How to Make Over an Ugly Desk With Decoupage

Give an old desk a decoupage makeover

Thrift stores and yard sales often have desks and other furniture available for a deeply discounted price, which makes these venues ideal for those shopping on a budget. However, desks bought secondhand don't usually fit your decor and may need to be repainted or covered in some way. Decoupage, covering the desk with glue-covered paper, is an inexpensive way to cover the ugly desk and personalize it to fit in better with your home.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• 1 qt. oil-based primer
• 2 medium paintbrushes
• Roasting pan
• 1 gallon school glue
• 1/2 gallon water
• Photos, magazine pages, prints or other paper materials
• Craft knife
• Sponge brush
• 1 qt. satin polyurethane

Instructions

1. Sand the entire desk so the surfaces are smooth.

2. Paint two coats of primer onto all surfaces of the desk. Let the primer dry in between coats.

3. Pour the glue into the roasting pan and mix it with about 1/2 gallon water.

4. Dip the photos or other paper into the glue mixture one at a time. Submerge them completely.

5. Apply the photos, magazine pages or other paper prints to the desk.

6. Dip the palms of your hands in the glue mixture. Use your hands to smooth out the papers so there are no bubbles.

7. Wrap the edges of the paper around the corners and tuck them under the edges.

8. Carve around handles, drawer knobs and other hardware pieces using a craft knife to remove excess paper.

9. Dip the sponge brush in glue. Use it to press down any paper that's sticking up. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

10. Brush a layer of polyurethane over the whole desk and allow it to dry.

References

• My Home Ideas: Decoupage a Desk

Resources

• Decoupage.org: Decoupage Artists Worldwide; A Bit of History