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Home » Decorating

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

Modified: Mar 29, 2022 by Elisabeth Kruger · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

She Cuts Up Napkins To Transform A Table. The End Result Made Me Gasp!
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
Similar Project:  Adorable Christmas Decoration: DIY Cotton Thread Snowman

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!
Similar Project:  DIY Rustic Framed Old Book Page Decor with Acorns

Tutorial by Patioelf Youtuber. Join her wonderful facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/UpcycleWithDecoupage/?fref=ts

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Reader Interactions

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  1. joandrew

    June 23, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Very beautiful project.

    Reply
    • Patti Elhoff

      December 17, 2015 at 12:30 am

      thank you Joan!
      Patti

      Reply
  2. Marlene

    July 11, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    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 ....

    Reply
    • Patti Elhoff

      December 17, 2015 at 12:29 am

      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

      Reply
  3. Jackie

    September 12, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    ehat kind of varnish did you use? D

    Reply
    • Patti Elhoff

      December 17, 2015 at 12:31 am

      hello Jackie,
      I used Liquitex Matte Varnish. Available in the art supply department of any craft store. 🙂
      Patti

      Reply
  4. mARIE

    October 12, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    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!! :>)

    Reply

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