The best tips for putting decoupage on wood include making sure the surface is well prepared. Wood is a much different decoupaging material to work with than cardboard. It tends to need to be sealed well and also be stained or painted before serving as a background for decoupage cutouts. It's also important to make sure the colors and textures of decoupage cutouts look attractive with the wood stains or colors used. A variety of wood tones and finishes can make for interesting decoupage projects if wooden sections are left to show through the cutouts.
Different staining techniques, such as "pickling" a wooden plaque, box or picture frame with paint mixed with vinegar, can add interest to decoupage on wood. For such a rustic background as pickled paint, a country, wilderness or other suitable theme of decoupage would be well suited. For a more elegant approach, beautiful, blemish-free dark wood with a more sophisticated style of cutouts would be more appropriate.
Whatever type of wood is used in decoupaging, it should be clean and non-dusty, as once the final coat of clear acrylic is placed, any dirt will be sealed in. For a very rustic, cracked wood or wooden pieces with knot holes, a filler may be needed to fill in any large gaps. Coats of transparent wood sealer should still be used on rough wood. This way, the surface will be smooth enough to do the decoupage on wood effectively, yet the rustic grain or knot holes can still show through.
A great tip for decoupaging wood is to literally think outside the box. Decoupage on wood boxes or wall art can be extremely beautiful, but there are also many other wooden items that can turn out equally as stunning. Wooden chairs, benches, trunks, desks, tables, book cases and dressers can all be decoupaged. Even something as small as a wooden spoon decoupaged for decoration in a country kitchen can look charming.
Inexpensive, utility types of wood folding furniture can be made to look more unique with some decoupage added. For those setting up a first apartment or for people on a strict furniture budget, decoupage on cheap wood items from a secondhand store can look attractive while also covering up dents, marks and scratches. Decoupaging furniture may also help create a fun child's room on a budget — children's wallpaper or gift wrap can often be attractively decoupaged onto wood cribs, beds, desks and toy boxes.