Wrinkles Be Gone: An Easier Way to Decoupage Napkins
Are wrinkles making napkin decoupage more frustrating than fun?
Napkins are wonderfully thin for decoupage, but that thinness can also make them prone to stretching, bubbling, and wrinkling once moisture is introduced.
In this tutorial, Donna from Mason Creations etc. shares what she calls the dry method—a surprisingly simple way to decoupage a napkin onto a curved seashell with a smooth, just-about wrinkle-free finish.
The big difference is that the adhesive does not go onto the shell first. Instead, the dry napkin is positioned exactly where you want it, and the decoupage medium is brushed directly over the top.
Watch the video below to see Donna demonstrate the entire technique, then follow the steps to try it yourself.
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Materials You Can Shop Here
You can shop the featured finishes and supplies below, then use the tutorial steps to bring the project together.
- Polyvine Multi Surface Lacquer
- Summer Napkin
- Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint
- Wax Rub
- Brushes & Tools
Also Needed
Seashell
Step 1: Start with a White Background
Donna's shell has a little discoloration inside, so she begins by painting the interior with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton.
A clean white background is especially important when working with napkins.
Decorative napkins are extremely translucent. Any dark colors, stains, or discoloration underneath can show through and change the appearance of the printed image.
White keeps the napkin colors bright and vibrant.
Let the paint dry before moving on.
Step 2: Separate the Napkin Image
Donna's napkin contains four printed images, but she only needs one for the shell.
Separate the section you want to use.
Next, remove all of the backing plies.
The napkin used in this project is three-ply, so Donna removes the bottom two layers and works only with the thin printed top layer.
If the plies are difficult to separate, gently scratch at one corner with your fingernail until the layers begin to pull apart.
Step 3: Position the Dry Napkin
Lay the single printed napkin ply over the inside of the shell.
Take your time positioning the design exactly where you want it.
At this point, do not apply any adhesive underneath the napkin.
That is what makes this technique different from traditional decoupage.
Step 4: Apply the Lacquer Over the Napkin
Donna uses Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer as both the decoupage medium and the protective finish.
With the dry napkin resting on the shell, begin brushing the lacquer directly over the top.
Because the napkin is extremely thin, the lacquer passes through the paper and bonds it to the shell underneath.
Step 5: Work from the Center Outward
Start near the center of the napkin and brush outward in every direction.
This is the key to Donna's dry method.
As you work, the brush gradually presses the napkin into the shell's curves and ridges. Moving outward helps smooth the paper before larger wrinkles have the opportunity to develop.
Continue working slowly until the entire napkin is attached.
You may still see a few tiny wrinkles, but they should be minimal and much less noticeable than the wrinkles often created when napkins are placed onto a wet adhesive layer.
Why Does the Dry Method Work?
Traditional napkin decoupage often starts with a wet layer of adhesive beneath the napkin.
The moment the delicate napkin touches that wet surface, it begins absorbing moisture and expanding. That can make repositioning difficult and encourage wrinkles to form.
With Donna's method, the napkin remains dry while you position it.
The lacquer is then introduced gradually from above as you smooth the paper outward.
That gives you more control over how and where the napkin settles onto the surface.
Step 6: Let the Napkin Dry
Allow the decoupaged shell to dry for a couple of hours.
Do not trim the excess napkin while it is still wet or soft.
Waiting until it dries makes it much easier to create a clean finished edge.
Step 7: Remove the Excess Napkin
Once the napkin is dry, use medium-grit sandpaper or a small sander to remove the excess paper hanging over the shell.
Work around the shell in a downward motion.
Avoid sanding upward because the finish is not fully cured yet, and upward sanding could catch the napkin edge and lift it away from the shell.
The sandpaper cuts through the napkin neatly and leaves a clean, precise edge.
Step 8: Remove the Sanding Dust
Wipe away all sanding dust before adding the protective finish.
Pay special attention to the shell edge where the excess napkin was removed.
A clean surface will give you a smoother final finish.
Step 9: Add the Protective Finish
Donna finishes the shell with Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer in Gloss.
She applies three coats, allowing at least two hours between coats.
The additional coats protect the napkin and give the shell a polished glossy appearance.
Step 10: Add a Gold Edge
Once the protective finish is complete, Donna adds Redesign DĂ©cor Wax in Eternal around the edge of the shell.
Apply a small amount of wax to a sponge dauber.
Keeping the pressure as even as possible, glide the sponge along the shell edge.
This creates a narrow metallic border without having to carefully paint a straight line with a brush.
An added benefit is that the gold can be seen from both the front and back edges of the shell.
Step 11: Buff the Gold Wax
Allow the wax to dry for several hours.
Then buff it gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Buffing brings out the metallic shine and gives the border a polished gold appearance.
Because this is a wax finish, it does not need another protective sealer over the top.
A Simple Way to Reduce Napkin Wrinkles
The beauty of this technique is its simplicity.
There is no complicated wrinkle-removal process and no need to struggle with positioning an extremely thin napkin over an already wet surface.
By placing the napkin dry and brushing the lacquer over the top from the center outward, Donna is able to conform the delicate paper to the shell's curves and ridges with very few visible wrinkles.
Although this tutorial uses a seashell, the same idea may be useful when experimenting with other surfaces where napkin wrinkles are particularly frustrating.
A special thank-you to Donna from Mason Creations etc. for sharing another practical technique that makes decoupage easier.
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