• WHAT ARE CRAFTING PRINTABLES?
  • How to make DIY decor using printables!
  • FREE PRINTABLES!!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Wilshire Collections

Decorate, Create and find JOY in your home!

  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Printable Club
  • Decorating & Creating Community
  • About
  • Help/Support
  • Links

in DIY Projects· Printable Projects

Decoupage hack using cling wrap instead of mod podge!

Have you ever gotten bubbles when using mod podge? Been frustrated doing a project using mod podge? Me too, friend!! That’s why I’m glad we have some different options out there!

This decoupage hack using cling wrap instead of mod podge is not only mind blowing and cool, but it works great too!

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

I know this way has been around for a long time, and I’ve always heard about it and seen it but for whatever reason I had just never tried it. So, I grabbed some supplies and decided to put it to the test in 3 ways!

What you’ll need:

  1. Wood surface
  2. Something you want to attach to surface (scrapbook paper, printable, napkin,etc)
  3. Parchment paper
  4. Iron
  5. Sandpaper/sanding block

I just grabbed 3 little wood blocks from hobby lobby so that I could test this technique out with scrapbook paper, one of my printables and a napkin. The steps are the same no matter which thing you are using here. (Although if using a napkin, you will need to peel the extra layers off and use only the layer with the pattern)

DISCLAIMER: I have heard that the GLAD cling wrap works best for this, and that Saran wrap and generic brands don’t work as well. However, I have not tried the others so this post is only in regards to Glad cling wrap.

Paint any part of your wood surface that won’t be covered and let it dry first. Get a piece of cling wrap and cut it where it is a little bigger than your surface and lay it on top of your wood surface.

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

Next, cut your paper (or napkin) to the size of your surface. (it’s ok if it’s a little bigger, you can trim excess later) Lay that on TOP of the cling wrap in the exact position you want to adhere it.

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

Put a piece of parchment paper over the top, then take your iron and go back and forth over it until the cling wrap literally MELTS into the wood and adheres your paper or napkin.

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

Once it’s adhered you can use your sandpaper/block to trim off any excess paper or cling wrap.

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

Tips: I am using a small travel iron that can be found here! My iron was on a medium to high heat setting. From what I have heard a regular iron works just fine, just don’t use steam.

I would just lift my parchment paper up from time to time to make sure that it was sticking and didn’t need more ironing.Please note, the bigger your surface is…the longer this is going to take. So it may not be the quickest decoupage hack, but…

Look how smooth it is! No bubbles AT ALL! It truly worked so well, I was shocked!

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

I repeated this same process with the scrapbook paper and then a paper napkin and they all worked great! You’ll definitely want to PIN this one for later!

Decoupage hack using cling wrap

Now for the million dollar questions- Will it stay and last? Do I need to seal the top? Answer: YES! I recommend sealing it just like you would any decoupage project so it protects it and keeps it sealed! You can use any type of sealer you prefer.

For me, I’ll stick with mod podge for the top (I know, the bubbles lol). But if I do get bubbles on top, I will use my iron method hack to help smooth those out.

WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO TO SEE EXACTLY HOW THIS TECHNIQUE WORKS!

What do you think of this decoupage hack? Are you going to give it a try? (Or maybe you’ve been doing it for years lol). I can’t wait to hear either way. I will be 100% honest, I still think the mod podge iron method is still my preferred way to decoupage, but I love having this as an option too!

Until next time…

Stacey

*this post does contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure page for more info.

« Must have wood crafting surfaces!
Master bedroom bedding refresh »

Comments

  1. Gloria says

    February 18, 2022 at 1:37 PM

    Have been told to do this when you want to put a picture on a t-shirt?!?😊

  • Shop my home

More about Stacey

My passion is to inspire and teach others how to create and decorate and find JOY in their homes! Decorating and crafting are like therapy to me and I want the same for you!
I'm a Mom to 2 boys and a wife of 20 years. When I'm not helping others or doing a project around my own home, you can find me doing all the boy things and loving every minute of my little family!
Why the Wilshire? I grew up on Wilshire Way, and my Mom is the one who inspired my love for decorating. Funny how life comes full circle!! So happy to have you here on my website, be sure to check it all out to see everything there is to offer! Read More…

You can find my disclosure statement here. Click the image below!

You can find my disclosure statement here. Click the image below!

Looking for something?

Contact

Wilshire

For all customer service related questions, please email [email protected]

Copyright © 2022 · Market theme by Restored 316