How to Decoupage a Table
Old furniture, sometimes available in thrift stores or handed down through generations, is often more interesting and more solidly built than modern furniture. Distressed or damaged surfaces may spoil the look of the piece, but a little ingenuity can restore it to full use again. Decoupage is a creative and inexpensive way to update old furniture, and the finished result is a highly personal work of art. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Sand the table with fine sandpaper to remove any small imperfections. Wipe the table down to remove all traces of dirt and dust. Paint the table with a base color if necessary, or leave the wood natural.
-
2
Arrange the images on the table surface to find a layout you like. Lay the images side by side or overlap them for a more jumbled, random effect.
-
-
3
Paint the back of each image with decoupage glue and place it on the table, smoothing out any air bubbles with your fingers. Continue until all the images are in place.
-
4
Brush a light coating of decoupage glue over the entire surface. Allow it to dry, then apply a second coat.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Any paper images are suitable for decoupage, including those cut from magazines.
If you take the decoupage design over the edges of the table, take extra care that the images are smooth and wrinkle free where they curve over the edge of the table. Apply a little extra varnish along the edges of the table since these areas are susceptible to knocks.
Peel apart the layers of very thick papers, such as playing cards, to reduce the thickness. Aim for a completely smooth surface, without ridges between the images.
Polyurethane varnish can also be used to seal and finish the decoupaged surface. Stick the images on with craft glue, then paint varnish over the top. Choose from matte, satin or gloss finishes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
