Découpage is basically cutting out paper images, glueing them on to an object and varnishing over them to create the effect of a painted surface.

Due to it's popularity, a wide range of gift-wrap and cards, plus interesting objects to cover are available, as well as finishes such as multicoloured sponging, weathering and distressing, antique crackling and gilding.

Découpage is really easy to do and the equipment one needs to get started is not expensive.

Pictures

These can be found on gift wrap, cards or books. If the paper is thick like a greeting card then photostat the picture, or use Genkem Transfer Glaze. Papers that are hard or glossy are inclined to leave ridges that are difficult to smooth out.

Cutting

One will need a very sharp knife and cutting mat, and also very sharp pointed scissors - embroidery scissors are ideal.

Planning

While choosing the best position for your pictures, stick them on with Genkem Genstik so they can be moved around without damaging them. When one has decided on one's design, put pictures to one side.

Preparing and Painting

Clean object well. If using a superwood product, sand until it is completely smooth and wipe clean.

Using Genkem Craft Paint or Sandtex Everlast PVA Acrylic, give article it's first coat of paint. A sponge applicator gives a good finish.

Genkem Guide to Découpage Page 2 of 3

Allow to dry and then sand lightly, smoothing it out.

Paint another coat and sand.

Do this several times until the item has an intense colour and a very smooth finish. The better the paint finish is, the better the end result will be.

If using a light colour, put on enough layers to cover the wood grain.

Hint
If a multi-coloured sponging or distressed look or aged look is required, one would do this now, before you stick on your picture.

Glueing

Paint a thin layer of Genkem Mod Podge onto object where picture is to go.

Position picture carefully and gently press down with the heel of your hand. It is very important to remove all air bubbles from under the picture. Start in the centre of the picture and work outwards.

Finally roll it with a roller to flatten the picture completely.

Hint
Apply Genkem Mod Podge onto object rather than the paper image as paper tends to curl up at the edges.

Building up Layers

This building up of layers is the most important step in découpage, because it determines the quality of your article. A good finish requires many layers of Genkem Mod Podge and sanding.

Paint several layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before doing the next, and sand lightly.

Paint each layer in the opposite direction.

Finish the final layer with a gentle sanding with fine sandpaper.

Remember, the more layers, the more porcelain the finish will be.

Finishing

Having built up layers, it is now time to choose the required finish - whether matt or gloss, if an antique crackle is required, does the item need to be heat resistant.

If the item is purely decorative, Genkem Mod Podge is sufficient. However, if it has to withstand a certain amount of wear and tear, or heat, it needs to be varnished.

Use a sponge applicator or a good quality paint brush to apply varnish. Work quickly and paint thin layers. Varnish dries fast, so don't overwork it, or you'll be painting over varnish that has almost dried which gets dragged down and creates ridges. Painting several thin layers is preferable.

For an ordinary finish use a few layers of a waterbased varnish such as Genkem Deco Gloss Varnish as this dries very quickly. Speed up drying time using a hair dryer.

For a heat and/or scuff resistant finish use a polyurethane oil based varnish such as Nova 17 Clear which dries very slowly. Apply 3 coats, allowing each to dry approximately 8 hours before applying the next coat. Sand with wet sandpaper which creates a milky residue. Wipe off.

Hint
Some oil based varnishes are inclined to give work a yellowish tinge. Take this into account particularly if using a colour which will not be enhanced by yellow. Also do not apply too many layers as the yellow tinge will become darker.

Final Touches

If an antique crackle effect is required, paint on the two different coats of Genkem Antique Crackle. These will react with each other, causing cracks to appear after a number of hours. Then rub with artist's oil colours, usually gold, silver or bronze. Finally re-coat with Nova 17.

Acknowledgements

Information supplied courtesy of Talking Threads.