If you have arrived here, it means that you are passionate about the napkin technique, so you want to know more, to be an extremely comforting activity, which can help you get the most beautiful creations, ideal for the furniture of your home, to be offered like your loved ones or even sold in fairs or online. If you have recently discovered the passion for this job, you don’t have many notions, but you are curious to know more in this sense, then you have where you have to!
What does the napkin technique represent
The «napkin» technique is an artistic technique used to decorate objects by applying images cut by paper towels or other types of thin paper. This offers the opportunity to create personalized and unique decorations on different objects, often used in crafts, interior design and other creative projects. It is an accessible and easy to learn technique and the results can be impressive, adding more beauty and originality to the decorated objects and, if you want to know more, below you will be able to find all the information you need!
When and how the napkin technique occurred
The origin of the napkin or cutting technique can be identified in the traditional Chinese art of paper decorations, dating back to the twelfth century. This technique has been improved and developed later in Japan, where it has become known as «Or-Kiri» or «Kirie», which means «paper cut». This sharp art has been used to create decorative models and paper paintings.
The decoupage in its modern form, as it appears today, appeared in Europe in the seventeenth century, gaining popularity especially in France, becoming an elegant way of decorating furniture, boxes and other domestic objects. At the beginning, it was practiced by the aristocracy and nobility, using paper imported from China and Japan, but over the centuries, the techniques and materials used have diversified and this has become a popular form of decorative art in different cultures all over the world.
What do you need for the napkin technique
If you have decided to try the napkin technique, then you must know which materials you will have to get, to have all those necessary, managing to complete the masterpieces without interruption. Subsequently, you can discover all the things that can help you do the works you have proposed.
Materials and tools
So, to be sure you have everything you need to resort to the napkin technique, try to ensure that the napkin paper, the support surface, the sticker, the brush, the scissors/cutter, the finish lake, the aquatic ship, the napkin or the paper napkin, which is to be operated.
Surfaces that you can apply
As for the surfaces, it is possible to apply the napkin technique, they are quite varied, such as wooden objects, furniture, glass, ceramic and porcelain, metal, cardboard and paper, canvas and fabrics, stone and bricks, but also plastic, which can be in your favor, because you can make many creations.
The first steps in the napkin technique
- The first step is to choose an object that you want to decorate, like a box, a frame, a vase, then choose paper towels with motifs or images that correspond to the desired design
- Subsequently, you have to separate the layers of the napkin, so that only the upper layer with the desired image and apply a special adhesive on the surface of the object, but also on the back of the napkin.
- Carefully place the napkin on the surface of the object, smoothing it to avoid the formation of skin or air bubbles.
- Apply an additional layer of sticker on the napkin to seal and protect the image.
- After complete drying, the object can be finished with lake, paint or other materials to give a desired final look.
Rice paper
Rice paper is a special type of paper used in the napkin technique thanks to its unique characteristics, being thin and transparent, made of natural fibers, such as rice, bamboo or other plants. It is usually available in a variety of colors and motifs, which can add an interesting and decorative aspect to your objects.
Its main characteristics are:
- Resistance and flexibility
- The versatility of the drawings
- Reduced absorption of the adhesive
- Easy to cut and manipulate
- Thin and transparent
The application for the application
In the napkin technique, specialized stickers are often used, which are designed to provide good adhesion for paper and to allow a transparent and smooth finish. There are different types of stickers suitable for decoupage and the choice depends on your preferences and needs, and among these you can count the tips for decoupage, the water -based adhesive or even the glue paper, in the case of smaller projects.
Ideas of creation with the help of the napkin technique
Subsequently, you can enjoy some suggestive images with the napkin technique applied on various surfaces, which can help you get your creations!
Useful suggestions for the napkin technique
- Make sure that the surface you will apply is clean, smooth and dry and, if necessary, attack or fill any cracks or imperfections before starting.
- Opt the towels with motifs and colors that correspond to the desired design and theme, therefore make sure that the higher layer is of good quality and without excessive consistency.
- Before applying the towels, it takes place and removes the additional ones, in order to remain only with the higher layer that contains the desired image, because this will help to obtain a fine and more transparent result.
- Use a special adhesive for decoupage and apply it evenly on the surface of the object and on the back of the napkin, avoiding excessive application to prevent the formation of skin or bubbles.
- When applying the towels on the object, use a soft brush or a fine cloth to smooth them, avoiding the formation of leather or air bubbles.
- After completely drying the sticker, apply a further layer of adhesive on the napkin to seal and protect the image, with the help of a special lake for decoupage or another transparent finish, depending on the preferences.
- You can add other decorative elements, such as models, stamps or shiny stones, to customize your objects.
- Apply a layer of transparent paint or an adequate protective layer, which will protect them from humidity, scratches and other damage.
Therefore, if you want to try the napkin technique, safely reminded these suggestions and, even if at the beginning and it may seem a difficult process, with a small exercise you will be able to do it with great ease, obtaining the most beautiful results!
ULatest Posts
How to get the most beautiful paintings in watercolors
Sport Home – How to organize a fitness room in your home
Which background we put in the bedroom – simple ideas to follow
Decorations for a girl’s room: how can you create a personalized bedroom?
Rustic bars models – Tips and ideas to organize a bar at home!
Over 10 color ideas suitable for your child’s room and how to choose the right shade
Living Art Deco: Guide to the essential arrangement
Decor for Girls’ Room: from the loving princesses to teenagers in love with Beautiful
What are the first steps, the necessary materials
