If you have ever wondered how to Design & Print Decoupage Paper, you will like this option! DIY Decoupage paper is easy, fun & budget-friendly! There are many options for paper choices along with countless options for graphics & designs!
Do you love the look of decoupage papers but have trouble finding the prints you want? Or are you looking for a less expensive option to buy printed decoupage papers?
Today, I am going to share with you the method that I used to design & print my own decoupage paper. I will be creating my designs using Canva.com, and printing them on tissue paper.
For a faster option using rice paper see my post & video DIY Rice Paper Image Transfers!
If you’d like to check out more DIY Transfer options you can find them 5 Easy Inkjet Printer DIY Image Transfers!
Other Decoupage Paper Options
For this tutorial, I am showing you one way to make a decoupage paper but you may use other paper options like:
- Printing on tissue paper, rice paper, printer paper, napkins, paper towels & paper table cloth
- Use printed paper table cloth, paper towel, or napkin.
- Stamping your design using an ink pad & stamps onto paper
- Printing out a copy of your own drawings or prints onto paper
- Using images from magazines & newspaper
- Using sheet music or book pages
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How to Make Your Designs
There are other ways to make decoupage paper however I wanted to try this method and had the items on hand. I will show you how I used online resources & a few materials & created my own paper prints.
- Find your image/graphics – For this project, I went to Canva.com to create my design using their PRO version.
- Click on CREATE DESIGN (upper right-hand corner), hit CUSTOM SIZE & then type in 11″x8.5″ (copy paper size).
- Now start applying the images using the ELEMENTS options (left sidebar). I recommend adding the images and sizing them first, layering smaller images on top. (If wanting to add images already on your computer just hit UPLOAD on the left-hand sidebar under elements)
- Add words by clicking on the TEXT option on the left sidebar. Look to the TOP MENU for FONT, SIZE & COLOR options 🙂
- I do add my bottom layer LAST because otherwise sometimes it is hard to see with it placed down first. You can find many options under ELEMENTS for this project I used a lace background.
- Once you are finished it is time to save your project. UPPER RIGHT CORNER you can NAME your project. Then DOWNLOAD & SAVE as a PDF Print file, You can also save as a PNG image to have an image of your design. Just be sure to print your paper using the PDF.
- Practice print – If you are piecing images together for a project one option is to print out the images on regular printer paper first & cut them out. Arrange each piece to ensure you have the right sizes.
Also, make sure you know which side of the paper your images will print on. Doing a test run allows you to X which side prints out.
How to Print our Your Decoupage Paper
- Take the printer paper outside to spray lightly with a REPOSITIONING spray adhesive. While that is drying for a few minutes head to #2. You don’t want your paper wet, just tacky.
- Cut the tissue paper to fit regular printer paper cut as many pages as you will need. I do always make an extra one in case of a printing error.
- Starting at one end of the paper (making sure it’s lined evenly to the edge) slowly smooth the tissue paper onto your paper.
- If you have completed #7 from above then you are READY TO PRINT! Print your page then wait and allow your ink to fully dry before removing the tissue paper from the paper.
Then SLOWLY remove the tissue paper from your printer paper. If you feel any resistance just start peeling from another end.
(The sticky paper can be reused quite a few times. Just place wax or parchment paper between each sheet for storing.)
Materials for Making Decoupage Paper
- white standard tissue paper (not super thin but a decent quality paper)
- printer paper
- repositioning spray adhesive (not spray glue)
- printable graphics from online
Tools for Making Decoupage Paper
- scissors
- inkjet printer (basic model)
- wax or parchment paper for storing
- color ink cartridge for your inkjet printer
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BONUS: Tips & Tricks to Applying Decoupage
Even though we are not applying our prints today I did want to share some tips with you that may help your next step of decoupaging run smoothly!
- Allowing drying time between adding layers helps to prevent tearing & ink bleed.
- Printing your images on the NON-shiny side of the tissue paper
- Applying a thin coat of Mod Podge (sealer) first onto the surface of the item you are decoupaging on, Then press your print paper where you want it. Then allow it to dry before adding your next layer.
- Applying your Mod Podge using an up a down patting motion vs brushing over the top of your prints (at least for the first coat of sealer)
- Make sure you know which side of the paper your images will print on. Doing a test run allows you to X which side prints out
Here is one way to apply decoupage paper. When it comes to Mod Podge or the sealer of your choice: more is less. My post & video here How to Give an Old Platter a New Look!, shows how I applied one set of prints that I made.
Pin now for later!
How do I Seal my DIY Decoupage Paper
I use the spray sealer from Rustoleum and have also tried Krylon Triple Glaze spray. If you are wondering if your favorite sealer would work on these transfers you can take a “scrap” piece of printed rice paper and test your sealer on it.
Apply two thin coats allowing them to fully dry between each coat for long-term durability and less chance of reactivating the ink.
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Shop this Post & My Favorite Products:
- DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch, Cordless Kit
- Reynold’s Freezer Paper – (for printable transfers)
- DAS Air Dry Clay (white clay) OR (terra cotta clay) OR (stone-colored clay)
- Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 16-oz, White
- *Rice Paper (for decoupage) – This is the exact paper and seller I purchase from
- Waterslide Decal Paper (for inkjet printer)
- E6000 glue – https://amzn.to/329hrZe
- *HP INKJET Printer (my HP model is no longer made but this is similar) – Basic, easy to use –
- Wax & Chalkpaint Brush – https://amzn.to/3kiZ5dQ
- Polycrylic Sealer by Minwax (Brush on)
- Water-Based Poly Sealer by Varathane (Brush on)
- 10 pcs Wooden Knobs (feet or toppers) – https://amzn.to/3ruQd9a
- Lavender (faux) is AMAZING for the price
- Oil-based Paint Marker by Sharpie (set of 3) –
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Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this post on “How to Make your own Decoupage Paper”.
Please share with me by commenting below if you have ever tried this method & how you liked it. What style of print is your favorite?
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