DECOUPAGE WITH TISSUE PAPER ON WOOD

How To Decoupage With Tissue Paper On Wood

Decoupage is a perfect way to add beautiful print and pattern to your DIY wood projects.  You start with a piece of plain wood, add stain or paint if desired and then cover it with a beautiful print of your choice!

This project is simple and fun and it allows for lots of imperfection.  In fact, this is one of those crafts where it is best to go with the flow of things gone wrong and your finished piece generally comes out great in the end.

Who can ask for more than that?

***This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosures.

Let me tell you, it is fun to shop for tissue paper!  There are so many beautiful prints and colors available that, to be honest, you might get addicted.  The project possibilities are endless with this technique!

Please note that you can also use fabric or paper napkins with this technique, but I have never tried it myself.  I saw some very cute napkins in Hobby Lobby recently and I would like to try them out on some terra cotta flower pots. I will let you know how that goes!

Check out these adorable napkins that I found at Hobby Lobby: Donut Sprinkles, Wood Plank and Floral, and Lime Green Polka Dots.

Can You Mod Podge Tissue Paper On Wood?

Well, yes you can!

In fact, it is the best product that I have found to end up with a great finished piece.  Personally, I like to use the Matte finish, but you can certainly use Satin finish or Gloss finish if you prefer a bit of a shine.

I will tell you the one problem I have run into with Mod Podge! If you do not clean up your bottle well after using it, you will end up with a cap that will not come off.  And that my friends is 100% operator error.

The best way to clean up your bottle is to wipe the outside edge of the bottle and the inside edge of the cap with a wet cloth.  This will remove any excess.

Once the Mod Podge is dry your piece is ready to use.  Personally, I do not use Mod Podge for anything that I want to put food on.  I prefer to use it decoratively.

How To Decoupage On Wood

Ok, let’s talk about the “how”.

Gather Your Supplies

• Wood
• Paint or Stain (optional)
• Tissue Paper
• Mod Podge
• Foam Brush
• Plastic Wrap

The video below outlines how to decoupage on wood but you can also scroll below for a list of written instructions.  Be sure to read the list of things I want you to pay attention to below. Doing these items will ensure a great finished piece!

Step One: Measure your wood piece according to the size of your tissue paper.  I suggest that you allow for a bit of overhang so that it fits well.

Step Two: Brush a 2″ line of Mod Podge onto the bottom of your wood.  You want to move slowly up your board rather than applying the whole piece at once.

Step Three: Lay your tissue paper on the Mod Podge.  Use the plastic wrap to smooth it out.  Flatten out all of the bubbles.  There will be folds and creases, but that is all part of the process.  Do yourself a favor and focus on flattening the tissue paper rather than smoothing it out fully.

Step Four: Continue this process up to the length of your board until you reach the top.

Step Five: Add a layer of Mod Podge over the top of your tissue paper.  This is used as a sealer.

Step Six: Let the Mod Podge dry completely.

How simple is that?

Here are a few things to think about:

• The color of your wood will always come through the tissue paper so paint accordingly if you need to.  You can always cut the excess off with scissors or use sandpaper to remove it.
• I like to use chalk paint under the tissue paper.  White is my favorite since I always like a lot of white space on my projects.  Keep in mind that if you stain your wood you will probably want to keep it on the light side so that your tissue paper print will show through.
• Do not apply the Mod Podge too lightly.  You want to be able to see it so that it allows the tissue paper to adhere.
• The Mod Podge will dry clear in spite of the fact that it starts out white.
• Usually, I use more than one piece of plastic wrap simply because it becomes sticky.
• Do not worry about fixing tears as you will probably make it worse.  Once the Mod Podge sticks to the tissue paper, the paper becomes quite fragile.
• Be sure your tissue paper lays flat before it dries.
• Creases and folds in the tissue paper are totally normal and will not ruin your final project. In fact, I don’t even notice them in my sign.
• For an added distressed look you can sand over the top of the Mod Podge tissue paper once it is fully dry. I suggest starting off with a light sanding so that you don’t take off more paper than you want to.  Once it is gone, it is gone.
• Wood crates, wood trays, wood picture frames, wood furniture, and wood signs are all items that would look great with tissue paper decoupaged onto them.
• You can also use Mod Podge to decoupage tissue paper on metal, glass, terra cotta, and plastic.
• You can also use printed paper napkins or fabric with this technique, although I have never tried it.

Feel free to email me with any questions about how to Mod Podge tissue paper on wood.

Happy crafting!

Check out more DIY and craft projects:

How To Make A Gingham Stars Garland

Make A Tied Fleece Blanket

Sew A Burlap Basket 

$2 Pillow Cover Tutorial

If you like this post please be sure to PIN IT or share it on Facebook!

How To Decoupage With Tissue Paper On Wood