Hi Barbie,
PREP
Your tray can be left natural as-is or basecoated with paint or stain. If not painting, prepare your surface by sanding and wiping clean with a cloth. If basecoating with paint or stain, let dry completely before continuing.
1. Use a photocopy done on MATTE photo paper. You want it to be able to absorb the decoupage medium. You then will want to lightly spray the photo copy with 2 to 3 coats of clear acrylic spray to set the ink before decoupaging it. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next then be sure it is completely dry before you continue.
2. Decoupage is the art of gluing and sealing a print to a surface so you will use the decoupage glue to apply the print to the surface then apply the decoupage medium OVER the print to seal it to the box. Be generous with your glue. It will assure a good bond.
3. Once all of your prints are glued to the surface you should apply as many coats of decoupage finish as it takes to make the edges of the photocopies become level with the surface. You should not be able to feel the edges of your prints. If you plan to glue a trim around the edges of the prints or outline with dimensional paint then it doesn't matter but at least a minimum of 2 to 3 finish coats is recommended.
RAINEE’S NOTES: I recommend and use both Plaid's Royal Coat Decoupage Finish (my first choice) or Aleene's Instant Decoupage Finish. Both finishes dry to a nice clear hard finish. They are water based products so they will not yellow. I have used both products for many years with continued success. The Royal Coat also comes in other finishes such as Sepia and Antique to give your project an aged look.
** I don't care for Mod Podge. It is very temperamental to humidity changes and has a tendency to go milky and opaque. If you live in an area where there is high humidity it can also take forever and a day to dry. And it doesn't dry to the hard finish I prefer. The other two products dry like a good hard acrylic varnish should.
Most decoupage projects I read about on message boards that have 'gone wrong' were done with Mod Podge.
HELPFUL HINTS
- I suggest using a sponge brush to apply your decoupage medium instead of a bristle brush. The sponge brush will spread the medium evenly and will not leave brushstrokes in your dried finish. For a smoother finish lightly sand between coats.
- I like to apply the decoupage medium to BOTH the BACK of the print and the surface to ensure complete adhesion to the surface. Then after placing it on my project surface I roll over it with a brayer to flatten it and remove any existing air bubbles. An empty jar works well too if you don't have a brayer.
IMPORTANT: I would suggest doing a sample first just to get the feel of how many coats of spray sealer it will take to seal and protect your prints effectively before applying the decoupage medium on top of them. You could save yourself a lot of grief later.
Sounds like a great project - have fun!
"Welcome to reality would you like some popcorn?"
If we photo copy her photographs, should we use photo matte paper? No prob. Can we decopage with Mod Podge (trademark) brand product onto the wooden tray? I am afraid the paper will bleed the ink!! Any suggestions? Thanks a bundle!
