Decoupage is the art of gluing pretty paper onto everyday things — a plain wooden box, a tray, coasters, a sign — and sealing it so it looks hand-painted. It's cheap, forgiving and fun for every age. Learn the basics below, follow our decoupage box project, then pick your napkins, papers and supplies.
Almost any paper works. These three are the favourites — each behaves a little differently, so pick the one that suits your project.
Three-ply napkins printed with gorgeous, detailed designs. Peel off the plain back layers and the thin printed layer melts into the glue — it looks painted on.
Heavier patterned paper and cardstock. It goes on flat with no wrinkles, covers dark wood completely, and is perfect for signs, plaques and box sides.
Printed decoupage tissue for layered, watercolour-style looks. Great for glass jars and lanterns where light shines through.
The basic method is the same for every project: prepare the surface, glue thin, smooth from the centre out, then seal. Here's the whole process.
Lightly sand bare wood until smooth and wipe off the dust with a damp cloth. Glass should be clean and grease-free.
Napkins are see-through, so paint one or two coats of white (or a pale colour) where the design will go. Let it dry completely.
For napkins, peel away the two plain back layers — you only use the thin printed top layer. Tear around motifs for soft edges or cut with scissors for crisp ones. Scrapbook paper just needs trimming.
Work on one small area at a time. Thin is the secret — thick glue is what causes wrinkles and bubbles.
Place it gently, then smooth outwards with your fingers, a soft brush or a bank card. For napkins, press through plastic wrap so the paper doesn't tear or stick to your hands.
Once it's dry to the touch (about 15–20 minutes), brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top, going right over the edges so they don't lift.
Let each coat dry, sand very lightly between coats for a silky finish, and finish with varnish or a clear sealer spray. Leave it to cure for 24 hours before using.
Our favourite first project: a wooden cigar box with a napkin-covered lid. Perfect for jewellery, keepsakes or a gift.
See the whole project from start to finish — a plain wooden box, one napkin and a bottle of Mod Podge.
Take out any loose parts, then sand all outside surfaces with fine sandpaper. Wipe away the dust.
Give the outside two thin coats of white acrylic. Leave the hinge and clasp unpainted. Dry 30 minutes between coats.
Lay the napkin over the lid and decide which part of the design you want on top. Mark the area loosely — leave 2 cm extra all round to wrap over the edges.
Peel off the two plain back layers so only the printed layer is left. Tear (don't cut) the edges for a soft, painted look.
Brush a thin, even coat of Mod Podge across the lid. Lay the napkin from one side to the other and smooth gently from the centre out through plastic wrap.
Brush a little glue on the lid edges and fold the extra napkin down. Snip into the corners so they fold flat. Tear away anything that hangs past the edge.
Repeat on the sides with smaller torn pieces, or cut strips of matching scrapbook paper for a sturdier finish. Overlap the pieces slightly.
When everything is dry to the touch, brush a coat of Mod Podge over the whole box. Dry, lightly sand with the finest paper, and repeat once or twice.
Finish with two coats of water-based varnish for a durable, wipeable box. Let it cure for 24 hours with the lid open.
Paint the inside a matching colour, line it with scrapbook paper, add a gold edge with a paint pen, or crackle the sides for a vintage look.
Pair a surface with a napkin or paper and you've got a project. Each idea links to the exact items we used.
Paint the box white, then wrap the lid in a hibiscus napkin and let the leaves run over the edges. Seal with two coats of varnish.
You'll need: Wooden Cigar Box · Hibiscus Floral Petrol · Water-Based Varnish — 8 oz
A small hexagon box only needs one napkin. Tear out single roses and overlap them around the sides for a soft, painted look.
You'll need: Hexagon Pine Box · Pastel Roses · Mod Podge Matte — 8 oz
Trace the coaster on the napkin, cut just inside the line, and glue. Finish with 3–4 coats of gloss sealer so cups won't mark them.
You'll need: MDF Round Coaster 4" · Seaside · Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer Spray — Gloss
Scrapbook paper is thick, so it goes on flat and wrinkle-free. Cover the panels, distress the edges with sandpaper, then add a word with stickers or paint.
You'll need: Pallet Sign 13x10 · Citrus Bliss — Lemonade · Foam Sanding Block — Fine/Medium
Use a full napkin in the centre and a painted rim. Because food goes near it, finish with several coats of water-based varnish.
You'll need: 12" Wood Circle · Elegance Jaipur Cr/Gold · Water-Based Varnish — 8 oz
Cut out individual butterflies and "fly" them across a painted panel. Layer a few slightly off the edge for movement.
You'll need: MDF Art Panel 12x12 · Blue Morpho · 6" Craft Scissors
Paper mache takes glue beautifully. Tear the napkin into small pieces and patch them on — no cutting skills needed. Great for kids.
You'll need: Paper Mache Cross Box 4.5" · Pastel Dots Rose · Elmer's Washable School Glue
Remove the hooks, decoupage the board, then put the hooks back after the varnish is fully dry.
You'll need: Key Holder (3 hooks) · Bike Against Tree · Clear Varnish — Matte
Paint a dark base, brush crackle medium, add a light top coat and watch it crack. Then decoupage your paper in the centre.
You'll need: Pallet Plaque 16x12 · Hawthorne — Ethereal · Crackle Medium — 2 oz
67 designs in stock right now — 20 napkins per pack, 33 x 33 cm, $3.99. One pack covers a lot of projects.
12x12 patterned paper and cardstock — florals, citrus, leopard, chevron and seasonal prints. Thick, wrinkle-free and great for beginners.
Mod Podge, varnish, brushes, sandpaper and wooden boxes and surfaces ready to decorate.
Matte is the most forgiving for beginners — it hides brush marks and looks like paint. Use gloss if you want a shiny, glazed look. Both work as glue and sealer.
Scrapbook paper is easier: it's thick, doesn't tear and goes on flat. Napkins give the most beautiful "painted" look but need a gentle hand. Many people use paper on the sides and a napkin on top.
Use thin glue, smooth from the centre out through plastic wrap, and don't keep brushing. Or try the iron method: dry Mod Podge first, lay the napkin on top, cover with baking paper and iron gently.
Yes. Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol, then use Mod Podge as normal. Napkins and tissue look great on jars and vases. Hand-wash only.
Each coat is dry to the touch in 15–20 minutes. Leave the finished piece 24 hours before using it, and up to a few days to fully cure before heavy use.
Mod Podge alone isn't waterproof. For coasters, trays and anything that gets wet, finish with several coats of water-based varnish or a clear acrylic sealer spray.
It's perfect for kids. Start with paper mache boxes and torn pieces of napkin — no cutting precision needed — and washable school glue thinned with a little water.
Browse every design, pick your box and ask us anything about your project. Arts from the Heart, 9 L.B. Scott Road, Cul de Sac, Sint Maarten — open 9 to 6.
