A3 Kraft Paper for Decoupage: The Warmth of Vintage in a Large Format
The Special Magic of Kraft: What is This Paper?
When you want to create a piece with a story, with a warm, cozy, and slightly rugged vibe, I put away the bright white paper and reach for kraft paper for decoupage. It's the same thin (55 gsm) and durable material as classic decoupage cards, but with one crucial difference—it has a natural, warm, brownish-beige base. Any design printed on it instantly gains a touch of age and nobility, looking incredibly textured. And the A3 format lets you transfer this atmosphere onto large surfaces without a single seam.
Why I Choose Kraft for Vintage Projects
Kraft paper has three unique advantages that make it an indispensable part of my workshop:
- A Vintage and Loft Vibe: Kraft is the perfect foundation for a vintage style. It naturally mutes colors, making them deeper and more complex. Images of old maps, botanical illustrations, or retro ads look as if they are genuinely pages from an old book.
- Perfect for Masculine Projects: Finding paper for a men's album or a toolbox is a constant challenge. Kraft, with its understated, natural, and rugged feel, is the perfect solution.
- Seamless Decor for Large Surfaces: The advantage of the A3 format is fully realized here. You can decorate an entire tabletop or drawer front with a single sheet, achieving a perfect, monolithic design.
My Favorite Projects with A3 Kraft Paper
This material was simply made for large-scale and textured makeovers. Here’s what I love to create with it:
- Decorating dressers, toolboxes, or wine boxes.
- Creating large wall art panels in the form of vintage maps or botanical posters.
- Covers for travel journals and recipe books.
- Trays and boxes in a "loft" or "country" style for the kitchen.
Tips for Working with Kraft Paper (Important Nuances)
Working with kraft is a bit different from working with white paper. Here are a couple of my secrets:
- Don't use white gesso! The main rule—if you want to preserve the warm tone of the kraft paper, don't prime your surface with white. Use a clear primer or glue directly onto clean, light-colored wood. The magic of kraft is in its color, which should show through the motif.
- Emphasize the Edges. I love to additionally tone the edges of the applied paper with bitumen patina or dark inks. This makes the transition even smoother and adds to the vintage feel.
- Use Contrasting Decor. White accents (like lace or texture paste) and metallic elements look fantastic against the kraft background.
Answering Your Common Questions
- Won't the design look too dark on the brown base?
No, all designs for kraft paper are specifically created with the background in mind. They use contrasting inks (black, dark brown, white) that are easy to read and look very stylish.
- Is it as thin as regular decoupage paper?
Yes, it's the same 55 gsm paper, just on a different base. It's just as durable and flexible, and just as easy to work with.
- Can it be used on dark furniture?
You can, but there's a trick. To ensure the design is clearly visible, it's best to first lighten the area where the motif will be applied with acrylic paint in a color that matches the kraft paper (like beige or ivory).
More Ideas & Inspiration
Want to see how this paper looks in real projects and large-scale makeovers? Join our creative community!
Our YouTube Channel – Tutorials on decoupaging furniture.
Our Instagram – A gallery of inspiring works in a vintage style.
Our Blog – Useful articles on different decor styles.
Where to Find Kraft Paper for Decoupage?
Ready to create warm, atmospheric pieces? You can buy A3 format kraft paper for decoupage in the Fabrika Decoru online store. We ship orders **to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom**, as well as worldwide, so your inspiration knows no borders.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS, BLANKS and DECORATIONS
FINE FLORA
KEYSTORY PUZZLES
ART GLASS
CREATORS KITS
SCRAPBOOKING PAPER
FOIL EMBOSSED MATERIALS
DECO VELLUM & OVERLAYS
DECOUPAGE
ALL FOR PLANNERS
FAUX LEATHER FOR BINDING
READY-MADE GIFTS and PRODUCTS
DIE CUTS AND FRAMES
EVERYTHING for DIY PHOTO ALBUMS
CHIPBOARD EMBELLISHMENTS
STICKERS
FLAIR BUTTONS
FURNITURE, DECORATIONS, ACCESSORIES
ART BOARDS
DESK ORGANIZERS
WOODEN AND MDF BLANKS
DECORATIVE ELEMENTS
HOME DECORATION
SMART BOXES
SHADOW BOXES & DOLL HOUSES
ARTBOXES
CARDBOARD WRAPPING & BLANKS
SHAKERS
DECOR AND EMBELLISHMENTS
SEQUINS
SPRAYS
DRY PAINTS
PAINTS FOR CREATIVITY
LIQUID DOTS and DROPS
LIQUID LACE
MATERIALS for CREATIVITY
PASTES and MEDIUMS
ADHESIVES
STENCILS
SILICONE MATS AND STAMPS
COLOR CARDSTOCK
ACCESSORIES
JARS and BOTTLES for HOBBY
GIFT CERTIFICATE
EMBOSSING POWDERS
EMBOSSING POWDERS