Hey friends! I recently shared with you how to decoupage on wood using a thick wrapping paper and a decorative transfer. It turned out so lovely so I wanted to create a second version; this time giving it more of a cottage or French country look. For this project, I want to show you how to decoupage on wood using rice paper—a delicate green paper that blended beautifully with the floral transfer. But I added a little twist this time: I applied the transfer directly onto the rice paper before decoupaging it onto the wooden panel. The result was just as lovely with soft tones and a dreamy finish—let me walk you through how I pulled it off.
✂️ Materials You’ll Need To Decoupage On Wood Using Rice Paper
Here’s everything I used for this project:
- Wood panel – Michael’s
- Chalk paint (white or light neutral for base where paper will go)
- Chalk paint for inner frame
- Liquid Patina for outer frame detail (This is like a stain without the fumes!)
- Rice paper
- IOD Rose Botanical Transfer
- Decoupage medium
- Flat artist brush
- Scissors
- Clear matte sealer or wax
- popsicle stick or small wooden tool for “distressing”
Video Tutorial: How To Decoupage On Wood Using Rice Paper
🎨 How To Decoupage On Wood Using Rice Paper – Step by Step
Step 1: Prep Your Wood Surface For Stain or Paint
Before decoupaging on wood using rice paper, start by giving the wood a light sanding, just enough to smooth out any rough spots. Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth. You can then stain your wood if you prefer. I used a liquid patina called Dark and Decrepit which is like a stain without the harsh fumes. You just brush it on and let dry. No need to wipe back like traditional stains. But staining is totally optional. You could also use a dark paint.
Next, paint the inner panel of your wood white (or any light neutral shade). A light color is important because it allows the color of your paper to show through correctly. A chalk-style paint works beautifully here. Let the paint dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Paper
If your paper needs to be cut to a certain shape, lay it down and mark the shape so it can be cut out. I just used my finger nail and went around the inside of my wood panel. See the nice lines I have to cut on?
Step 3: Apply the Transfer to the Rice Paper
Here’s where this project gets interesting! I usually decoupage my paper, allow it to dry, then apply my transfer. In this case, I applied it right on the rice paper and then decoupaged it. This just saved me a little time. I was doing a live video and didn’t want to wait for the decoupage medium to dry before applying my transfer.
To do this:
- Lay your rice paper flat on a table.
- Position your floral transfer where you want it, remove the backing sheet, and carefully transfer it onto the rice paper using the transfer stick.
Because rice paper is thinner and more delicate than wrapping paper, work slowly but firmly. You’ll be amazed how beautifully the transfer becomes part of the paper!
Step 4: Decoupage the Paper onto the Wood
Now that your rice paper has the transfer on it, it’s time to attach it to the wood.
Note: Before adhering the paper, place it down on the board to test the layout and positioning.
- Apply a thin, even layer of decoupage medium to the painted center of your wood panel.
- Apply a thin layer of decoupage medium to back of rice paper.
- Gently place your rice paper onto the wet surface, starting from the center and smoothing outward to remove air bubbles.
- Add another coat of decoupage medium on top of the paper and transfer.
- Let Dry
Pro tip: Avoid messing with the rice paper too many times—it can become fragile when wet.
Step 5: Add another Paint Color To Frame
Next, I decided to paint with a cream color along the inside of the frame. I used Paint Couture’s Cozy Beige and was surprised how well the color matched the flower in the transfer. Love when I get lucky like that!
Step 6: Distress Frame Finish with Paint
To give your decoupage on wood piece a vintage look, I edged the outer frame with the beige chalk paint. To do this, I used a little piece of wood to give it more of an imperfect look.
This part is where you can really make the piece match your personal style.
Step 6: Seal and Protect Your Decoupage On Wood Masterpiece
Once everything is dry, seal your entire piece with a matte topcoat or clear wax. This helps protect the rice paper and transfer while giving the surface a soft, professional finish.
Want to know more about sealing chalk paint? Grab my free Chalk Paint Sealer Guide and protect your projects for years.
🌸 Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this project turned out! This version has more of a cottage, more vintage feel than my first wrapping-paper version—and I love how layering the transfer on a green rice paper gave it a subtle, blended look that almost feels like it was part of the paper.
Working with rice paper might seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually very forgiving.
💡 Want to Try the Other Style?
If you missed my previous tutorial using thick gift wrap paper , you can check that out here. It has a soft feel as well, but with a more elegant result—perfect if you’re looking for something a little more statement-making.
For more Decoupage Projects Check these out:
How To DIY Decorative Book Covers
DIY DECOUPAGE BOOK COVERS
DIY Decoupage Canvas Wall Art
Decoupage With Wrapping Paper For Beautiful Art
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECOUPAGE PAPERS
🖼️ Your Turn To Decoupage On Wood Using Rice Paper
If you try this project, I’d love to see how yours turns out! Tag me on Facebook or leave a comment below. And don’t forget to pin this tutorial for later—especially if you’re looking for creative ways to use rice paper and transfers in your DIY art projects.
Until next time,
Love,
Joanie
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