[Durin]

My husband brought home a paned picture window that someone was throwing away, (how sweet!) and I thought it would look great to decoupage some of my papers and layouts behind the glass. That way it would look like a big collage. I don't want my ink to run, though. Can I get a "fixative" (is that the right term?) that will keep my ink in place, yet allow me to glue the print?

I've done this decoupage treatment on old windows before, but used prints from calendars with the nice shiny finish. I just don't want to waste my time/ink/money on a blurry, gloppy project.

[talina]

Hmmm. Wouldn't mod podge work? I have used scrapbooking paper with a matte finish, and it didn't smear...Now I didn't print it...I bought it (traditional paper). And mod podge would also adhere it. I am not sure...maybe someone else has an opinion/idea?

[nelly]

could you spray it first (the LO) with a matte finish spray because that would seal it... then use mod podge or another spray adhesive??

[LissaD]

I am so glad you posted this. I too have had the problem of printing stuff and having it smear with modge podge... what a mess. It was actually fine for the project I was doing but I was wondering about fixing it as well. I have a spray fixative that I used to use for charcoal and pencil drawings but I didn't think about it. I will have to try it. If it seals it good I will let you know. If anyone else has a suggestion that would be great!

[Ro]

Use artist's fixitive spray. It is used to fix all kind of messy things (like charcoal drawings, chalk drawings, etc.) and it will stop the smearing. I think that it is just a good idea to use it anyway because it will help you from ruining your layouts with your finger prints anyway. Just a light misting works and it is designed to make things permanent.

Artist's want their artwork to last a long, long time, right?

[momentousangel]

Here's what I'd probably use. There is a glue that dries clear that doesn't smear, that is made for jigsaw puzzles. I've used that glue on photos and lots of other things, including printed versions of some of my layouts that I turned into puzzles and it didn't smear any at all. The glue dries perfectly clear and worked great. Therefore, I'd use jigsaw puzzle glue.

[Durin]

Thanks for all the ideas ~ I think I'll head to the art supply store tomorrow and get the artist's fixative spray as well as the jigsaw puzzle glue and mod podge. I'll report on my "experiment" after I see the results. ( I still have to decide on the "layout" for this 5 ft. window! )

Thanks again!