Decoupage papers are a beautiful way to transform furniture, home décor, trays, signs, canvas, and more. They are designed to be applied with a decoupage medium or adhesive, creating a seamless, professional-looking finish.
Supplies You'll Need
- Decoupage papers
- Decoupage gel or adhesive
- Soft paintbrush or foam brush
- Plastic scraper, brayer, or old gift card
- Scissors or craft knife
- Sandpaper (220–400 grit)
- Clear topcoat or sealer (optional but recommended)
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
- Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and wax.
- If painting, allow the paint to cure completely before applying the paper.
- Lightly sand glossy surfaces so the adhesive grips well.
Step 2: Plan Your Design
- Cut or trim the decoupage paper if needed.
- Lay it on the surface without glue to check placement and alignment.
Step 3: Apply the Adhesive
- Brush a thin, even coat of decoupage medium onto the surface.
- Work in sections if you're covering a large area.
Step 4: Position the Paper
- Carefully place the paper onto the adhesive.
- Start from one edge and gently smooth it outward to prevent wrinkles and air bubbles.
Step 5: Smooth It Out
- Use a plastic scraper, brayer, or your hands to gently press the paper into place.
- Work from the center toward the edges.
- If small wrinkles appear, don't panic—they often flatten as the adhesive dries.
Step 6: Let It Dry
- Allow the project to dry completely according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions (typically several hours or overnight).
Step 7: Seal the Surface
- Apply one or two thin coats of a clear topcoat or sealer.
- Let each coat dry fully before adding another.
- For furniture or tabletops, a durable furniture topcoat provides added protection.
Tips for Success
- ✔ Apply thin coats of adhesive rather than one thick coat.
- ✔ Handle the paper gently, especially when it's wet.
- ✔ Trim excess paper after it has dried for crisp edges.
- ✔ If bubbles appear, gently smooth them out before the adhesive dries.
- ✔ Practice on a small project first if you're new to decoupage.
Great Surfaces for Decoupage
- Furniture drawers and cabinet doors
- Wooden signs
- Serving trays
- Picture frames
- Canvas art
- Glass jars and vases (sealed afterward)
- Terracotta pots
With a little patience, decoupage papers can give almost any project a custom, hand-crafted look. The key is taking your time with placement, smoothing, and drying between steps.
View our Different Decoupage Paper Collections: