Decoupage Secret

I've repapered the inside of more than an few trunks, but I've finally found the secret of getting the paper to lay flat and not get all wrinkley.

WATER 

I found some cool, old-timey graphics and enlarged them to fit the size of my trunk. Then I printed them on 8 1/2  x  11 size craft paper sheets. Each sheet was test fitted and trimmed as needed. Then lightly painted with water to pre-stretch the paper. Not soaked, only given just enough to get it wet. Mod-podge was painted onto the trunk and the wet page pressed into it gently to get all the air bubbles out. Each piece is fitted next to the previous one and done the same way. 

The Compass Rose Trunk