How about creating a magnificent family heirloom? A technique that has been around for a very long time, namely “poor man’s work ”, is ideal for this purpose. Decoupage is an affordable craft for achieving long lasting results.
Materials:
- Dala Craft Paint (100ml)
- Dala Podge (500ml)
- Dala Acrylic Matte Glaze Medium or Dala Deco Varnish
- Dala Powder Glue
- Dala Craft Glue (optional)
- Giftwrap
Equipment:
- Small pair sharp scissors
- Small square sponge
- Broad paint brush
- Matt Polyurethane varnish
- Turpentine
- Newspaper
- Waterproof paper (800 and 400 grit)
- White furniture polish
- Soft cloth
Procedure:
Prepare the gift-wrap:
- Line working area with old newspaper.
- Using the sponge apply two coats of Podge onto the gift-wrap.
- Allow Podge to dry between coats (it goes milky and dries clear).
Tip: Podging the giftwrap prevents the printer’s ink from being rubbed off and reinforces the paper for cutting and gluing.
- Cut out the paper designs using a small, sharp pair of scissors.
Prepare the toy-box:
- Paint the wash onto the toy-box and allow to dry.
- Sand the entire box with water and 400-grit waterpaper.
- Allow to dry and apply another coat of wash to the toy-box.
- Once the wash is dry, you might want to waterpaper (sand) the toy-box again – allow to dry.
Tip: To make a “paint wash“, dilute craft paint with water (50%) and add ± 10% matt acrylic glaze medium. Warning: If making a dark colour wash use deco varnish instead of the matt medium.
Gluing:
- Apply the glue to the back of the giftwrap and on the toy-box where you want to apply the design (this will allow you to change your mind about the positioning of the design).
- Use your finger to secure the centre of the design, work out toward the edge, allowing air bubbles to escape with the excess glue.
- Use a damp cloth to remove the excess glue.
Tip: Mix powder glue as per instruction with 20% craft glue. This mixture has an extended drying time, allowing for the design to be moved.
- Finishing the toy-box:
- Once all the designs have been glued and allowed to dry, apply six thick coats of podge with the sponge. (Allow to dry clear between coats.)
- Sand the entire box with water and 400-grit waterpaper. Be careful not to sand too much along the ridges of the design.
- Wipe the excess water with a damp cloth.
- Apply two coats acrylic matt glaze medium, allow to dry clear between coats.
- Water sand lightly with 800-grit waterproof paper for a smooth finish. (Wipe off sanding residue with a damp cloth.)
- Apply two coats polyurethane varnish (allow 12 hours between coats)
Tip: For a super fine finish, waterpaper (sand) one last time using 800-grit waterproof paper. Apply white furniture polish; allow to dry before buffing to a fine sheen.
- Antique crackling:
- (Optional) before applying the polyurethane varnish antique crackling may be applied to create an aged effect.
- With a broad paintbrush, apply a thick even coat of antique crackle.
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