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Decoupage is a fun and easy crafting technique for both children and adults. To decoupage
an object or surface, you cover it in a mix of paper cutouts, photos, paint, and other
decorative finishes. After all the decorative pieces are affixed, you can varnish over the
entire surface so that the decorations have an inlaid appearance. Learning how to decoupage
a coffee can is a good way to get started with this technique; you can even start with
two coffee cans and teach this technique to a child.
Method 1 Preparing the Coffee Can
Remove the label and adhesive from the coffee can..
The coffee can's label can be easily torn away with your fingers. To remove any remaining
adhesive, soak the coffee can in hot soapy water. Then scrub the glue away with a scouring
pad. Sand down the sharp edges of the can..
Metal coffee cans tend to have a sharp edge along the circular opening where the lid was
removed. Use a sanding sponge to sand this sharp edge until it is dull enough to safely
handle. Method 2
Painting the Coffee Can Paint the coffee can's background if desired..
If you want the background of the can to show through, apply a layer of acrylic paint. Brush
the paint on in long, smooth strokes until the entire can is covered. The paint should
be dry in several hours. Method 3
Adding the Decoupage Affix decorative cutouts to the coffee can..
After painting the background, you can begin applying your cutouts. Images or shapes cut
from magazine pages work well, as do cutouts from photographs or craft paper.
Coat with an adhesive.. The easiest way to apply the cutouts to the
painted coffee can is by dabbing a bit of all-in-one decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge,
to the back of the cutout. Then, carefully press the cutout onto the can to affix it.
If you do not have a decoupage glue, you can mix regular white all-purpose glue with water
until it reaches the consistency of thin paint. This glue mixture can even be used as a final
varnish, as it dries almost completely clear. Seal the decoupaged coffee can..
After you have finished decorating the can, you can leave it as-is or you can seal it
to give it a more inlaid, professional appearance.
If you are using Mod Podge or a similar decoupage glue, apply several thin coats of the glue
over the entire surface of the coffee can. Check the product packaging for recommended
wait times between coats. You can also seal the coffee can using a thinned
mixture of craft glue and water. If you are worried about a hazy, translucent finish using
this method, test the glue mixture first on another surface.
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