Decoupage Glues and Varnishes

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About this category
In Brief

Decoupage glue is a thin glue that you use to attach a napkin and coat it from above. Most products are 2-in-1, both glue and varnish. For wood, paper, and metal, Pentart, Kompozit, or KREUL Art Potch will do. According to the manufacturer, matte Pentart also works on glass, ceramics, and textiles that are hand-washed. For a gloss finish fired in the oven, use Pentart glue for ceramics. For fabric, use KREUL Textil Potch and iron it on. Finish the item with gloss or matte varnish.

Choose decoupage glue based on the surface you’re decorating, and choose varnish based on whether you want a gloss, matte, or aged look with cracks.

Which Decoupage Glue and Varnish Should You Choose?

For Features Examples
Wood, cardboard, metal, glass, all-purpose glue and varnish 2 in 1, clear when dry Pentart Matte (also for glass, ceramics, and textiles for hand washing) · Pentart Matte 500 ml · Kompozit Matte (does not yellow) · KREUL Art Potch
Glass, ceramics, glaze bake in the oven at 140 °C for 5 minutes; gloss finish Pentart for Ceramics 100 ml
Textiles iron after 24 hours KREUL Textil Potch
Photo transfer laser-printed image KREUL Foto Transfer Potch
Gloss finish varnish water-based; Pentart is water-resistant when dry Pentart Gloss · Darwi 500 ml · KREUL Hobby Line · Nerchau 80 ml
Matte varnish matte finish; designated by the manufacturer for use as a finish varnish over crackle varnish Pentart Matte 100 ml
Spray and solvent-based varnish spray for textured surfaces; solvent-based varnish for water-sensitive surfaces, work in a well-ventilated room Pentart Spray 60 ml · Pentart Gloss Solvent-Based Varnish
Glaze effect thick gloss layer like resin Pentart Fluid Glaze
Cracks and patina two-step systems Pentart 2-Step Crackle Varnish · Pentart Fineline 230 ml · Pentart Metallic Crackle Paste

We show how to glue on a napkin in the article Napkin Decoupage: What It Is and How to Do It; find napkins in the decoupage napkins category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between decoupage glue and varnish?

Decoupage glue (often 2-in-1) attaches the napkin and covers it with a thin protective layer. Apply the final varnish to the finished item. It determines whether the finish will be gloss or matte and increases durability.

How do I apply glue to prevent bubbles?

Apply a thin layer of glue to the surface, place the motif on it, and brush glue over it from the center outward toward the edges. This pushes out the air and helps the paper adhere well.

Which decoupage glue should I use on glass and porcelain?

Pentart Decoupage Varnish and Glue for Ceramics is intended for glass, ceramics, and glazed surfaces. Once dry, bake the item in an oven at 140 °C for 5 minutes, and the surface will be gloss.

How do I create a crackle effect?

Apply the first phase of Pentart crackle varnish to the decorated item, then apply the second phase once the first has dried. The second phase cracks as it dries. Highlight the cracks with fluid patina or antiquing paste. The second phase is not water-resistant once dry, so apply a coat of thinner-based varnish a day later. The manufacturer specifies Pentart Matte Clear Varnish as a final varnish for crackle varnish.

Does decoupage varnish yellow over time?

According to the manufacturer, Kompozit Varnish and Glue remains clear after drying and does not yellow over time, making it a reliable choice for white and light-colored surfaces. KREUL Hobby Line Varnish is transparent once dry.

How many coats of varnish should I apply?

Apply thin coats. For more gloss, apply two or more, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. Pentart Gloss Varnish is dry to the touch in about 30 minutes and fully dries in 24 hours.

Decoupage Napkins Components Hobby Glue