How to Decoupage Beautifully – Save Money and Upcycle any Old Table

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• Video Instructions
• You will need:
• What to do:

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, a fine artist's 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 parts 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.