Helmar, the Australian maker of a million adhesives, obviously has a decoupage paste on the market. I’ve used a few different decoupage products in my crafty past, with varying levels of luck. So I went into this review of Helmar’s Decoupage and Craft Paste expecting at least some decoupauge drama.
Here’s what Helmar has to say about the product:
Helmar Découpage & Craft Paste is a thick water based paste glue. Designed specifically for most Craft applications and the bonding of Découpage cut outs to the surface of your chosen project.
Surfaces include Wood, Ceramic, Tin, Metal, etc.
No messy mixing, no bubbles in an easy to use pre-mixed jar. Acid free.
About Helmar Decoupage & Craft Paste:
- 8.45 fl oz
- $12.13 on Amazon
I chose to make a little door hanger decoration on a particle board heart to test this stuff out. First I gathered and cut out a handful of images from scrapbook paper and a vintage book.
Then I spread a layer of paste, trying to make it even and lump-free. I gently placed my first cutout, then added paste on top of that. I stuck a few cutouts into the paste and let dry for about an hour.
When it was dry, I added the final coat of paste and another cutout. It took about two hours to dry this time.
A watched pot never boils, so I went to Starbucks. When I came back, it was shiny and smooth to the touch, without a single bubble. LOVE IT.
Simply put, this stuff is the bomb. I’ve learned hard lessons using other decoupage pastes (must use the thinnest layers, let dry completely before adding more, etc) and found myself frustrated with seemingly unavoidable bubbles and warped paper problems. I really was surprised at how well this worked, especially since I even tried to add extra in spots to see if bubbles would form.
The shine is great, it’s not cloudy, and after only two coats, my little ornament looks done. Sometimes it seems like you have to add a million coats to get your desired finish, but not here.
The package directions involve a couple of other products (Helmar Acrylic Sealer, Helmar Krystal Cote Gloss) as part of the decoupaging process, but I didn’t use them and am still satisfied with my project. However, if I were working on wood or a surface that was going to be used, like a table or tray, I would recommend following the instructions to get the best seal possible.
At $12 for 8.5 fl oz, it’s a little on the pricey side, but I think it’s totally worth it. I’d also recommend checking out Helmar’s designer blog, which is updated every day with a really nice variety of projects.
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I always love to know about this kind of products, I want to try this one, I guess I wont have trouble finding it because it is European. Was it slightly sticky or tacky when dry? It sounds a great deal as an all purpose product.
Sorry I see it is Australian, not Austrian, my mistake!!!
I am interested to try this. The “other stuff” is ok, but doesn’t always turn out the way I hope. This from the photos looks really great! Can we find it at Michaels or Joann?
Is this product available in craft stores – I know you said it can be purchased from amazon.
Hi Kathryn and Caryn! I did a little digging and it looks like the major retailers that sell Helmar are Hobby Lobby and Joann’s. Here’s the link to ALL the places you can find it in the US and beyond– http://helmarusa.typepad.com/blog/helmar-preferred-retailers.html
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Hi Fancylooks! I know what you mean about pastes being slightly sticky/tacky even when dry, but this one was pretty smooth and slick after a few hours. It’s almost resin-like, really.
OMG! Very interesting. I’ve never really explored the world of glue before. Well written and well received. Thank you-
Rats. I can find other Helmar products on Joann.com, but not this one. And I’m a couple hundred miles from a Hobby Lobby 🙁 Thank goodness for Amazon.
I looked at Joanns as well. I guess Amazon is the answer!
Must. Have. This. Your finished project looks glossy smooth, with no brush marks! And no bubbles or wrinkles! Does it feel as shiny-smooth as well?
Great review and pics, Polly! : )