How To Decoupage With Paper On Wood (Tutorial)

What Is Decoupage?

Decoupage is simply about sticking adhering paper onto a surface with glue and then sealing it for a nice finish. It’s very elementary and beginner-friendly. When you use it on wood, it looks like a painted-on or built-in design, which is super cute for farmhouse, vintage, or cottage style decor, especially when you apply the paper to old barn wood.

Picking the perfect paper for your decoupage is so much fun! I love the look of rice paper, napkins, tissue paper, printed paper, scrapbook paper, and even pages from old books.

Think of all the cool decoupage projects you could make! You only need paper, glue (clear coat), and wood with this decoupage tutorial.

What You’ll Need:

• Highland Cow-ture A-2 Rice Decoupage Paper (you can also use napkins, scrapbook paper, tissue paper)
• Clear Coat Satin Dixie Belle (Acts as glue and sealer), Mod Podge, or decoupage glue
• Soft synthetic brush or foam brushes
• Scissors
• Sandpaper 220 grit

How To Build A Rustic Wood Sign To Decoupage

So, before we get started with all the decoupage paper fun and the transformation of wood with pretty paper, I wanted to quickly show you how I made the rustic wood sign. The best part? It’s super easy, and anyone can do it, even if you’re a total newbie!

Start by grabbing some scrap wood pieces, old fence pickets, or even some reclaimed barn wood – honestly, any wood will work! You’ll have the ideal wood surface ready for your decoupage project in no time at all.

Here’s a quick visual video 🎥 tutorial on how to make a wood pallet sign. 👇🏼

Step 1: Prep Your Wood Surface

The key to a beautiful decoupage paper finish on wood starts with the proper prep. Begin by lightly sanding your wood to remove any rough areas and create a smooth surface for the paper to adhere to.

Usually, I like a smooth surface for decoupage so it looks perfect, but this project is different. The weathered wood I used is still a little rough even after sanding, but I really liked the rustic charm of the raised wood grain. I think it made the project even more unique and cool!

Once you’ve sanded the wood, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth so nothing interferes with the paper’s adhesion.

If you’d like, you can paint your wood beforehand as I did. Lighter colors tend to make your paper design stand out more, which works especially well if you’re going for a soft farmhouse look on your wood. Just be sure the paint is completely dry before moving on.

Step 2: Cut & Arrange Your Paper On The Wood

Before you glue, take a little time to cut your paper and see how it looks. Lay it all out on the wood and move it around until you love the design. This helps you avoid messing up once the glue is involved. Decoupage can be forgiving, but only so much.

If you’re working with napkins, remember to separate the layers and use only the top printed layer so the finish stays smooth and blends nicely into the wood.

Step 3: Apply the Glue (Clear Coat)

When you’re ready to begin, apply a thin, even layer of the clear coat (works as an adhesive and topcoat) directly to the wood. It’s best to work in small sections so the glue doesn’t start drying before you place your paper. Keeping your layers thin is important here, as too much glue can lead to wrinkles and bubbling.

Step 4: Apply and Smooth the Decoupage Paper On The Wood

Once the clear coat is applied, carefully place your paper onto the wood surface. Start in the center and gently smooth outward with your fingertips to remove any air bubbles. Because the clear coat is water-based, it’s easy to smooth, and you have a bit more work time than you do with Mod Podge. Taking your time during this step makes a big difference in the final result.

I was really pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to apply the paper over the raised wood grain on the boards.

If your paper is delicate, using plastic wrap or parchment paper on top helps smooth it out without ripping or stretching. It didn’t feel it was necessary for this project.

Step 5: Seal the Wood Surface

After the decoupage paper has completely dried on the wood, you can begin sealing the surface. Brush a thin coat of the clear coat over the top and allow it to dry fully before adding additional layers. Building up two or three coats creates a more durable finish and helps protect your design. For an extra-smooth, professional finish, lightly sanding between coats can make all the difference.

If you’re using a pallet sign with gaps, an exacto knife is your best friend for getting those super clean edges between the boards! It helps you achieve a polished look on your decoupage project.

For the edges of your decoupage, you have a few options: wait for the clear coat to dry and then trim the paper, or cut it right away. Just a heads-up, if you wait too long, the paper could get too wet and tear – no bueno for a clean look! I’ve tried both ways, so just take it slow, either way!

---

Decoupage Ideas For Beginners

One of the best things about decoupage is its versatility. It can completely transform furniture like dressers or cedar chests, giving them a custom, high-end feel.

It also works beautifully on smaller pieces like trays, wall signs, or even drawer fronts where you want to add a bit of personality. Great projects for beginners!

Whether you want a farmhouse style or something more vintage-inspired, this technique opens up so many creative possibilities. I just LOVE the look of decoupage paper on wood! 😍

Below are more decoupage tutorials if you loved this one.

• Decoupage Tissue Paper On Furniture
• How To Decoupage Furniture | Tutorial
• How To Make Decoupage Rice Paper Print Look Like A Painting
• Decoupage Paper | Easy How To Tutorial On An Old Door
• Rice Paper Decoupage On Wood Furniture Tutorial

The Result Of Using Decoupage Paper On Wood

From the get-go, I saw the flaws in this decoupage project. I’m a pro at finding those!

Hey, the pallet board sign isn’t square, and neither is the decoupage paper I trimmed with scissors. Why am I saying this? Because, let’s be real, nothing’s perfect, people or projects!

And even though it’s a little wonky, I still love it. It’s rustic, and the “wonkiness” (is that even a word?) makes it that much more charming to me.

Decoupage is an easy and fast way to change the look of your project without a lot of fuss, but the cool thing is how detailed and unique your stuff can get once you get the hang of it. With just a few supplies, you can turn plain wood into something super personal and awesome, making your DIY projects extra special.

It’s an easy way to put your own spin on your projects, and once you get going, you won’t be able to stop coming up with new ideas! Oh, and don’t forget to PIN this for later!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! Hope you liked this decoupage project. Let me know what you think, or if I missed anything – happy to answer your questions in the comments below!

Until the next project… xo, Do