Step-by-Step Guide to Wrinkle-Free Napkin Decoupage with the Water Method

We are excited to share a detailed guide featuring Donna from Mason Creations etc. In this video, Donna demonstrates her technique for crafting beautiful, wrinkle-free coasters with high-quality products from our store. This project is perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters. Watch the video below to see Donna at work, and then follow our detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Wrinkle-Free Decoupage Coasters

You can use this method on any flat surface. In this video, we demonstrate on tile and MDF coasters, which are often used by crafters.

Step 1: Preparation of Coasters

• What You Need: A tile or MDF coaster, sandpaper, and alcohol wipes.
• Process: Start by sanding any bumps or uneven surfaces off the edges to ensure a smooth base. Some tiles are made with bumps on the sides for spacing. Once smooth, clean the coaster thoroughly with an alcohol wipe. This step is crucial to remove any dust, dirt, or oils that could interfere with the adhesive. If you are using an MDF coaster, clean it as well to ensure there are no oils from your hands or debris.

Step 2: Applying the Base Coat of Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer

• What You Need: Polyvine Multi-surface Lacquer.
• Process: Apply a thin coat of Polyvine Multi-surface Lacquer to the coaster. Donna uses a flat brush to ensure an even layer. This lacquer acts as both a primer and a decoupage medium. Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer is excellent for shiny surfaces like tile, glass, metal, or plastics. It creates a great surface for paint and glue to adhere, helping to prevent peeling and chipping. She also applies it to the MDF to give it a good base coat. Allow the lacquer to dry completely before moving to the next step. Donna uses a light colored Dixie Belle Chalk paint on the MDF coaster to give the napkin a light background that complements the napkin design. After the paint dries, she applies a thin layer of Multi-Surface Lacquer as the decoupage medium.

Step 3: Preparing Your Napkin Using the Water Method

• What You Need: Decorative napkin from Decoupagenapkins.com, water, plastic sheet.
• Process: Select a vibrant napkin and carefully separate the top decorative layer; this is what you’ll be using. Most napkins are 3-ply, meaning there are two white paper layers underneath the top layer. Ensure you have only the top layer left by checking that there is no white backing on the napkin. Lay this layer face down on a plastic sheet. Donna uses a cut plastic bag for this. Spray the back of the napkin liberally with water. Donna emphasizes that water is essential to manipulate the napkin without tearing. Gently stretch out any large wrinkles by pulling the edges of the napkin, not the center.

Step 4: Adhering the Napkin to the Coaster

• What You Need: Polyvine Multi-surface Lacquer.
• Process: Apply another thin layer of Polyvine Multi-surface Lacquer to the tile or MDF coaster. Lift the plastic sheet and flip it so the napkin is now face-up, and lay it onto the still tacky lacquer on your coaster. Using a dry paper towel, smooth out from the center to the edges to push out any air bubbles or minor wrinkles over the top of the plastic. As the napkin dries, it will shrink, pulling out any remaining small wrinkles. This method ensures a smooth, wrinkle-free finish without the risk and hassle of using a hot iron. Let it dry for a couple of hours before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Trimming and Sealing

• What You Need: Sand paper, sharp scissors or a craft knife, Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish.
• Process: After the napkin has dried onto the coaster, trim any excess edges to keep everything neat. Donna uses sandpaper to clean the edge of the tile. By using a light downward motion on the edge of the tile, the napkin will cut right off. Donna applies a coat of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish to seal the napkin in place. Although she could have just used the lacquer to finish this piece, she decided to make the coaster resistant to high heat, stains from coffee or wine, and water. Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish accomplishes all of these, as well as providing a crystal clear, diamond-hard finish which is ideal for coasters.

Step 6: Adding Artistic Touches

• What You Need: Pentart’s metallic paints.
• Process: For an extra flair, paint the edges of your coaster with metallic paint. Donna uses Pentart’s gold and silver paints to create rich, elegant borders that complement the napkin designs. Allow the paint to dry, then apply a final top coat of Heavy Duty Wood Varnish for extra protection.

We are grateful to Donna for her detailed tutorial and expert crafting tips. All the products she uses, including the beautiful selection of napkins, can be found right here at Decoupagenapkins.com.

Whether you're a novice crafter or looking to refine your skills, this project is perfect for enhancing your home decor or creating personalized gifts. Try it out, and don't forget to share your creations with us. Happy crafting, and remember to keep it wrinkle-free!