DIY Network

Antique-Look Decoupaged Crates Antique-Look Decoupaged Crates From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-511

Q: I want to get rid of my plastic storage containers. Do you have a more attractive option for me

A: (Debbie Stapley, DIY Crafts expert) I think antique-looking wooden crates are a great place to store all sorts of items. They're easy to make with wooden crates that you can buy at a crafts shop.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Materials:
Wooden crate
Paint (main color and brownish color for antiquing)
Foam brushes
Book of art prints (we used produce labels), color-copied
Decoupage medium or watered-down white glue
Orange shellac

1. Simply paint the crate any color you wish and let it dry. Use a dry-brush technique to add "wear" with a little brownish paint, then let dry (figure A).

2. Meanwhile, find designs of your choice to be decoupaged onto the box. We used produce labels, color-copied from a book (figure B). It's a good idea always to make color copies of images you wish to decoupage -- that way you don't sacrifice your original copy.

3. Using a foam brush, apply decoupage medium or watered-down white glue to the area where the picture will be.

4. Press the image in place, smoothing it down well all the way to the edges (figure C). Apply extra adhesive to the edges if necessary.

5. Add one or two more coats of medium, allowing drying time in between. Don't worry about the white film that forms over the surface: it will dry clear (figure D).

6. Finish the crate with a coat of orange shellac. This will protect the surface and also add a warm, antiqued finish (figure E).

Q: What's the best way to secure a mirror into a wooden frame?

A: Lay the frame face down on a table and apply a bead of liquid silicone in each corner. Then place the mirror firmly into place in the frame. Don't worry about wiping off any excess silicone -- when it's dry, you can scrape it off with a razor knife.

Q: What is the best way to make decorative plates using decoupage medium? The plates are clear.

A: You'll want to attach the right side of the picture to the back of the plate so it shows through. Apply decoupage medium, let dry; then apply a coat of sealer. When it's dry, you'll be able to eat off it, but be sure always to hand-wash it.

Q: I'm going to try a technique called paste painting. I know I can use water and flour instead of wallpaper paste, but how much should I use?

A: In a pot on the stove combine 4 parts water to 1 part flour. Heat, stirring, until it boils, then continue stirring until it forms a paste. Then let it cool. You can also add all paint colors to create a rainbow of paste paints.