Reverse decoupage of plates: a step-by-step master class with a photo

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:35

The technique of reverse decoupage of plates allows you to use them not only as a festive table decoration, but also for food, since the front of the dishes remains unaffected. The whole transformation process takes place on the back side. This elegant technique can be made even more interesting by adding stenciled ornaments to it.

If you love craft paper, then most likely you already have your secrets in reverse decoupage technique on a glass plate. Perhaps your acquaintance with this type of needlework began with vases or other transparent products. If you have never experimented with decoupage before, then rest assured that this is an extremely exciting activity, as a result of which you can proudly give things as a gift for any occasion.

Required Materials

If you're willing to take the risk and find some new plate reverse decoupage ideas, get everything you need ready to start creating beauty. Maybe,over time it will become your favorite pastime.

For this master class on reverse decoupage of plates you will need:

• Small container of water.
• Printing your chosen graphics, photo or decoupage card. You can use an inkjet printer if you are sure that its ink will not bleed when it comes into contact with moisture.
• Mod Podge glue or similar for decoupage.
• Sponge applicator for paint.
• Hardware store silicone adhesive or your favorite for glassware.
• Big art brush.
• A small container for Mod Podge decoupage glue, and then for paint.
• Rag.
• Small glue stencils.
• Metallic bright gold acrylic paint and a complementary color to match the main image.
• Soft work surface.
• Cardboard for use as work surfaces for spray painting.
• Clear glass plate with smooth base.
• Candlestick if you want to make a stand.

Optionally, you can use any measuring device to help you find the center of the plate.

Getting Started

Have you already chosen a design for your work? Reverse decoupage of plates begins with the selection of a pattern that will be on the surface. Look for decoupage cards or print any suitable graphics on high quality but lightweight paper. Cut out the round patterns, making sure toThere is no white paper left on the edge. Then clean the glass surface and make sure it is dry.

Master class on reverse decoupage of a plate with a photo

Getting to work. Don't forget to prepare a container of water - this will make the process easier. Use a large art brush to apply Mod Podge to the printed side of the design. Do the same with the plate. Work quickly to give yourself enough time to adjust the position of the graphics. Then place the image printed side down on the base of the plate.

How to smooth a drawing

Reverse decoupage of plates implies a flat surface. Working with the brush in the center, use your fingers or a flexible smoothing tool to eliminate air pockets from the center area. Be careful. Decoupage glue can "grab" your fingers and stick to the surface, making it difficult to smooth properly. To fix this, dip them in water. This can help you smooth the surface without damaging the paper.

Press the edges of the image against the glass to form small creases. So the paper will follow the contour of the plate. Squeeze out any air bubbles around the edges. A damp cloth and some effort will help you remove glue from the glass. If it is too much, the image may deteriorate. But don't rub the surface too hard or you will damage the graphics. Once you have flattened the paper and cleaned the glass, let the plate dry completely. Reverse decoupage requires patienceapproach. It's best to leave your job for the day.

Additional staining

Actions with the image at this stage can be completed. If you want to add an ornament and diversify the reverse decoupage on a glass plate with a photo, use special stencils. Flexible adhesive options are the only type recommended for this application. Anything else won't frame the surface properly, and you'll have paint bleed under the edges. It is also recommended to use a special foam applicator or sponge for its application, and not a brush. It will help to apply a much more even coat of paint, so nothing will ruin the image on your plate.

How to use the stencil

Let's start coloring. Align the stencil to the desired point on the design and press firmly. Take the paint with the applicator and remove most of it with a scrap piece of cardboard or by rubbing along the edge of the container. Use patting motions to apply the paint through the stencil. This will make the layer thin.

After applying the base color, gold will look richer. Let the gold paint slightly overlap the white paper. Then carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still wet. Place it in front of your first drawing, press down and apply acrylic paint again. Continue this process until you have created a series of motifs that form a circular design. If you are doing two reverse decoupage plates with photographs, choose a different motif andrepeat the process. Acrylic paint dries fairly quickly - an hour is enough.

Last step

Now it remains to complete the decoration of the plates. To do this, you will need paint to match the main motif. It is more convenient to use a spray can, but for this you need to work outside or in a well-ventilated area. Transfer the plates to a piece of cardboard strong enough to support their weight and head outside. Use a mask to protect your respiratory system from the harmful substances contained in the spray paint. Then spray or apply pigment to the back of the plates. Let them dry. It is best to leave them for a couple of days. When the spray paint is dry, carefully flip the plates over to see your amazing result.

How to make dishes from plates on a stand

You can turn your creations into beautiful leg dishes with a few extra steps. For this you will need glass glasses. Paint them with the same spray paint you used for the plates. Then also dry them. Be careful not to scratch the paint during the following steps.

Using your favorite glass glue, attach the shot glass to the bottom of the plate, placing it exactly in the center. You can use a ruler or a protractor. Wait for the glue to dry. Gently clean the glass surface and enjoy the result of your work. The top of the plate can be used for eating. But don't wash it under running waterwater. For cleaning, it is best to take a damp cloth and lightly wipe the surface.

Reverse decoupage tray

To create an unusual thing, you can use not only round plates. Other items will do as well. For example, a very unusual tray will turn out from a flat square dish if you decorate it using the reverse decoupage technique. Such a decorative plate will be a great gift for any occasion. Reverse decoupage on a glass plate with craquelure looks unusual and will definitely surprise everyone who sees it. If you want to create an interesting effect, get a special varnish.

Reverse decoupage with craquelure on a square plate

Creating a glass tray with your favorite pattern is a great way to personalize an item for yourself or as a gift. As in the previous tutorial, you will need to attach your image to the back of the glass surface and then use paint to fill in any spaces where there is no paper.

To create a tray you will need:

• A flat square glass plate.
• Decorative paper or decoupage card.
• Brush or special sponge for application.
• Glue for decoupage.
• Craquelure polish.
• Acrylic paint for glass and ceramics in two contrasting colors.
• Sharp knife.
• Small brushes.
• Cardboard or unnecessary thick folder.

At the very beginning, print and cut out the desired image from paper. In this case, you can not make a single motive, but use several small ones.parts by placing them on the surface of the tray. Plainer paper is easier to work with, such as good quality wrapping paper. Glossy or coated is better not to use. Next, apply the main coat of paint to the free places. Let dry. Apply craquelure varnish to the paint. Dry. On this layer, very carefully apply a thin layer of the second selected paint with a sponge. Already during this process, cracks will begin to appear. Let the paint dry. The expected cracks should appear over its entire surface.

One more way

You can do it differently. If you find a picture or photograph that covers the entire bottom of the plate, then cracks can only be made along the rim. To do this, directly on the glass you need to apply a layer of craquelure varnish. Let it dry. Top with a thin layer of paint of your choice. It will show through cracks.

In order for the plate to be washed, you need to varnish your creation on top in 2-3 layers.

Tray making process

Turn the plate over so that the bottom is facing you. Apply decoupage glue to the back with a brush. Then lay the paper face down on the desired areas so that the ornament shows through on the front of the plate. After that, place the second layer on top of the previous one if you are making a collage, adding decoupage agent to the back of the plate as needed. Smooth out air bubbles with your hands or with a special tool. Even a cork from a bottle of wine will do. Let dry forseveral hours.

Then apply another layer of decoupage product on top of the paper, covering the entire back of the future tray. After drying, remove excess glue from the edges with a piece of cloth. Sometimes a knife blade is used for the same purpose. Dry the surface well again.

Final decoration of the tray

Now there are only a few steps left. Paint the back of the tray any color you would like. Most likely, you will need not one, but two layers. The paint should be thin, but tight. In this case, you will not need stencils, but the work can also be supplemented a little. You can use a soft fabric, such as felt, to decorate the back of the tray. Glue it on to give your plate a finished look. Now you're done!

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the reverse decoupage technique. You can use any ornaments, motifs and designs to create an unusual and original gift for your loved ones without putting much effort into it. What is made with your own hands is always appreciated more. Especially when you create it with love and concern for others. Don't be afraid to experiment and create new decoupage creations.