Decoupage is a great way to upcycle a glass object.Whether you want to make a one-of-a-kind flower vase for your room or you are thinking of decorating jars for a holiday gift, this is an easy craft project that anyone can do.Your imagination is the only limit to what you can do.
Step 1: You can protect your work surface with a craft mat.
If you want to protect your table, desk, or countertop from getting covered with glue, it's a good idea to put down a protective layer before you start.A craft mat is a great way to protect a work surface, but layers of newspaper will work if you don't have a mat.If you don't have a craft mat or newspaper, you can tear a trash bag and lay it down.
Step 2: Use soap and water to clean the item.
Dust, debris, and oils from your skin can affect how well glue sticks to your item.You can dry the piece with a lint-free cloth if you wash it first.Put an alcohol pad on the surface of the glass and let it dry.If you don't have any alcohol pads, rub rubbing alcohol onto a lint-free cloth and wipe down the glass.The cotton ball could leave fibers on the glass.Before you clean the glass, make sure to remove any stickers or labels from it.
Step 3: Take your images and cut them out.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to decoupage.You can use a design you like.You can put together several smaller pieces, lay down one larger sheet, or layer multiple pieces with a background.To fit the glass, cut out the image you want to use.If you are decoupaging a curved piece of glass, make sure to account for the curve when choosing the size of your paper.Don't use glossy images, like magazine pages.The image can bleed when you apply glue to the paper.
Step 4: If you only have a single copy of your artwork, make laser printer copies.
When you apply the wet glue to your paper, it may tear.A small tear could ruin your project if you only have one copy of your paper.If you make a mistake, you can just start over.An image from an inkjet printer is more likely to bleed than one from a laser printer.If you use vintage images, they may not accept glue well, so a laser copy will adhere to the glass better.If you only have one option, use low-moisture content glue.
Step 5: Attach the craft brush to the water with glue.
It can be difficult to spread Decoupage glue over a non-porous surface.To thin it out, dip your craft brush into a bowl of water and then into the glue.If you use decoupage glue for a non-porous surface, you don't need to thin it out.It's a good idea to try a little on the glass.You can apply it as-is if it goes well.You can either dip the brush directly into the glue container, or you can pour a small amount of glue onto a shallow plate or bowl.There are craft supplies that sell decoupage glue.The most popular glue used for decoupage is Mod Podge, but other brands will work as well.You could use water to thin out the glue.
Step 6: Attach a thin layer of glue to the artwork.
Spread the glue all the way to the edges.To make sure you get even, complete coverage, dip the brush into the glue again.First, brush the glue onto the glass.It's important to use thin layers of Mod Podge.The paper may tear.When using more than one piece of paper, put them on one at a time.You can dry them to avoid tearing them.
Step 7: The artwork needs to be pressed against the glass.
Begin at one edge, and gently lay your paper or fabric onto the surface of the glass a little at a time.Don't worry about air bubbles yet, just try to get the paper spread out without any folds or tears.If you put the image on the outside of the glass, place it face-up.If you want to see the object through the glass, place it face-down.
Step 8: Extra glue should be added if the paper overlaps.
If your image has wrapped all the way around the outside of the glass, or if you are putting one piece on top of another, use your brush to apply a little extra decoupage glue along the seam.As the paper is drying, it won't lift up.
Step 9: To remove air bubbles, use your fingers or the edge of an object.
Smooth out any visible air bubbles after you have the artwork in place.Start at the center and work your way out to the edges.You can glide a flat object like a credit card or rubber brayer along the back of the artwork, or you can do this with your fingers.
Step 10: It should be dry for several hours or overnight.
Let the glue dry after you apply all of the paper.Allow several hours for the glue to set because the paper will be the most fragile.For an exact drying time, read the label on your container.
Step 11: On top of the image, apply a coat of glue or top coat.
Once the original coat of glue has dried, use your brush to lightly smooth another coat over the entire piece of artwork and the glass around it.The glue will seal the image into place if it overlaps the edges of the paper all the way around.If you don't need a separate product, some decoupage glue works as both a glue and top coat.Read the instructions carefully because other glues require you to use a separate top coat.
Step 12: The top coat should be dry for 1-2 hours.
You want to give the top coat enough time to dry because it doesn't have to completely finish curing.After a few hours, remove the glue from the spot.Wait longer before applying the next coat if it feels tacky to the touch or leaves a print.Determine the exact drying time for your product by reading the instructions on the container.
Step 13: Continue until you have a smooth surface.
The number of coats you need depends on the thickness of the paper.If the artwork feels flush with the glass, cover it with a decoupage top coat.Once you have added your final coat, let the project dry.You may need to let the glass cure for a while depending on the glue and top coat you used.Do not submerge the finished item in water unless you used a water-proof glue.To clean the glass surface, use a damp cloth.