LITTLE WHITE BIRD

• Check where you'd like to position the paper, taking note of it's central image and the placement of any drawers/hardware.
• Spread a layer of full strength PVA glue all over the surface, working to achieve an even and thin coverage (very important as globs can cause bubbles!). This will immediately start to go tacky.
• Very lightly mist the back of the paper with water before applying (invest in a Continuous Mist Bottle if you don't have one, they’re invaluable for decoupage and extending your open time when painting!).
• Attach the top edge of the paper to your piece, ensuring it's straight (gently pull away and reposition if necessary).
• Use a Decoupage Applicator Tool [LITTLE WHITE BIRD - Decoupage Applicator Tool | Aussie Decor] to smooth the paper, working down and from the centre out, pushing any air and excess glue to the edges. Lightly re-mist the back of the unattached portion of paper as you work down the piece (you can also lift the paper already applied and re-mist if there are any bubbles).
• Once applied, run the Tool over the edges to ensure they're well adhered.
• That's it! Leave to dry, ideally overnight.
• Once fully dry, if necessary, trim the edges using a very sharp blade [TIP - surgical scalpels are good for this]. Place the blade at a 45 degree angle to the edge of the piece and glide along (cutting at an angle means there won't be an edge to the paper, which could get lifted). Run your fingers up and down the edge - if you can feel it flicking up, run the blade at 45 degrees again and trim a little more. Note: if you're trimming the edge of a drawer etc., choose a nice, sharp edge. If the edge is curved, like the lid of a blanket box for example, and you are blending paint over the edge, cut the paper slightly wavy as it's easier to disguise.
• Seal the paper but be careful not to get it too wet as that will activate the glue, and create bubbles [TIP - use Polyvine Decorator's Varnish (as it dries in 15 mins), applied in long, smooth strokes with a microfibre-covered sponge]. Apply three thin coats, allowing it to dry in-between.
• Finally, lightly sand the edges of the paper to smooth the transition from paper to surface and then complete your design! [TIP - blend your paint, extend the design or use texture to disguise the edges using a paste [LITTLE WHITE BIRD - 3D Stencil Fiber Paste | Redesign With]].

Points to note:

• If you do find that small bubbles appear, it's most likely due to too much glue in those areas. Leave it alone overnight and they (fingers crossed!) will have shrunk back.
• If they don't disappear, it's possible to purchase tiny syringes, which you can fill with glue, inject a tiny amount into the bubble and smooth out with your finger.

 

Watch an application video by Michelle here > 

https://youtu.be/zztbfTIspyE

• Check where you'd like to position the paper, taking note of it's central imagery and the placement of any drawers/hardware.
• Paint this area white, with paint or primer (as MBM papers are translucent, white will ensure the colours remain bright).
• Apply a thin, even layer of glue across the very top of your piece, about an inch deep (any top coat will do but there are specific decoupage glue's which you may find make it easier to manipulate the paper [for example LITTLE WHITE BIRD - Decoupage Gel | Matte | Redesign With - available in Matte or Shine]).
• Place the paper in position onto the glue and smooth using a Decoupage Applicator Tool [LITTLE WHITE BIRD - Decoupage Applicator Tool | Aussie Decor] [TIP - the Tool is ideal for flat surfaces, if irregular - use balled clingfilm].
• Lightly mist the back of the paper (invest in a Continuous Mist Bottle if you don't have one, they’re invaluable for decoupage and extending your open time when painting!).
• Apply another small section of glue, approx. two inches deep and smooth. [TIP: use the bag the paper came in between the paper and tool - it will protect the paper and aid smoothing!]
• Continue to work down the piece, in small sections, misting and smoothing as you go. Take your time, ensuring all areas are smoothed and air bubbles worked out.
• If the edges aren't fully adhered, use a little more glue and smooth down.
• Allow to dry.
• Spray with quick dry clear spray varnish, as this prevents the paper from getting too wet and reactivating the glue which can cause bubbles.
• Once fully dry, use a very sharp blade to cut between any drawers [TIP - surgical scalpels are good for this].
• Dry sand the edges at a 45 degree to ensure the paper's flush to the edge.
• Complete your design! [TIP - blend your paint, extend the design or use texture to disguise the edges using a paste [LITTLE WHITE BIRD - 3D Stencil Fiber Paste | Redesign With]].

Points to note:

• MBM paper's are fine so if you feel at risk of tearing, use the spray varnish on the back of the paper before application to give it more durability.
• If small tears occur, they can be covered using paint and a small artist's brush.

 

Use the same method as for MINT by Michelle papers but there’s no need mist or use spray varnish (unless you want to!) - these steps aren’t necessary, as the papers’ innate fibrous quality means they are less likely to tear, wrinkle or bubble.