Crystal Clear Liquid Patina & Iron-On Decoupage Method

Four Products in one.  This is one of the best I have used especially for decoupage because it is so thin.  The clear liquid patina is a 4-in-1 product – Glaze, Topcoat, Decoupage, Transfer Gel

 

https://morningdewdrops.com/products/diy-crystal-clear-chandelier-liquid-patina 

Decoupage Paper

We recommend decoupaging with 18# weight decoupaging tissue paper. Of course, you can decoupage with heavier papers.  

Jami Ray Vintage (JRV Stencil Co.) offers an 18# decoupage paper and the products will be added to our Online Store for purchase no later than the end of August 2022.

 

 

 

 Decoupaging – The Iron-On Method VIDEO

 

THE IRON-ON DECOUPAGE METHOD TUTORIAL

Wood Surface

Make sure your surfaces are clean.  Wash off any cleaning solution you used. Even Dawn should be rinse off with clean water and this would be true for any substrate you are decoupaging.

Painting your surface with a lighter color of DIY Paint will allow the decoupage design to show up better. DIY Paint Bead Board, White Swan, Vintage Linen, Crinoline or Tarnished Pearl are good selections; so is Gravel Road, Petticoat Pink, any light pastels from the Cottage Collection and others.

Decoupaging

We recommend ironing your decoupage paper to get out the creases before  applying the decoupage paper to your substrate.  Use a low to medium heat with parchment paper on top and iron over your decoupage paper to get out the creases or wrinkles before applying the decoupage sheet.

Preparation: Apply one coat of the liquid patina vertically and let dry.  Apply the second coat of the liquid patina horizontally and let dry.  It makes no difference which direction to apply first or second.  Just make sure each coat is applied in opposite directions, so your substrate is covered completely.  Both layers must be completely dry.  

Always iron with the parchment paper over the decoupage sheet.

Once the liquid patina is dry, take the center of your decoupage sheet and align it with the center of the area to be decoupaged.  I usually start ironing in the center moving outward with the iron. 

Keep your iron on low-medium heat.  Do not let your iron stay in one place too long, just keep ironing and you can iron over it again a second time if needed.  All irons are different so check your settings by doing a sample piece.

Once you have ironed your decoupage sheet in place, you may see residue on the backside of the parchment paper and this can transfer if used again on that side.  So, I keep the parchment paper, but when I iron the piece again to seal the paper, I do not put the side that was facedown previously when ironed to adhere the paper.

After you complete your first ironing and once cool, the decoupage paper is adhered to the surface.  It is like the liquid patina and the decoupage paper became one because the heat from the iron reactivated the liquid patina. 

For Extra Protection from Moisture

There are people who do not seal or apply another layer of the DIY Paint Crystal Clear Liquid Patina to the decoupage paper, but I always do especially if I am going to add anything else to the top of the surfaced decoupage area or I am creating it for Home Décor items.

The liquid patina is thin, so brush strokes are minimal.  Apply a thin coat as your last application of the liquid patina.  Be sure to offload your brush before applying. The decoupage paper is already sealed at this point, so you do not need a thick layer. We are just adding additional protection from moisture and wear and tear.  We live in the South where humidity is high.

Your paper will more than likely bubble; no worries.  Let this application of he Clear Liquid Patina dry completely and the bubbles will settle back in as the surface dries.  Should you want to iron your decoupage after the final sealing, wait for it to completely dry and use the reverse side of the parchment paper to iron over the surface.  Remember the paper is already adhered, so a light ironing will do.

Glass/Metal - Intended for Flat Glass or Metal Surfaces

Again, make sure your surfaces are clean.  Wash off any cleaning solution you used.  Even Dawn should be rinse off with clean water and this would be true for any substrate you are decoupaging.

I have only used the iron-on decoupage method on silver trays that I first painted with a light color of DIY Paint.  I applied the Liquid Patina over the paint as discussed above and then decoupaged.

I have used the iron-on decoupage method on glass and the glass was not painted first.  Watch the temperature of your iron; do not press too hard.  If so, the glass could break.  Keep your iron on a low medium setting (between low and medium). 

I only use the Clear Liquid Patina when I decoupage smooth services like glass, metal or silver.  I put two layers of the Clear Liquid Patina as my base for adhering the decoupage paper and then apply it as a sealer as discussed above.  The silver or metals I have decoupaged were painted first with a light DIY Paint color.

There are times I apply two coats of the liquid patina to seal the top especially on trays that will NOT be hung on a wall, but instead may be used to display home décor items.  THIS IS NOT FOOD SAFE – the trays would be for décor only.  If you are going to serve food, I would use a food safe epoxy to seal the decoupage.

Glass and Metal surfaces will become hot.  Keep your iron between low to medium.  Keep your iron moving and do not leave it in one spot.  It is better to iron twice with constant movement of iron rather than keeping the iron in one spot. BE Careful after ironing, please let your surface cool.

Decoupaging on Raw Wood

Decoupaging on wood is easy.  I do not normally decoupage onto raw wood, but the Iron on Decoupage Method works well on raw wood.   

TIPS

You may prefer to cut or tear your decoupage paper depending on the look you want to achieve.  I keep my decoupage tissue piece a little larger than the area needed and once the last layer of the liquid patina is dry, it is easy to get a clean tear away.  I crease it at the edge back and forth before tearing.

You can paint over decoupaged paper.  If so, I recommend the additional sealing.  I watercolor over decoupage.  I layer decoupage sheets with cut outs of other decoupage papers.

If bubbles form again, they will disappear after paper dries again.  You could lightly iron that area if you want.  I do not do this often because there was not a need. 

It is better to stir the liquid patina rather than shake it.  This is true with DIY Paint too.

I take a piece of Saran Wrap after using the liquid patina and place it over the top of the jar and then screw the lid back on.  The liquid patina is an adhesive patina/sealer, so if some of the liquid patina gets on the rim of the opening and screw top, it sometimes sticks and is difficult to open.  The Saran Wrap or plastic wrap keeps the liquid patina from sticking to the jar and lid.  I use the same piece of plastic wrap over and over.  I fold the plastic wrap over one time, place it over the lid opening and screw on the top.  The plastic wrap sticks out of the top around the jar once closed.  I do not cut it to shape.

Should you forget the plastic wrap and find your jar hard to open – Get your tap water as hot as possible and fill small bowl about halfway with hot water.  I use a shallow bowl wide enough to place the liquid patina upside down in the bowl. Turn the liquid patina upside down in the hot water.  Let it sit in the water until the water is cool.  Try to open lid.  You may need to do this two times.  It works, but sometimes the second time is the charm. 

Best Practice - You may want to put a little of the liquid patina in a separate container, so the jar of liquid patina does not get contaminated.

Examples are below for your inspiration - Morning Dewdrops by Terri Stephens

 

From Jami Ray Vintage Below

I hope you enjoyed our blog today and give the Iron-On Decoupage Method a try and let us know how it goes. 

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As always, Thanks for Your Support - Terri