How To Decoupage

The Complete Guide to Decoupage: Furniture & Decorative Papers UK

Decoupage is a beautiful way to transform furniture and home décor into truly personalised pieces. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use high-quality papers such as Mint by Michelle, Three Yellow Goats, and Redesign With Prima to achieve professional, vibrant results. Whether you’re refreshing a favourite dresser or creating a bespoke home accent, our step-by-step tips will help you achieve smooth, bubble-free finishes and ensure every detail is perfectly polished.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

  • Decoupage papers: Mint by Michelle, Three Yellow Goats, Redesign With Prima
  • Decoupage glue (e.g., Redesign With Prima Decoupage Gel, Matte or Shine)
  • Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish (for sealing)
  • Decoupage applicator tool
  • Continuous mist spray bottle (optional, but invaluable for delicate papers)
  • Sharp craft blade or surgical scalpel
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Optional: 3D Stencil Fiber Paste or textured paint for blending edges

Step-by-Step Guide to Decoupage

1. Plan Your Layout

Begin by deciding exactly where you want the paper to sit on your piece, taking note of central images, drawers, or hardware. Paint the area white or with a light primer before applying any paper—this ensures the colours remain vibrant and true.

2. Apply Glue Carefully

Spread a thin, even layer of decoupage glue across the surface. Avoid heavy globs, which can cause bubbles. For delicate papers, lightly mist the back with water using a continuous mist bottle—this helps the paper lay smoothly and extends your working time.

3. Position the Paper

Attach the top edge first, making sure it is perfectly straight. Use a Decoupage Applicator Tool to smooth the paper from the centre outward, gently pushing any air or excess glue toward the edges. Mist sections as needed to prevent bubbles.

4. Secure and Trim Edges

Ensure the edges are fully adhered, applying a little extra glue if necessary. Let the piece dry overnight. Trim edges with a sharp craft blade or surgical scalpel at a 45° angle to prevent lifting. For curved edges, cut the paper slightly wavy—it will make blending with paint or texture easier.

5. Seal Your Work

Seal the paper carefully to avoid reactivating glue and creating bubbles. Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish works beautifully when applied in long, smooth strokes with a microfibre sponge. Apply three thin coats, allowing each to dry fully.

6. Finish and Refine

Lightly sand edges for a smooth transition from paper to surface. Blend or extend your design using paint or 3D Stencil Fiber Paste to create a seamless, polished finish.

Handling Common Issues

  • Bubbles: Usually caused by excess glue. Most will shrink as the piece dries overnight.
  • Persistent bubbles: Inject a small amount of glue into the bubble and smooth carefully.
  • Tears: Pre-spray the back of delicate papers with varnish for extra durability. Small tears can also be concealed with paint.

Decoupage Tips for Popular Papers

Mint by Michelle & Three Yellow Goats

  • Apply glue in small sections, smoothing as you go.
  • Use the bag the paper came in between the tool and paper to protect the design.
  • Mist the back lightly to keep the paper workable.
  • Trim and sand edges once dry for a polished finish.

Watch a step-by-step video tutorial here: YouTube

Redesign With Prima

  • Mist or spray varnish is optional; the paper’s fibrous quality makes it more forgiving.
  • Apply additional decoupage gel over the top immediately after positioning.
  • Let dry, then finish your design.

Extra tips:

  • Creases: Use a household iron on cotton/linen with parchment paper, or a clothes steamer to remove.
  • Oversized paper: Trim excess after glue dries with a sharp knife or sandpaper.
  • Smaller paper: Blend edges with textured paint or chalk pastes for seamless integration.

Redesign With Prima YouTube playlist: Decoupage Fiber Papers

Pro Tips for a Boutique Finish

  • Work in thin layers to avoid bubbles.
  • Always allow drying time between steps.
  • Use a continuous mist bottle for delicate papers.
  • Blend edges creatively to maintain a polished, professional look.
  • Take your time—the beauty of decoupage is in the careful attention to detail.

This guide provides everything you need to create elegant, vibrant decoupage pieces using high-quality papers. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll achieve professional, boutique-level results on furniture, home décor, and bespoke accents.