How to Decoupage: 7 Steps to Perfect Mod Podging

Do you want to learn how to decoupage the right way? This tutorial shows you the seven most important steps to Mod Podging correctly!

Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video that will show you the basics of applying paper to wood. It will help you start your decoupage journey on the right foot.

Do you want to be a perfect Mod Podger? Who doesn’t want to learn how decoupage and be great at it, I ask! I’ve been decoupaging for a long time, and I’ve got a tried-and-true method that I wanted to share with you.

Here are the seven steps I always take to get perfect Mod Podging, every time. If you want to learn how to decoupage correctly, keep reading . . . and scroll to the bottom for a great video!

What is Decoupage?

Before you start, you might be wondering – what is decoupage? I use the word in two ways. I use it as a noun with the Wikipedia definition: “is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and so on.” Mod Podge is a glue that you can decoupage with!

And I also use “decoupage” as a verb . . . such as, “to decoupage paper onto a surface.” With the Podge, of course!

How to Decoupage

STEP ONE: Prepare Your Surface

Before you get started, you want to make sure your project surface is ready. Clean your items or sand them with a damp cloth.

Almost any surface can be used to create a decoupage project. Suitable surfaces include wood, papier mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard, and glass.

Only SOME plastics are okay for decoupage – I recommend testing a small area before completing your entire project to make sure that the Mod Podge will adhere.

Optional: Basecoat your surface with acrylic paint. Many items need to be basecoated before decoupaging if your surface is unfinished. I recommend FolkArt, Apple Barrel, or Martha Stewart acrylic paints.

STEP TWO: Pick Your Mod Podge Formula

If you aren’t sure what to pick, that’s totally understandable  – that’s why I’ve written this Mod Podge formula guide that you should visit. It explains everything.

STEP THREE: Prepare Project Surfaces

Here a few tips you should know before beginning:

• Fabric – Wash and dry the fabric (do not use fabric softener). Iron (if necessary) and then lay out on a covered work surface. Wax paper is preferable for covering your table. Using a brush, paint a light coat of Fabric Mod Podge onto your fabric. Allow to dry. This will allow you to cut the fabric like paper without frayed edges.
• Paper – Most items, especially thicker papers and scrapbook papers, are ready to use with Mod Podge as is. If you are working with thinner sheets of scrapbook paper or inkjet printouts, it may help to spray your paper with a clear acrylic sealer before Mod Podging. Spray both sides and allow to dry before using.
• Tissue Paper – There is nothing that you need to do to prepare tissue paper, but just know that because tissue is so thin, it is very difficult to Mod Podge without wrinkles. The good news is that wrinkles are typically part of the charm of using tissue paper and add a little character to your surface. Mod Podge tissue paper carefully so that it doesn’t tear.

Cut out your paper or whatever it is that you are planning to decoupage. Experiment with design elements to determine the layout of your piece.

Add interest to your design by using large and small pieces, layering and overlapping elements and coordinating colors.

STEP FOUR: Cut Items to Fit Your Surface

Measure as necessary, with a ruler and a pencil, and trim your items to fit. You’ll be much happier if you cut everything to fit before Mod Podging instead of after.

STEP FIVE: Adhere Each Element With Decoupage Medium

Always start with the underlying design elements and work your way upward (when layering). Apply a thin to medium layer of decoupage medium to the surface.

Mod Podge dries

Too little Mod Podge and you will get wrinkles – and you can always wipe away excess Mod Podge. Place your item(s) to decoupage on top of the Mod Podge and move onto step six.

STEP SIX: Smooth, Smooth, Smooth

Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are gone. Then, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, let your project dry for 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t put a top coat on right away.

Tip for working with large pieces: smooth from the center outward. Air bubbles can be removed with the Mod Podge Tool Set. Use the squeegee with smaller items such as trays – it was developed specifically for getting into corners. Use a brayer for larger items such as furniture.

STEP SEVEN: Add a Protective Coat to the Project Using a Flat or Foam Brush

Allow to dry and then repeat. The number of coats you finish with is up to you, but we recommend at least two.

When you finish, if you experience any tackiness or just want to add durability, add a clear spray or brush-on sealer to the top. Let dry and you’re done!

EXTRA FINISHING TIP: For a very smooth finish, wet a piece of #400 grit sandpaper with water and sand lightly between coats. Wipe dry and polish with #0000 steel wool on the final coat.

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For more information on how to decoupage and an FAQ, go here! And if you need over 400 decoupage projects to try, you can find my project gallery here.

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Are you ready to get a visual on how to decoupage? Here are the basic steps of applying paper to wood using Mod Podge. Check it out! Just press “PLAY” in the center of the video.