Introduction: Freestanding Decoupage Letters

By Infinite Web Site
About: Hi! We are Inifinite Crafts, a small craft company with a big range of manufacturing equipment, including lasers, routers, and die casters. We specialise in manufacturing craft items, in particular letters an…

In this instructable you'll learn how to turn our plain MDF letters into a decoration that can be personalised to suit any room from the lounge to a child’s bedroom. This craft is great for home made gifts because of its quality, personalised finish

Step 1: Step 1: What Will You Need

  • Freestanding MDF letters
  • White paint or primer if required
  • Modge Podge (or other decoupage glue) or PVA glue diluted to a creamy consistency
  • Paper for covering
  • Paintbrush
  • Varnish (if desired)

Step 2: Step 2: Prime Your MDF

Painting the MDF is not essential but it will prevent it absorbing as much glue. This will make the next step easier. We used a cheap children’s paint we had anyway but you can buy primers to do this. A white paint base will also provide a better colour to go underneath pale coloured papers.

Step 3: Step 3: Glue on the Paper

This can be applied in two ways.

Heavyweight Paper

If you are using heavy weight paper it is easiest to draw around your letter and cut out a shape that will exactly fit the back and front of the letter with a craft knife. At the same time cut a strip the same width as the letter for the sides. Put a generous layer of glue on the letter before applying the paper shape. It is best to glue the front and back first, ensuring you keep the paper smooth, before applying the long strip to the sides. This technique can be done with thinner paper but it is harder to avoid unsightly wrinkles

Lightweight Paper

If you are using light or medium weight paper, such as the comic paper in this example, it is easier to cut or tear the paper into different sized squares and place these all over the letter front and back, overlapping the sides. When the front and back have been covered then place narrow strips to cover any remaining gaps on the sides. A thicker paper does not work well with this technique because of the thickness of paper where it overlaps.

Step 4: Step 4: Apply a Topcoat

This can be another layer of the decoupage glue or PVA glue. Modge Podge is recommended as it gives a lovely glossy finish. They also do other products if you would like a bit of sparkle on your letters. However you can just apply a top layer of PVA or for a better finish a coat of clear varnish.

Coat the entire letter including the sides then allow to dry properly (can take 2-3 hours) and then admire your handiwork!