Today, all old and dull things go to the trash. In the interior, they look boring. But don't 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 panel decoupage. In this case, all available materials and tools are used. The list of specially prepared items includes only paper and napkins. So, how to master the decoupage technique?
History of technology
Decoupage is a method of fixing paper with a pattern printed on it on a prepared basis. The origins of this technique go back to the Middle Ages. In Germany in the 15th century, pictures were cut out and decorated with furniture. After that, the surface was covered with several layers of varnish, so the pattern is covered today. Thanks to this, the image is kept for a long time. Such an application allowed furniture makers to imitate expensive attributes. Exclusive models were sold at a higherprice. But even today, such masterpieces are not cheap.
Decoupage base
The basis of a decoupage panel can be an object made of any material. The main characteristic of the base is that the material should be characterized by low absorbency. So, decoupage panels are often made on:
- Plywood. Surface may or may not be machined.
- Tree. Any degree of processing is suitable (sanded or not, varnished, painted, impregnated or not). Given the nature of the surface, preparation may require some work. The time to prepare the base depends on this.
- Glass and products made from this material.
- Ceramics, faience, porcelain.
- Plastic - smooth or rough, colored or transparent.
The list of materials on the surface of which panels can be made using the decoupage technique is quite large. For this purpose, it is not recommended to use a porous surface with irregularities. You can decorate just about anything in your home, from flower pots and tableware to doors and furniture.
Tools for the job
It is necessary to prepare a minimum of tools and materials for making panels with your own hands. Decoupage can be done if available:
- scissors;
- tassels;
- palettes;
- roller;
- pencil and eraser;
- rulers.
Scissors must be sharp. It maybe both medical, stationery and manicure. You can prepare several types with different blade shapes.
You need to prepare several rollers of different sizes. Of course, you should not use tools for painting walls. Rollers should be small - a few centimeters wide. They can be used to apply the first coat of varnish or paint the base.
Brushes are a necessary attribute for making 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 must be artificial, thin. These brushes apply glue and varnish with ease.
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, you need to use a larger brush.
Fine art brushes are used to emphasize and draw details. The palette must be prepared for mixing paints in order to obtain the desired shade. But if there is none on the farm, you can be content with plastic lids or disposable plates.
Consumables
Of course, we need to talk about consumables. Many will now think about napkins, but about them later. In order to make decoupage paintings, panels with your own hands, you will need:
1. Acrylic paints. They are necessary for tinting, emphasizing the picture. The use of paint allows you to complete the picture assembled from the 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 than 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, with sparkles). The surface can be glossy, matte, semi-gloss, semi-gloss. You can use both ordinary construction varnish and a special one for decoupage. The latter is more expensive.
4. Sandpaper. It is advisable to use sandpaper with fine or medium grain, several gradations. Of course, the surface of the material must also be taken into account. For sanding wood for the first time, it is better to choose paper with a grain of 250-400, finishing requires the use of material with a grain of 600-800. Sandpaper will also be needed at the final stage, when all the imperfections of the work will be removed after drying.
5. Primer is used on wooden surfaces to reduce its absorbency.
6. Wood putty is needed to eliminate imperfections on the tree.
So, everything is ready, now you can start making your own decoupage panels, paintings.
Paper, napkins
For the manufacture of panels using the decoupage technique, napkins or paper with a pattern already applied to it are used. 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 this material is quite difficult to work with. It is thin, stretches, tears, bubbles. Napkins require some skill.
- Cards on decoupage paper. It's 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. Stretches well, does not deform, elastic.
Tissue decoupage techniques
Many people want to decorate their home with handicrafts. For this, the decoupage technique is ideal. 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 must be smooth, without flaws. You can use putty and sandpaper. After the surface is covered with primer and covered with white paint.
A napkin can be completely glued onto a flat surface. On a curved base, you need to stick cut or torn fragments. It all depends on the image. If there are large elements, it is better to cut them out.
How to stick? Expert advice
So, how to make decoupage panel paintings with your own hands? A photo of such beauty attracts, fantasy is immediately played out. The main thing is to prepare everything you need and you can get to work. How to glue a napkin? Forthis can be used:
- special cream;
- varnish;
- glue stick;
- egg white;
- PVA.
Beginners often use the latter option. It is possible to use glue in a diluted state in a ratio of 1: 1. It is permissible to apply glue 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, the pattern is smoothed out, expelling air and smoothing wrinkles.
- Apply glue to the middle of the napkin, apply it to the base and align it in the same way.
In the same way, apply the remaining elements to the surface.
Final stage
Object needs to dry. After its surface is coated with water-based acrylic varnish. First, apply the first layer and wait for it to dry completely. After the procedure is repeated. Items that are frequently used can be covered with 2 additional protective layers.
