How to Mod Podge – A Diamond in the Stuff http://adiamondinthestuff.com Wed, 11 May 2016 13:00:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.3 12 Decoupaging Tips http://adiamondinthestuff.com/2013/03/12-decoupaging-tips.html http://adiamondinthestuff.com/2013/03/12-decoupaging-tips.html#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:00:00 +0000 http://174.132.189.156/~adits/2013/03/12-decoupaging-tips.html
One of the biggest issues I see at my Craft Make & Take classes are problems with decoupaging. It is a learned process for sure. My friends seem to think I’ve become some kind of expert in the decoupaging department….which is not the case. I’ve just gone through the process so many times that I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. So I decided to write up a post, rounding up all of my 12 Decoupaging Tips into one place.
No 1: The first step to decoupaging is picking what medium you want to use for your project. Whether you want to make your own or use store bought, this brand or that, and matte or gloss….you need to decide. Right now I find myself using Mod Podge Matte on a lot of projects.
No 2: The next step is cutting your paper to the size of the surface you want to cover. I hold my paper over the wood (in this case) and use a pencil to mark the outer edges where I will want to cut the paper. If you want the paper to be slightly smaller than the surface space your working with, then just move your pencil line in the desired amount.
No 3: I always use my large 12in straight paper cutter while cutting my paper. It would be a miracle for me to cut a straight line by hand. I just line up my pencil marks on the paper cutter and cut away!!!
No 4: Once the paper is cut, it’s very important to check the size of the paper. If there is any trimming that needs to be done, now is a good time to do it!!! But just in case there is any overhang after this step….don’t worry we can fix that (later)!!!
Ok now it’s actually time to start decoupaging!!! THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP, so I’m going to break it into two steps….
No 5: The amount of Mod Podge I use is directly related to how thick my paper is. The thicker the paper: the more Mod Podge you can use. The thinner the paper: the less Mod Podge you should use. Just make sure you have good coverage no matter the amount of Mod Podge you use. You want to prevent the paper from becoming too saturated. The wetter the paper is, the easier it will bubble and tear.
No 6: I apply the Mod Podge to the wood surface first and then to the backing of the paper. This also helps prevent the paper from soaking up too much of the Mod Podge and getting too wet.
No 7: It’s time to add the paper to the project. I start by attaching one of the edges first, making sure that everything is lined up and straight. If the first time you lay it down doesn’t work, quickly peel it up and try again.
No 8: While you are laying down your paper onto the wood surface, use some kind of straight edged tool (you can use a credit card, vinyl tool, or pampered chef stone scrapper) to push the paper down onto the surface. You hold the non-attached side of your paper with one hand, scraping your tool towards you with the other hand, pressing the paper down with the tool as you go. Once the paper is completely attached to the wood, use the tool to smooth the paper down and get rid of any bubbles. Scrape from the middle of the project out to the edges to get rid of any excess Mod Podge.
No 9: If there are any stubborn bubbles, use a needle or sharp pin to “pop” the bubble. Simply poke a small hole into the paper and then use your fingers or scraper tool to push the bubble down. Still have some stubborn areas? Use the back of your finger nail to rub down problem areas. Just be very careful not to rip the paper.
No 10: Now comes a hard part. Waiting. You will want the Mod Podge to dry for a bit before putting on the top coat. Give it about 20 minutes to dry. If you can give it more time, great! If not, at least wait the 20 minutes!!! You will be very glad you did. The dryer the Mod Podge is the less bubbling issues you will have when putting on the top coat.
No 11: Once you have let the Mod Podge dry it’s time to take care of any paper overhang (remember step 4 when I said we’d take care of overhanging paper later on, now’s the time). I use some sand paper to remove any access paper. I hit the edge of the wood at an angle with the sand paper, the paper usually separates right where it is hanging over the edge. Make sure you remove any dust particles before moving on.
No 12: It’s the final step and time for the top coat!!! I use a foam craft brush to apply the Mod Podge to my project. I use long continuous strokes, covering the entire surface. Sometimes I go back after a few minutes and do another coat if I feel it needs it.
Alright, those are my 12 Decoupaging Tips!!! I hope I was able to answer some questions that you had or shed some light on a problem you may of been having. Have a question that wasn’t covered here….feel free to ask away!!!
Linking up to these great link parties!!!
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A Diamond in the Stuff
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