In this paper, we report the use of ZnO decorated SnO2 nanowire on overhead projector (OHP) sheet substrate as flexible gas sensor for hydrogen sensing. ZnO decorated SnO2 nanowire is prepared by two step process. SnO2 nanowires are prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Using Drop coating method, ZnO shell layer was coated on SnO2 nanowires at different molarity. The prepared core shell nanowire was characterized by XRD, which shows crystal structures of SnO2 and ZnO tetragonal rutile and hexagonal wurtzite structures. SEM shows ZnO decoration on SnO2 nanostructure. The core shell sample was coated on OHP sheet and hydrogen sensing (1000–3000 ppm) was done at flat and flexible positions at a particular temperature. The sensing results were good at flat position. Satisfied results were shown by OHP sheet as substrate core shell nanowire at flexible position. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.