If you are new to decoupage, one of the first questions you may ask is: Should I use rice paper or paper napkins?
Both materials are widely used in decoupage, and both can produce beautiful results. However, they behave quite differently when glue is applied. They also vary in strength, transparency, print quality and ease of application.
There is no single material that is best for every project. The right choice depends on your experience, the surface you are decorating and the final effect you want to achieve.
What is decoupage rice paper?
Rice paper for decoupage is a thin decorative paper designed to be attached to surfaces using decoupage glue or medium. It is usually stronger than a paper napkin and often contains visible fibres that help hold the sheet together.
These fibres are one of the reasons rice paper is easier to handle. Even though the paper is thin and delicate, it is less likely to tear when it becomes wet with glue.
At The Secrets of Decoupage, our rice paper is approximately 38 gsm. It is lightweight enough to blend beautifully into a decorated surface, while still being strong enough to position and smooth carefully during application.
Rice paper can be used on many properly prepared surfaces, including:
- wood;
- glass;
- metal;
- ceramic;
- canvas;
- cardboard;
- MDF;
- furniture;
- decorative boxes;
- trays;
- ornaments and baubles.
The paper can be cut with scissors or gently torn around the design. Tearing creates a softer, feathered edge that is often easier to blend into the background.
What are decoupage napkins?
Decorative paper napkins are another popular material used in decoupage. Most printed napkins are made from several very thin layers, but only the top printed layer is normally used.
Before applying the design, the plain backing layers must be carefully removed. The remaining printed layer is extremely thin, light and fragile.
Because napkins are so thin, they can almost disappear into the surface once they are glued and varnished. This can create a very delicate effect that looks as though the image has been painted directly onto the object.
However, their thinness also makes them more difficult to work with. Napkins can stretch, tear, fold or wrinkle very easily when they come into contact with wet glue.
The main differences between rice paper and napkins
1. Strength
Rice paper is generally stronger and more stable than the printed layer of a napkin.
It can still tear, especially when wet, but it usually gives you more time to position the design and correct small mistakes. This makes it a very good choice for beginners.
Napkins are much more fragile. Once the printed layer becomes wet, it can be difficult to lift or reposition without damaging it.
2. Ease of application
Rice paper is usually easier to apply because it does not immediately collapse when it touches the glue.
You can place it carefully, smooth it gently and work gradually across the surface. It is still important not to use excessive pressure, but rice paper is generally more forgiving.
Napkins require a lighter touch. Too much glue, repeated brushing or excessive pressure can quickly cause tearing and wrinkles.
3. Wrinkles
Both rice paper and napkins can wrinkle, but napkins are more likely to do so.
Wrinkles often appear when:
- too much glue is used;
- the glue is applied unevenly;
- the material is stretched;
- the brush is moved repeatedly over the same area;
- the design is applied too quickly;
- the surface is curved or uneven.
Rice paper is easier to smooth because its structure gives it greater stability. Small natural fibres also help disguise tiny creases and make them less noticeable in the finished project.
Napkins can produce a beautifully smooth result, but they usually require more practice and patience.
4. Transparency
Both materials can become more transparent after glue is applied.
Napkins are usually more transparent because the printed layer is extremely thin. The colour underneath can strongly affect the final appearance of the image.
Rice paper is also slightly translucent, although the degree of transparency depends on its thickness, colour and design.
For this reason, a white or very light background is usually recommended when you want the original colours of the design to remain clear and vibrant.
On a dark surface, pale areas of the image may become dull, grey or almost invisible.
However, a white background is not required for every project. Sometimes artists intentionally use a coloured, wooden or metallic base to create a softer, aged or semi-transparent effect.
5. Print and detail
Good-quality rice paper can reproduce detailed illustrations, soft shading and rich colours very effectively. Because the paper is slightly stronger, larger and more complex images can be easier to apply.
Napkin designs often have a softer and more delicate appearance. They are ideal for light floral designs, small motifs and traditional shabby chic projects.
The final result also depends on the quality of the original print. Not every rice paper or napkin will have the same colour intensity, sharpness or level of detail.
6. Visible edges
Rice paper is thicker than the printed layer of a napkin, so its edges may be slightly more visible after application.
This does not mean the finished project will look like a piece of paper has simply been glued onto the surface. The edges can be blended by:
- tearing rather than cutting the design;
- applying thin, even layers of decoupage medium;
- sanding very gently between dry varnish layers when appropriate;
- painting around the motif;
- adding shading, texture or decorative effects;
- sealing the project with several thin coats of varnish.
Napkin edges are usually less visible because the material is extremely thin. Once properly applied and sealed, the napkin can blend almost completely into the surface.
7. Curved surfaces
Rice paper is flexible and can be used on curved surfaces such as bottles, jars and baubles. However, large pieces may need to be applied gradually, and small folds may appear when wrapping a flat sheet around a rounded object.
For beginners, it is usually easier to start with:
- small individual motifs;
- torn pieces;
- narrow strips;
- designs divided into sections.
Napkins can also be used on curved surfaces, but they are more difficult to reposition and can tear easily. Working slowly with small motifs is usually the safest approach.
We recommend practising first on a flat surface. Once you feel confident applying the paper smoothly, you can move on to bottles, jars, ornaments and other rounded objects.
How should rice paper be applied?
The exact method may vary depending on the surface and the product you are using, but the basic process is simple.
First, clean and prepare the surface. Wood may need light sanding, while glass and metal should be cleaned thoroughly to remove grease and dust.
Apply white acrylic paint or primer when you want the colours of the design to remain bright.
Cut or gently tear out the chosen motif. Apply a thin, even layer of suitable decoupage glue to the surface.
Place the rice paper onto the wet glue and smooth it gently from the centre towards the edges. Use a soft flat brush, sponge or clean fingers protected with plastic film.
Avoid rubbing aggressively, as wet rice paper can still be damaged.
Once the first layer is dry, apply a protective coat of decoupage medium or varnish over the design.
How should a napkin be applied?
Begin by separating all the plain layers from the printed top layer.
Prepare a light-coloured surface and apply a thin layer of decoupage glue. Place the printed napkin layer very carefully onto the surface.
Smooth it gently using a soft brush, sponge, plastic film or another method suitable for the project.
Do not repeatedly brush over the wet napkin. Every additional movement increases the risk of tearing or stretching it.
Some crafters also use an iron-on technique on flat, heat-resistant surfaces. In this method, the adhesive is allowed to dry before the napkin is positioned and carefully attached using heat through protective baking or parchment paper. Always make sure that the chosen glue and decorated surface are suitable for this method.
Which material is better for beginners?
For most beginners, rice paper is the easier and more forgiving option.
It is stronger, easier to position and less likely to tear immediately when glue is applied. It is particularly useful for larger motifs, detailed images and first decoupage projects.
Napkins can create very delicate and beautiful results, but they normally require more control. Beginners may find them frustrating at first because even a small amount of excess glue can cause wrinkles or damage.
This does not mean beginners should avoid napkins completely. It simply means that rice paper may provide a more comfortable introduction to the technique.
Which material gives the most professional result?
Both materials can produce a professional finish.
The result depends more on:
- surface preparation;
- glue application;
- smoothing technique;
- drying time;
- edge blending;
- varnishing;
- the crafter’s patience and experience.
Rice paper is especially suitable for detailed, artistic and realistic designs. Napkins are excellent for very delicate, traditional and almost transparent decorations.
A skilled decoupage artist may also combine both materials in one project.
Rice paper or napkins: which should you choose?
Choose rice paper when you want:
- an easier material to handle;
- detailed or larger images;
- fewer problems with tearing;
- more time to position the design;
- a strong but delicate decorative paper;
- an excellent material for beginners.
Choose napkins when you want:
- an extremely thin finish;
- soft and delicate motifs;
- a traditional decoupage effect;
- edges that almost disappear;
- to practise more advanced application techniques.
Final thoughts
Rice paper and napkins are not competitors. They are two different creative materials that offer different possibilities.
Rice paper is generally stronger, easier to control and more suitable for detailed designs. Napkins are thinner and more delicate, allowing the image to blend almost invisibly into the decorated surface.
The best way to discover which material you prefer is to experiment with both. Start with a flat, properly prepared surface, apply only a thin layer of glue and work slowly.
Decoupage is not about achieving absolute perfection. Small wrinkles, torn edges, visible brushwork and hand-finished details are often part of the charm. Every project teaches you something new, and with practice, you will develop the method that works best for you.
At The Secrets of Decoupage, we create detailed rice paper designs to help make the technique enjoyable and accessible for both beginners and experienced artists. Our 38 gsm paper is thin, delicate and flexible, while its natural fibres make it easier to handle than a traditional paper napkin.
Most importantly, enjoy the process, experiment with different techniques and allow your own creative style to develop.