Any boring and nondescript item can be turned into a work of art. All you need is a little patience, perseverance and a set of the simplest materials that you can buy at any stationery store. This article will focus on decorating a wooden box using the decoupage technique.
What is decoupage?
Decoupage is a technique for decorating a surface with a carved pattern or ornament. The drawing is glued to the surface of the object and fixed with a layer of transparent varnish. The most commonly used paper elements of decor. For pasting complex surfaces, it is more convenient to use napkins, they are much thinner than paper, so they are easier to stick to surface curves.
The first mention of decoupage dates back to the 15th century. Chinese craftsmen used pictures to decorate furniture. Later, in the 17th century, this technique began to be actively used by Europeans, when furniture from Asian countries came into fashion. Skilled craftsmen glued pictures to furniture and covered the surface with 30 layers of varnish.
Decoupage of the modern world is represented not only by the decor of hard surfaces, but also by the processing of fabrics and leather. Decoupage is used in various directions and styles, but most often this technique is typical for furniture and accessories made in a classic style.
Wood decoupage for beginners
If this is your first time trying to create a work using the decoupage technique, then take an object with clear and even edges. Decorating such surfaces is much easier compared to round or distorted surfaces.
Decoupage of wooden boxes for beginners will be more accessible when using drawings on thick paper. They are easier to stick to the surface, so there is much less chance that you will ruin the image. The drawing must be made on the basis of water-insoluble paints. Otherwise, when processing with glue, the pattern may leak and smear.
Don't choose too complicated compositions. Cut out the image carefully, paying attention to small elements. The more detailed you cut out the picture, the more interesting and attractive it will look in the final version. If the picture has a suitable background, then it is better not to use scissors to create a template. It is enough just to cut off the picture along the contour so that the edges remain torn. This will make the image fit better with the design of the item.
Preparing the wood surface
The surface of the tree must be carefully processed before starting to fix the picture. If there is old paint on the surface, you need to remove it with a scraper. Remove all mechanical impurities.
The entire surface of the object must be treated with sandpaper. After that, a primer is applied. The primer coat must dry completely. This is followed by another stage of sanding and an additional layer of soil. The surface must be smooth and even.
If there are small cracks or gaps on the surface of the wood, then it is necessary to fill them. For these purposes, putty on wood is suitable. If you plan to make an antique item, then all surface flaws should be left and even emphasized on them. Additional flaws and cracks can be made.
Decoupage wooden box
The surface of the drawer must be treated with sandpaper, paying attention to hard-to-reach places. Prime with primer and sand again. Then apply another coat of primer. To make the whole process visual, before starting work, it is better to watch a detailed master class for decoupage wooden boxes.
When choosing a background color, take into account the color scheme of the image that will be glued to the box. The most commonly used decoupage of a wooden box in white, it looks very aesthetically pleasing and fresh. Apply the paint in an even layer on the surface of the wooden box. Once dry, apply another coat of paint.
Now you can startcreating a composition. Napkins are suitable as a base with an image. When they come into contact with the surface treated with glue, they immediately take the desired shape. Place napkins carefully. With the wrong movement, they can tear or gather into an "accordion". If the napkin is two-layer, then we leave only the layer on which the pattern is applied. Do not use scissors to separate the design, just carefully tear off the image along the edge. Glue the napkin to the surface of the box with PVA glue, wait until the surface dries. You can use different types of paper materials and even fabrics. The method of fixing a pattern on a fabric basis is exactly the same as in the case of a paper pattern. After the drawing has dried, treat the entire surface with varnish in several layers.
Decoupage retro flower boxes
The surface of the box must be sanded and leveled. After that, a layer of white paint is applied. After the paint has dried, we again process the surface with sandpaper. To achieve the effect of aging, we use dark paint. For this purpose, the color of burnt umber is ideal. It is not necessary to apply it evenly, the main part of this layer will be covered.
The dried layer of dark paint must be treated with candle wax. This should be done casually, not over the entire surface. In places where the wax sticks to the surface, there will subsequently be small bald spots, and they will give the effect of old age.
Next layerwill be final. Take a paint of a suitable color and treat the entire surface of the box with it. Lightly sand the dry surface so that dark gaps appear in some places. Decoupage of a wooden flower box is best done using pictures corresponding to the plants that will be placed in this container. Now you can start fixing the pattern and varnishing the product.
Finishing the surface of the drawer
Several layers of varnish must be applied to create a protective coating that will give the product a wear-resistant property. In the photo - decoupage of a wooden box, made using several elements. Lacquer should be applied in a thin layer. The application of the next layer is possible only after the previous layer has completely dried.
The choice of varnish depends on the desired properties of the future surface. You can take a glossy varnish, then the surface of the box will be shiny. Matte varnish will create a "rough" surface that will not glare. Tinted varnish will change the color of the product. It must be used with caution, as a large number of layers can create a very bright shade, against which the pattern will be lost.
You can apply varnish with a small roller. To cover hard-to-reach places, it is more convenient to use a brush. In order for the varnish to lay down in an even thin layer, you can use a spray gun. If you decide to use this particular method, take care of the safety of the respiratory system.
In conclusion
Designer wooden box can be used as a container for storing any things or presented as a box. A drawer turned on its side can be a coffee table or a bedside table. You can make a whole composition consisting of several wooden boxes, which will be arranged in several rows. This design is convenient to use as a bookcase.
