Decoupage Basics Part 3: Blending & Finishing
In the last of our Decoupage Basics series, we talk all about how to finish off your papers and how to use paint to blend your decoupage papers to create one cohesive image.
In part one of our Decoupage Basics series we discussed different papers and how to prepare both your papers and your surface.
In part two we went on to discuss different glue mediums and how to apply them.
How To Finish Your Decoupage Paper
1 - Once you have glued your paper you will need to add another layer or two of your medium to seal it. You want the surface to be robust enough for use and to keep your paper fully glued down.
2 - If you have any paper overlapping the edges the easiest and neatest way to remove it is by sanding. Using a medium grit sandpaper, gently rub the edges, making sure to sand away from your paper.
Note: If you sand towards your paper you may pull up the lip.
3 - If any edges of your paper come up after sanding, use your glue medium to glue them back down.
How To Blend Your Paper Using Paint
Blending is a great way to create one cohesive image if you have used multiple decoupage papers, or parts from different ones. It's also a great way to blend your image into the final paint colour you want to use, especially when you have used a white or light colour under your paper that isn't the main colour.
In the video below we show you how we do it.
1 - Use small artist brushes. We like using these brushes by Staalmeester as they work well with the thickness of our premium chalk paints.
2 - Choose the colours you want to use. If you need to fill any holes or gaps, use colours that are similar to those on your paper. You'll also need the main paint colour that your are using on your piece.
3 - Using your artist brush, gently press or 'tap' the colours that you are using onto your paper. This is a fun way to get creative and add layers of colour!
If you don't have all the right colours, mix together different colours that you do have, remembering the basic principles of colour mixing - yellow and blue make green, yellow and red make orange, blue and red make purple, etc.
4 - Repeat using your main paint colour to blend the edges of your paper into the rest of your piece of furniture.
Use this main colour to cover any gaps in the image too, this helps to blend the image into your piece of furniture.
5 - Keep building up layers until you're happy with the finish.
6 - Seal your chalk paint finish as normal, with either wax or lacquer.
