items can be turned into unique things. It is enough to use various techniques, among which the simplest and most affordable is decoupage panels. In this case, all available materials and tools are used. The list of specially prepared items contains only paper and napkins. So, how do you master the decoupage technique?
History of technology
Decoupage - this method of fixing on a prepared basis paper with a pattern applied to it. The origins of this technique lead to the Middle Ages. In Germany, pictures were cut out in the 15th century and decorated with furniture. After the surface was covered with several layers of varnish, so the pattern is covered today. Thanks to this, the image lasts a long time. Such an application allowed furniture makers to imitate expensive attributes. Exclusive models sold at a higher price. But even today such masterpieces are expensive.
Decoupage base
The basis of a panel made using decoupage technique can be an object made of any material. The main characteristic of the base - the material should be characterized by poor absorption. So, decoupage panels are often made on:
- Plywood. The surface can be either machined or not.
- A tree. Any degree of processing is suitable (sanded or not, varnished, painted, with or without impregnation). Given the surface features, some work may be required for preparation. It depends on the time to prepare the foundation.
- Glass and products from this material.
- Pottery, faience, porcelain.
- Plastics - smooth or rough, painted or transparent.
The list of materials on the surface of which can be made using decoupage panels is quite large. For this purpose, it is not recommended to use a porous surface with irregularities. You can decorate almost everything in your house: from flower pots and utensils to doors and furniture.
Tools for work
It is necessary to prepare a minimum of tools and materials for making panels yourself. Decoupage can be performed if:
- scissors;
- tassels;
- palettes;
- roller;
- pencil and eraser;
- rulers.
Scissors must be sharp. It can be both medical, stationery, and manicure. You can prepare several types with different shapes of blades.
It is necessary to prepare several rollers of different sizes. Of course, you should not use tools for painting walls. The rollers should be small - a few centimeters wide. They can be used to apply the first coat of varnish or paint the base.
Brushes - a necessary attribute of the manufacture of decoupage: paintings, panels. For small works, it is necessary to prepare flat brushes with a width of 0.8 to 2.5 cm. The pile should be artificial, thin. These brushes easily apply glue and varnish.
But it is recommended to apply acrylic paint with a sponge. It is necessary for repainting the base, which then becomes rough. To make the surface smooth again, use a larger brush.
Subtle art brushes are used to emphasize and draw details. The palette must be prepared for mixing colors to get the desired shade. But if there is none in the household, you can be content with plastic covers or disposable plates.
Expendable materials
Of course, you need to talk about consumables. Many will now think about napkins, but about them later. In order to make a decoupage of a picture, a panel with your own hands, you will need:
1. Acrylic paints. They are necessary for tinting, emphasizing the picture. Using paints allows you to complete the picture assembled from pieces.
2. Glue. You can buy special glue for decoupage, but it is expensive. Many needlewomen advise using ordinary PVA glue. The result is almost the same.
3. Acrylic water-based varnish. This option is more acceptable compared to others, but it can also be used. The advantage of this material is that it does not darken over time and does not have an unpleasant odor. Varnish can be either ordinary, transparent, or with various effects (antique, glitter). The surface can be glossy, matte, semi-gloss, semi-gloss. You can use either ordinary construction varnish or special for decoupage. The latter is more expensive.
4. Sandpaper. It is advisable to use sandpaper with small or medium grain, several gradations. Of course, you need to consider the surface of the material. For sanding wood for the first time, it is better to choose paper with grain 250-400, finishing finishing requires the use of material with grain 600-800. Sandpaper will also be needed at the final stage, when all the imperfections of work will be removed after drying.
5. Soil is used for wooden surfaces to reduce its absorbent properties.
6. Putty on wood is necessary to eliminate imperfections on the tree.
So, everything is ready, now you can start making do-it-yourself decoupage panels, paintings.
Paper, napkins
For making panels using decoupage technique, use napkins or paper with a pattern already applied to it. It is glued to the surface of the material, varnished.
For decoupage use:
- Three-layer napkins. Use only the top layer with a pattern. But it is rather difficult to work with this material. It is thin, stretches, tears, bubbles. With wipes you need a certain skill.
- Cards on decoupage paper. This is plain printed paper. Ideal for sticking on a flat surface.
- Decoupage card on rice paper. This is a canvas with a pattern of mulberry or rice fibers. It stretches well, does not deform, and is elastic.
Napkin decoupage techniques
Many people want to decorate their home with handmade work. The decoupage technique is ideal for this. A photo of a panel made of napkins will look perfect in any interior.
Napkin decoupage begins with the preparation of the base. The surface should be flat, without flaws. You can use putty and sandpaper. After the surface is coated with primer and coated with white paint.
On a flat surface you can glue a full napkin. Cut or torn fragments must be glued onto the curved base. It all depends on the image. If large elements are present, they are best cut.
How to glue? Expert Advice
So, how to make a decoupage of a picture of a panel with your own hands? A photo of such beauty attracts, imagination is immediately played out. The main thing is to prepare everything you need and you can begin to work. How to glue a napkin? To do this, you can use:
- special cream;
- varnish;
- glue stick;
- egg white;
- PVA.
Beginners often use the latter option. You can apply the adhesive in a diluted state in a ratio of 1: 1. Adhesive can be applied both to the decoration object and to the napkin itself. There are 2 techniques for applying glue to a napkin:
- Apply glue to the surface of the napkin, apply the middle to the base. From the middle to the edges, smooth the pattern, expelling the air and leveling the folds.
- Apply glue to the middle of the napkin, apply it to the base and align it with the same method.
In the same way, we apply the remaining elements to the surface.
Final stage
The object needs to dry. After its surface is covered with water-based acrylic varnish. First apply the first layer and wait for it to dry completely. After the procedure is repeated. On products that are often in use, you can apply 2 more additional protective layers.