I had a private lesson to help a client decoupage furniture. Penny called me wanting to Refunk a garage sale find into an activity table for her grandkids. Her plans where to decoupage wrapping paper on the top of the table but was nervous to try the technique on her own. So she came over and I was able to walk her through the process. When she walked in I said “Surprise! I need to blog about this and whether you like it or not, you will be featured on my blog!” Thankfully, she was a great sport about it! Here is how to decoupage furniture with Mod Podge.
Here are the supplies you will need:
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Mod Podge
Wrapping Paper
{I prefer wrapping paper to scrapbook paper because you don’t have the hassle of lining of the pattern of the paper. But you can use wallpaper, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, and even fabric!}
A few paint brushes
A foam roller
To seal the top of the table we used Aqua Clear Top Coat but you can also use a Polyurethane. Just remember that Poly will yellow so if your paper is white stick to Aqua Clear’s non-yellowing formula.
A fine grit sanding block.
UPDATE: I no longer sell CeCe Caldwell’s because they changed their formula and felt it was no longer user friendly or a quality product I could offer my clients. After searching high and low and trying every. single. paint. on the market I chose to partner with Heirloom Traditions Paints – because I think it is awesome and I think you will too!
Penny had already painted the bottom of the table so the top was just needing some decoupage love.
We cut the wrapping paper so it was about 1 inch larger than the tabletop and hung over the edges.
This is all the hanging over the edginess that you need.
We poured the Mod Podge into cup because our brush didn’t fit into the Mod Podge container.
Then you brush a thickish layer of Mod Podge on the top of the table.
And then brush a layer of Mod Podge on the bottom of the wrapping paper.
Place your wrapping paper on the top of your table and smooth out with the foam roller. Some people use a credit card to smooth out the paper but it tends to rip the fragile paper when it is damp with Mod Podge. A foam roller is easier to work with.
We just kept smoothing and smoothing, occasionally using our finger to smooth out stubborn wrinkles in the paper.
After letting the paper dry for 30 minutes we applied a topcoat of Mod Podge to the paper and let that dry for 30 minutes. Then using the fine grit sanding block we sanded the edge of the table. This separates the paper from the table and creates a perfect edge.
We sanded the edge of the entire table.
Look at this edge of perfection!
We sealed the top with 2 more coats of Mod Podge and then a coat of CeCe Caldwell’s Satin Finish. She was sure her grandbaby’s would put this table to the test and we wanted to make sure it was extra durable.
Now she has a custom activity table her family will enjoy for years to come!
My little one even put the table to the test. He made himself at home and I think he was sad it wasn’t for him! Sorry buddy!
How do you decoupage your furniture? If you have any tips leave a comment! We would love to hear ‘em!
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PS: If you LOVE furniture painting Tips our eBook, The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Furniture Painting, is a MUST in any DIYers toolbox! Grab your copy HERE!
Want to learn the tricks of the trade to flipping furniture for a profit? Grab my free guide The Furniture Flippers Handbook HERE.
So that’s how to get the edges perfect!!!! THANKS! I thought I was the only person on the planet that couldn’t cut right!!
There are 2 ways to get air bubbles out easily. The first is a warm blow dryer. The second is to put the project out in the sun, it works great. If they are stubborn put a pin prick in the bubble and put in the sun again. When the bubbles are gone put another layer of Modge Podge.
Great tips Linda!!
How do you deal with drawers (On a desk) with rounded edges?
I would also like to know!
can you show samples of cut out flowers to put on desk drawers
I loved that lesson. Relatively easy and a lovely result. Thanks:)
Do you have a tutorial on the black dresser in the background with the check top? Thx
No Roseann I don’t! It was one of the first pieces I ever painted!
How do you recommend handling the edges of you are using fabric?
Stephanie
Utility knife.
Once it is completely dry, flip the piece of furniture upside down and with a shapr utlity knife trace to piece of furniture
When did you use this? Aqua Clear Top Coat
I have a kitchen table I want to decoupage but the top is bubbled up in places as well as chipped since it’s a particle board top that’s been painted. It’s almost like a shell of paint over the particle board. The finish is very smooth. Should I start by sanding it down the whole top? What about the bubbled up spots?
If I just mod podge the top of the table and stick the paper onto it without also brushing mod podge into the paper, will it work? I’m hoping I can skip that step because it seems like a pain in the behind.
I’m confused. Do I put polyurethane on before I apply the mod podge???
Can this be done on pressed wood/veneer furniture?
how do i decoupage spindles and legs of a wooden chair
I have a round table that has some slight bumps on top due to heat and water. WIll this smooth them out a little?
If the part of the furniture that you’re decoupaging is painted, do you need to strip off the paint and sand first or will the mod podge work directly on the painted surface? I found a green bookcase that my son’s class is going to decoupage with pages from a book and some other art for an art auction project. I’m not sure if I need to strip AND sand the whole thing before they start decoupaging. Thank you!