When it comes to upcycling furniture and adding beautiful decorative touches with decoupage, choosing the right topcoat is just as important as selecting your papers and paints. Decoupage is a delicate art, and protecting it properly ensures your hard work lasts for years to come. One of the absolute best products for this job is Dixie Belle Gator Hide — and here’s why.
What is Dixie Belle Gator Hide?
Gator Hide is a water-based, clear, polyacrylic topcoat from Dixie Belle Paint Company, renowned in the upcycling world for its durability, versatility, and gorgeous finish. It’s especially popular for pieces that see a lot of wear and tear, like dining tables, sideboards, and kitchen cabinets. But it’s also the perfect protector for decoupage paper.
Why is Gator Hide Perfect for Decoupage Paper?
1️⃣ Superior Water Resistance
Decoupage paper can be particularly vulnerable to moisture, which can cause wrinkling, lifting, or discolouration if not properly sealed. Gator Hide offers superior water resistance, making it ideal for projects where you want long-lasting, moisture-proof protection. Whether it’s a drinks cabinet, a bathroom cabinet, or a table top, you can rest easy knowing your decoupage won’t be compromised.
2️⃣ Ultra Tough Protection
Decoupage projects often feature intricate designs and delicate papers, which can be prone to damage. Gator Hide is one of the toughest topcoats on the market, providing a strong, protective barrier against knocks, scratches, and everyday wear — without yellowing over time.
3️⃣ Beautiful, Low-Sheen Finish
Unlike some topcoats that leave a high-gloss or overly matte finish, Gator Hide dries to a lovely satin sheen. It enhances the depth and richness of your decoupage designs without overpowering them, leaving your paper looking crisp, vibrant, and professionally finished.
4️⃣ Easy to Apply
Another reason to love Gator Hide is how user-friendly it is. It can be applied with a sponge, brush, or roller, and self-levels beautifully, minimising brush marks. For decoupage, using a sponge applicator or Dixie Belle’s Blue Sponge is a brilliant way to glide Gator Hide over delicate paper without disturbing it.
5️⃣ Quick Drying & Low Odour
Time is precious when you’re in the creative zone. Gator Hide dries quickly between coats and is low odour and non-toxic, making it ideal for indoor projects and family-friendly crafting environments.
Top Tips for Using Gator Hide on Decoupage
-
Ensure your decoupage paper is fully dry and adhered properly before applying Gator Hide.
-
Apply thin, even coats using a damp sponge applicator for a smooth finish.
-
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly (around 2 hours) before adding another — 2–3 coats are recommended for high-use surfaces.
-
Lightly sand with a fine grit sanding pad between coats for an ultra-smooth, professional result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about decoupage and upcycling, investing in a high-quality topcoat like Dixie Belle Gator Hide is a game-changer. It not only preserves the beauty of your designs but also ensures your furniture pieces can be enjoyed and admired for years to come. Tough, water-resistant, and easy to use — it truly is the best choice for protecting decoupage paper.
For my UK 🇬🇧 customers you can buy Gator Hide here
For my US 🇺🇸 readers check out this link