TODAY I’M SHARING AN EASY WAY TO ADD GORGEOUS PATTERNS AND DESIGNS TO YOUR PROJECTS. I’M ALSO INCLUDING A QUICK TIP ON HOW TO BLEND YOUR DECOUPAGE PAPER TO *ANY COLOR* BACKGROUND | YOUTUBE VIDEO INCLUDED
This post was originally published on March 24/2020 and updated on September 5/2023
Hi creative #sifamily. Thanks for joining me today! Today I’m sharing these $15 nightstands that have been given a facelift with some French Floral decoupage decor paper. Redesign with Prima has come out with gorgeous decoupage decor tissue papers that seal and adhere with poly topcoats. What an easy way to add patterns, graphics, and character to your painted furniture or decoupage projects!
I’m also sharing ~
- What is a decoupage paper?
- What materials can I use to decoupage projects?
- How do I sand decoupage papers?
- Can I layer decoupage papers?
- How do I prevent wrinkles when decoupaging?
- What are the best products to seal and protect my decoupage?
As a quick tip, I’m also sharing how to blend your decoupage paper onto ANY color makeover you may want or need it to be. This is a game-changer, my friends!
Here are the two thrift store nightstands I started with. I found them at my local thrift store selling for $15 apiece.
They were dated but really nice solid-sturdy pieces.
Once I started cleaning and sanding, I reached out on Facebook because I wasn’t sure what to do with the doors. ON or OFF? A BIG thank you to all of you who chimed in! Over 95 comments later “OFF” won the vote. I have to admit, the pine slats on the back do add some charm!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
NIGHTSTAND [SET] MAKEOVER
I started by giving this piece a good cleaning with White Lightening and then removed the shiny topcoat using an orbital sander and 120 grit. Once everything was sanded, I added this WoodUBend Rope trim.
I added this trim because I love having the decoupage decor paper look like it’s inset into the drawer. It really makes all the difference and adds such a nice detail. It’s like a framed work of art!
A little off-topic but if you’ve never tried WoodUbend, it’s an amazing product. It’s 90 ‘something’ percent wood and acts just like wood ie sands, stains, paints, and drills but it BENDS once heated. Here I am using it for the very first time getting a little too excited. hehe
I followed up using BIN Shellac Primer to kill the bleedthrough. In my experience (and I’ve used and tested a TON of stain-blocking primers!!!) BIN Shellac Primer is the ONLY primer that I see an ACTUAL VISUAL once all the bleedthrough is covered. Then I can paint and topcoat and be 100% confident no bleedthrough or stain is going to creep through my finish. If you missed this video on how to apply BIN to prime these nightstands, you can check it out on my YouTube channel here.
After I primed and sanded, I painted the body of this dresser in this soft gray using my spray gun. Every time I spray a piece of furniture I always get asked what sprayer I use. I’ve been using this Husky Spray Gun since Home Depot sent it to me back in 2013. It still works amazingly.
I left the paint to dry overnight and the next day I decoupaged.
WHAT IS DECOUPAGE PAPER?
Decoupaging is the art form of decorating or embellishing a project with decorative paper. Decoupage decor paper is specifically designed to be lightweight and easy to work with and comes in unlimited styles and designs. If you don’t want to use or buy decoupage decor paper, you can also decoupage with napkins, tissue paper, rice paper, scrapbook paper, magazine clippings, wallpaper, or fabric!
HOW TO APPLY DECOUPAGE PAPER IN 5 EASY STEPS
Redesign with Prima has these Decoupage Decor Tissue Papers in over 20 gorgeous designs.
“Zoey” came in this plastic tube with two 19″ by 30″ sheets. It was enough to cover both drawers and the four feet although the back feet I had to patchwork together. It’s called tissue paper but it’s much heavier and more textured. It feels more like a dryer sheet or those no-sew-hem tapes. It’s textured more like fabric than paper.
It’s easy to apply and can be adhered by using ModPodge, Wallpaper Glue, Watered down Elmers or PVA glue. You can also use a poly topcoat. For these night tables, I used Dixie Belles Clear Coat in Satin.
STEP 1 – YOUR DESIGN
Once your furniture is cleaned, primed, and painted, take a good look at the surface you are going to decorate. Then trim the decoupage paper to size. You can use the design as is or cut out the pieces you like and arrange them on your surface to create your own original design.
STEP 2 – APPLYING THE MEDIUM
Using a paintbrush or foam brush, apply a thin layer of your decoupage medium of choice. Work in smaller sections and only apply the glue where you want to glue down your design. Mod Podge or clear glue can be used but I used this clear topcoat. I placed the decoupage paper down on the wet poly and then moved it into place.
STEP 3 – LAY/LAYER YOUR DESIGN
Once you have the adhesive down, lay your design down where you want it. Here you can choose to lay down one sheet or cut out design OR layer your design – then smooth out all the bubbles or make any micro-adjustments. Once it’s perfectly in place, apply another thin layer of your decoupage medium down to seal it and glue it in place.
STEP 4 – TOPCOAT AND PROTECT
To seal and protect your work, the Mod Podge or glue (and in my case the clear topcoat) is sufficient protection. But if you’re working with a high-traffic piece of furniture and would like extra protection, a clear varnish, water-based poly, wax or resin can be added as a topcoat.
STEP 5 – SANDING
Once the clear coat/poly dries, it fuses the paper onto the furniture. All the overhanging decor paper is easily removed with a sanding pad. I gently rub the sandpaper along the edges and it cuts it perfectly. You can also sand to achieve different effects. For instance, if you want a distressed decoupage to look, you could leave some ‘wrinkles’ in your paper and then sand them lightly creating some distressing. Sanding can also be used to sand down the paper’s edges so it creates a softer transition on your project rather than a harsh line.
BONUS BLENDING TIP
PRO TIP ~ To blend the decoupage paper seamlessly onto ANY color of painted furniture- apply a paint wash in a matching color. As you can see “Zoey” has a white background. I used a Gravel Road mixed with water to create a paint wash. I applied the wash to the paper and the painted nightstands (making sure to dab and remove any extra water with a paper towel and then let dry) to create a cohesive blended look. This is a game changer because I can pic any design and change the background to match!
BONUS WRINKLE TIP
If you’re decoupage papers aren’t laying perfectly flat when you are applying the adhesive, here a a few tips to prevent wrinkles from happening.
- Make sure your surface is smooth and prepped
- Use real decoupage papers that are formulated for decoupaging rather than tissue paper or napkins
- Apply the adhesive in even light layers. Too thick will cause wrinkling
- Work in smaller manageable sections
- Smooth out wrinkles or bubbles with a soft brush, your fingers, or a brayer
- Lift and reapply if needed
- Work quickly before your medium dries or semi-dries
FINISHED LOOK
For the finishing touches on these nightstands, I stained the top with this Black Magic gel stain added black and copper Gilding Wax to highlight the trim, and then protected the piece by spraying 2 coats of this Satin Clear Coat.
Here’s how it all came together!
I absolutely LOVE the new look and the decoupage paper adds SO much character to this set!
Here’s a close-up of the decoupaged feet. See how clean the sandpaper trimmed the paper?
And I love how the paint wash matched the background of this paper to the paint. You’d never know it was white, right!?!
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this makeover!
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube. If you have any problems viewing it below, feel free to watch it on my YouTube channel HERE. Our #siyoutubefamily is already a community of 40.5K so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t done so already! So exciting, thank YOU! 🙂
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THESE DECOUPAGED NIGHTSTANDS… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Painting friends!
Denise XO
RELATED POSTS::
How To Decoupage with Napkins
How To Apply B-I-N Shellac Primer [Video]
How To Apply WoodUBend [Video]
Stop Bleed Through When Painting
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Totally awesome makeover, love every single thing you did! Those cup pulls are so so attractive. You needed more photo’s as you were going thru it!!! The top of the cabinet looks like it was blended not just black?? So so so good! Thank you
Thanks so much Mary!🤗
Always learning, I like the idea of the the paint wash over the decoupage. I must have missed that tissue design and am going to order it! I have a box waiting for inspiration and this will be perfect!
Have fun Fran… it’s a beautiful design! You’re box is going to look gorgeous!!
Hi, This is what I think of the decoupage night stands. “DIVINE”
What a wonderful transition of these stands. Removing the doors and adding baskets was the finishing touch. Decoupaging the feet is a great inspiration. Doubt I would have thought to add this touch.
I enjoy your many talents and appreciate you sharing your tips and secrets with the rest of us.
I just started my furniture chalk paint adventure one year ago wo am a sponge when it comes to how to’s and inspiration pieces and knowledge and tips are what keeps me going. I’m having so much fun.
Thank you again for sharing your lovely work with rest of us. I very much enjoy your beautiful work.
Thanks so much! And I’m so glad these tutorials are sparking some ideas for you. Have fun! XOXO
I honestly didn’t think I was going to like this at all, you proved me wrong, they look amazing and right up to date. Great job. xx
This is a HUGE compliment Janette! Thank YOU!
I’ve just seen your transformation- so good! I think you mention paint washing the whole (now gray) cabinet as well as the decoupaged drawer? The rest of the cabinet appears sort of mottled rather than a solid look – how did you achieve this or was it just down to the wash. One other thing, the picture of the wash about to be applied to the decoupage looked a bit on the thick side – please cd you explain.
Hi Audrey! Yes it is a paint wash finish and I have an entire video on how to achieve a similar look here. Hope this helps. 🙂
GREAT transformation.? Can;t wait to try WoodUBend – just love the entire look. Where did you source these baskets with the “braided “trim? They are perfect..
Thanks Judith! And the baskets either came from Hobby Lobby or Homesense… I can’t remember which one.
Denise,
These are adorable. I love what you did with them. 🖌🎨💜
Thanks Lynn! x
Wonderful !
From top to bottom 😍😍
Thank you, Zora!
I showed my daughter these tables and she said, “You wish you were that good!” I smiled and shook my head yes.
What an outstanding transformation! The wired baskets are the perfect touch. You certainly are a talented artist.
LOL… kids, right?!😂 I’m glad you and your daughter like the nightstands and thanks for the laugh! XO
These are amazing! I did not vote on doors but I would have also voted off! Just love these and your talent! Stay safe and healthy and keep inspiring us all! Many thanks! 👏😊
Thanks Susan! And ya, I was really stumped on whether or not to keep the doors but I’m really happy with them off too! x
Hi Denise! Another amazing transformation. I am going to try this technique with the wash. You are such an inspiration to so many people. I always look forward to your posts because i learn something from each one. Stay safe and stay isolated. Thank goodness i have plenty to paint.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Cheryl! Ya, seeing as so many of us are staying in and self-isolating, it’s the perfect time to get creative and take on some projects we’ve been putting off. Have fun painting and stay safe and healthy. XO
Although these can go well with the modern ranch or rustic decor, I think they are elegant enough to fit in with transitional too. Really a versatile finish. I’ve been starting to reimagine several of the oak pieces here so I love seeing such an innovative , artistic way to change their look. I’ve been wanting to try wood U Bend too so this gives me several great ideas. Thanks girl!
These oak pieces are abundant, aren’t they! And I agree, I think these are pretty versatile decor-wise. My sister was even saying they are masculine and feminine at the same time. Hope you try the WoodUBend… you’ll love it. 🙂
Oh WOW!!!! Gorgeous transformation. I just keep going back to stare at the pieces. Furniture transformation is truly your calling.
Aww, thanks Joanne! Very sweet. XOXO
I love those night stands.!! I love your work!!
Thanks Vickie! x
Beautiful! What about taking those doors and doing the same thing with them. Add some more knobs and hang them on the wall behind. They would be pretty and useful.
Hi Peg! I really like your idea! x
Denise, if I could have a makeover on ME turn out as nice as your makeovers on furniture, I’d be a happy camper, indeed.!! You have a magic wand, Girl! Keep up the beautiful transformations!! Thank you for continuing to share the magic!
You’re too sweet Susan! And sometimes I feel the same way! LOL
Wowza, you are so talented! I am so loving your colour choices. Thank you for posting.
Thanks so much Angela! x
Wow! I was not expecting how cool that would turn out. Amazing transformation.
thank you Lizzy! 🙂
WOW! These are amazing! I really,, really love them.
Thanks Toni! 🙂
Love, love, love these nightstands!
Thanks Rhonda! 🙂
Very nice update ! Beautiful use of color and blending. 😉
The rope trim completely updates the design from all the usual yellow oak furniture.
(sadly -I have a few pieces of it I need to update)
Sadly, I just can’t seem to like all the gaudy ‘stickers’ currently being slathered all over everything.
Your design however is subtle and artistically done !
As always, I love your use of color and detailing.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks! I really like the trim too. It really changes the look of the piece… and I think we ALL still have a few of these oak pieces hanging around… or know of someone who does! hehe
Hey girl! One of my faves of your furniture recreations! Two Q’s for you: am I correct that you made a couple of those nifty resin appliqués to cover the old hardware holes? If yes, which mold did you use? Also, love love love the new drawer hardware! Did you find those drawer pulls at Hobby Lobby or ????? Thanks for another truly stunning display of your endless imagination!
Hi Suzy! The keyhole appliques you can find here (I didn’t cast them this time) and the cup handles are a 50% off Hobby Lobby find. You know me well Suzy. 😉
Denise, these were so dated and plain before your magic touched them. I do have a question:) Did you apply the gray wash before or after the topcoat? The handles and lock plate match beautifully! Blessings to you and your family during these critical times.
Hi Cecilia… and thank you! The poly was used to apply the decor decoupage paper. Once that dried I applied the paint wash. Once that dried, I added 2 coats of spray finish poly on top. So both. 🙂 They are poly’d on there really good. lol
Beautiful transformation!!! I do so look forward to your posts now more then ever. Thank you so much for being here for us in these crazy times. Bless you and stay safe.
Thanks so much, Linda. And I feel the same way. I’m so blessed that my work keeps me busy and my mind off all that is going on. And of course, the best part is I still get to share with you. xo
I am in awe of your work. Truly inspired. Thanks
Thank you Jose! 🙂
By the way, love the nightstands!! Just beautiful (-;. Love all your work!!
thank you Gayle! XO
Hi Denise,
I just finished a sweet little table/nightstand and used the decoupage paper. It is beautiful!! However, I had a tough time getting it to stick. I used Dixie Belle primer in satin exactly as you said but it just wouldn’t stick. I had to use Tight Bond to get it to stick. Also, any extra I had to cut with scissors as it would not tear without ruining it. Any idea why this happened?. I was applying it to a painted drawer. I also applied it to the sides of the drawers that were raw wood with no problem.
Thanks
Hi Gayle! What type of paint were you sticking it on? I’ve only tried applying this decoupage decor paper on chalk/mineral paint which is porous/matte but maybe it doesn’t stick as well (using poly) on latex or other paints? And ya, because these have a ‘material’ type quality, you can’t tear them without causing a mess. I suggest using a razor blade, craft knife, scissors or the sand paper along the edge to get a nice crisp clean edge. 🙂
This is one of the classiest repurposed furniture pieces I’ve ever seen! Just perfect.
Awwww, thank you Sher! x
Absolutely stunning makeover, Denise! I didn’t know Prima had these decoupage papers available and I can’t wait to give them a try. That’s quite the before and after transformation on these tables! Love how you decoupaged the feet too.
Thanks Marie! Someone mentioned (on FB) that the feet looked really dated so I thought this would spruce them up. 🙂
I love how these turned out Denise! Did you paint the inside of the drawers?
THanks Mary. No. The inside of the drawers are super clean so I left the wood as-is.:)
Can you tell us how to find the pulls and the little embellishments? These are amazing! Thank you for the details.
The pulls/cup handles are from Hobby Lobby and the trim and lock ornament are WoodUBend products which you can find here.
Wow what a transformation! They are stunning and I love the rope trim. Guess I will be doing some online shopping today….
Thanks Laura and ya, online shopping can be dangerous when we’re stuck at home… have fun! 😉
Beautiful! Did you clear coat the tissue before the wash or after?
Hi Cheryl! I clear coated the decoupage paper before AND after the wash. Poly was used to adhere the decor paper. Then when it was all dry, I added the wash. After that was all dry, I spray coated with 2 coats of poly for finished protection. 🙂
Your night stands are beautiful. You make it look so easy. Would you tell me the steps, for the body. I love your makeovers. Thank you
Hi Linda. Here’s a project I did with a similar wash finish. (video included) Hope this helps.
These came out absolutely beautiful! You are true inspirational !!!!!
I do have a question. Those key holes , are they from a mold? I love them. !!!!
Hi Nancy and thank you. They key holes are a WoodUBend product which you can get here. 🙂
Those are incredible transformations!
You make me want to try something like this today! Thank you for such a great inspiration.
Thanks, Shelley! And if you decide to give it a try, have fun. 🙂
These nightstands have a totally different look! I am so impressed! Now I want to try out more products! 😫 Keep up the makeovers- it gives me something to look forward to these days! 😊
Sharing these makeovers gives me something to look forward to too. Thanks Toia!
I just can’t believe what beautiful things you make out of ” nothing ‘ !!!!!!! You always amaze me . We are getting ready to paint our ‘orange ‘ kitchen cabinets . We have the home right sprayer but in trying to use it we have had a hard time getting a good spray . Have you had really good results with the Hefty sprayer ?
Thanks for any advise you can share .
Stay safe !!
Shelby
Hi Shelby! 🙂 I tried a similar Wagner home sprayer and could never get the hang of it. It was messy and disappointing. I’ve been using this HUSKY Paint Gun since 2013 and love it. Sorry I’m not much help with those other sprayers. 🙁 That said, what a GREAT project. I’d love to do my kitchen cabinets.
Hi Denise. You turned these sturdy (kind of blah) nightstands into beautiful show stoppers. I love the decoupaged drawers and legs and those cup handles are the icing on the cake! It’s amazing what paint, imagination, and true artistic talent can do! On a serious note, I hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe. Take care and thank you for bringing some sunshine and inspiration to me (and your readers) via the internet:)
Aw, thanks so much, Monique! You always bring a big smile to my face. I hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe and healthy too. XOXO
Gorgeous makeover as always. I can’t wait to see what you do with the radio cabinet. 🙂 xo
Thanks Do! x
Omg omg I LOVE THEM!!! You are so good at picking out just the right hardware too. Thank you so much.now I know what I am doing with a bold stand I have. I have similar hardware. I cant wait to get started your the BEST ! Susan
Thanks and have fun with yours, Susan!!! 🙂
OMG! Just gorgeous. I can’t believe the transformation. You are incredibly talented and I love seeing your creativity!
Thanks so much Dianne! 🙂
Absolutely stunning, once again! You never cease to amaze. Question…what did you paint and embellish the rope with?
Hi Jeannie! The WoodUBend rope trim was painted out with the same colors as the nightstands and then I applied this gilding wax – first in Black and then in Copper. Using the two gave the trim more dimension. 🙂
Beautiful! You are so talented! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Ranell! x
OMG! The transformation is stunning!
Merci pour ce partage de trucs et astuces pour la pose du decoupage paper!Le teinter après la pose est une idée brillante.
Thank you Corinne! Cela fait gagner du temps, c’est sûr ! Désormais, je n’ai plus besoin de chercher des papiers qui correspondent… Je peux les faire correspondre. 😉
These are so beautiful. You said you spray painted with a light gray paint, but how did you get the textured finish?
Fabulous as always. X
Thanks Annie! XOXO