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Dï¿½coupage is a decorative technique based on the application of cut-outs made of fine metal, paper or material on to a surface to create a painted effect. The true art of this effect resides not so much in the selection, cutting up and sticking on of the drawings as in the individual's ability to create harmonious whole, to distribute the cut-outs and to choose and apply a good varnish. If this is achieved, the applied designs will end up perfectly incorporated with the surface.

A little history
Dï¿½coupage was developed in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Boxes, urns and chest dating back to the Middle Ages were exquisitely decorated with dï¿½coupage cut from prime metals, as well as luggage cases and toilet bags. The most common leitmotifs were stars, roses, tulips, bunches of flowers and birds located among floral decorations and biblical scenes.

In 17th century Italy the technique of applying and varnishing cut-out design was developed along with the Japanese-style lacquer technique, competing with lacquered objects from the Far East. It was named l'arte del povero (poor man's art). The technique quickly became part of everyday life, covering tables, chairs, boxes, trays, screens and lamps. But it was in Victorian England that it experienced its apogï¿½e. Robert Sayer published the first book on dï¿½coupage in 1860.

The materials needed to start in dï¿½coupage are: scissors that allow you to cut with precision, white carpenter's glue and lacquer or any other type of varnish for the final touch. To this are added illustrative plates, etchings, wrapping paper, picture cards, prints or simply a photocopy of a picture we like. A good tip is to save drawings and photographs that we find attractive, taken from magazines, catalogues, calendars, paper serviettes or old wrapping paper.

The steps to follow are very simple:
1. Choose the images and the surface on which they are to be glued.
2. Cut the images carefully.
3. Before sticking them on, move them about the surface to find the most appropriate position.
4. Once the composition has been decided, the different cut-outs should be stuck on to the surface. To do that, dilute the glue in a little water and paste in on to the back of the cut-out. This should be done as smoothly as possible, taking care of the edges and avoiding lumps.
5. With a brush dipped in the glue and starting from the centre of the image, brush on the glue in a circular fashion, that is to say, from the centre to the edge, lifting the brush several times along the stroke. This is how to avoid air bubbles forming and also helps to make the image waterproof. If air bubbles do form, they can easily be removed with a knife, later filling the incision with glue.
6. Leave to dry well before adding the final finish.
7. To finalise the decoupage, the different elements must be integrated on the chosen surface. This is done by painting on several hands of varnish, the more the better. Applying the varnish in thin layers and letting each dry before adding the next one is advisable. Softly sandpaper the image from hand to hand, especially the edges and if you are using thick paper. There should be at least 5 to 7 hands of varnish.