As I grow and my taste changes and matures, I’ve found that some of my old furniture and decorations just aren’t quite as appealing as they were when I first got them. Since I’ve been so used to having the same things around me, I’ve gotten comfortable with them. But as soon as I have to move or make room for something new, I get bitten by the bug and I start to see things with a fresh eye. It makes me want to toss everything and run out to replace it all. But there’s a better way to refresh your home without blowing all your cash in one whirlwind of an afternoon: give your old furniture a makeover with decoupage.
Decoupage is something I’ve just recently really gotten into, but I already have big plans. You can paint your table any color and then basically glue cut-outs of beautiful napkins on so that it actually looks as if the design has been hand-painted on. It’s a fantastic little cheat!
Video Instructions
You will need:
- Varnish (matte or gloss – depends on what look you’re going for)
- Decoupage glue
- Decoupage scissors or fine artist brush and a cup of water
- Paint
- Roller
- Sponge brushes
- Spray paint
- Plastic wrap
- Coarse grit nail files
- Decorative napkins
What to do:
- Remove the hardware from the drawer so that you can spray paint the inside
- Paint the entire table with the roller and sponge brush (two coats)
- Paint the outside part of the drawer
- If you have decoupage scissors: cut out the designs that you want to use
If you don’t: dip the paint brush in water and paint along the edge of the design that you want, then you can easily tear it away - Separate the top and bottom part of the napkin
- Once the table is dry, decide where you want to place the images
- Apply glue to the table and set the image on top
- Pull a piece of plastic wrap over the image to smooth out any wrinkles (use a new piece for each image)
- Cover the drawer with an uncut napkin but don’t cut off the overhanging parts
- Once everything is dry, apply a coat of glue over all the images on the tabletop
- Use the nail file to file off the excess napkin from the drawer and apply another coat of glue
- Apply a final coat of glue to the entire surface
- Use a nail file to age the surface here and there if you want a vintage look
- Finish off the entire table with a top coat of varnish
- Put the hardware back on once everything is dry
- Enjoy your new table!
Tutorial by Patioelf Youtuber. Join her wonderful facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/UpcycleWithDecoupage/?fref=ts
joandrew says
Very beautiful project.
Patti Elhoff says
thank you Joan!
Patti
Marlene says
I have two bedside tables, that i have had for 36years, as they are so old i was going to take them to the Thrift store , but after watching your video on how to decoupage old furniture , i am about to renew my bedside tables ….
Patti Elhoff says
Hello Marlene,
I love to hear this. Did you end up renewing your tables? I have a page on Facebook called Upcycle with Decoupage, you can post pictures of your work. I would love to see them! Thank you!
Patti
author
Upcycle with Decoupage
Jackie says
ehat kind of varnish did you use? D
Patti Elhoff says
hello Jackie,
I used Liquitex Matte Varnish. Available in the art supply department of any craft store. 🙂
Patti
mARIE says
Have been looking for Shabby Chic decor and could not believe my eyes – that is my Grand Mother’s table that I was just about to put in a garage sale. It has needed to be refinished for a long time so has been in storage. Now I intend to follow your directions to create a beautiful end table for myself! There is absolutely nothing wrong with the table except for scratches and re-staining but, Thanks to you, I’ll have a beautiful new piece of furniture. Thank you so much for your tutorial!! :>)