Decoupage is an art form that owes its existence to Siberian nomads who once used colorful varnished felt cutouts to decorate their tombs. Around the 12th century, Chinese peasants made the art form their own by using a dazzling array of dyed paper to decorate everyday objects in their humble abodes, such as walls, windows and lanterns. It was not until the end of the 17th century that Far East decoupaged lacquer furniture skyrocketed into high demand all over Europe.
Most paper products lend themselves to a decoupage project on wood; however, thin tissue paper may tear easily and should be avoided. Decoupage paper, cardstock, thick tissue paper, paper shopping bags, gift wrap, wallpaper, newspaper, book pages, magazines, rice paper, photos copied onto paper, paper lace doilies, foil paper and scrapbook paper are a handful of paper mediums that work well with wood. You even may use fabric, dried flowers or leaves depending on your expertise and the look you’re trying to achieve.
Raw wood should be sanded down and wiped free of dust. Unlike non-oil based wood, you will not be able to use standard, water-based glaze. Instead, you will have to use an oil-based varnish. If your goal is to paint your wood furniture before you decoupage over it, you will want to use either an acrylic paint and a standard, water-soluble decoupage glaze or an oil-based paint and an oil-based varnish finish, depending on your preferences.
Wooden tables and chairs can be turned into eye-catching conversation pieces with a little time and effort, as can dressers, headboards, nightstands and armoires. For smaller projects, decoupaging wooden craft, ammo, match and cigar boxes can catapult them from standard household items to high-fashion gifts for friends and family. Don’t forget that your child’s wooden rocking horse, toy car or airplane can be personalized with his or her favorite colors or characters through the art of decoupage.