
Turn a Tired Old Table Into a Masterpiece
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Some projects take on a life of their own—and this little table was one of them. I originally planned to give it a simple paint job, but once I saw my stash of sea-themed decoupage papers, inspiration took over. The result? A coastal-inspired showpiece that sold almost as soon as I finished it.
Prep & Planning
To make the process easier, I removed the tabletop and placed it on my workbench. After a thorough cleaning with TSP Alternative, I selected two coordinating decoupage papers—one for the top and one for the bottom shelf. To ensure the designs would pop, I painted the areas beneath the papers white.
Decoupage Technique
Once the base coat was dry, I applied Fusion’s Decoupage & Transfer Gel to the top surface, laid the paper carefully in place, and sealed it with another coat of gel. To avoid harsh edges, I used a wet brush to feather the paper’s borders, tearing away the white edging for a jagged finish that blends beautifully with paint.
After the paper dried, I blended paint outward from the edges to create a seamless look, making the design appear as though it was painted directly onto the surface. I repeated the same process on the bottom shelf with the second paper.
Paint & Metallic Details
While the decoupage dried, I painted the table base in Fusion’s Midnight Blue and added Sterling to the edging of the top for a soft contrast. I thought it looked too stark, so I decided to paint the top sides in Seaside.
To enhance the focal points—the lady featured in the top paper and the lighthouse on the bottom—I framed them using leftover pieces from a Redesign with Prima Silver decor transfer.
For the final touch, I highlighted decorative areas of the base with silver Posh Chalk Pigments, adding shimmer and depth that tied the whole look together.
This table was a joy to create and a perfect example of how decoupage can elevate a simple piece into something truly special. Whether you're drawn to coastal themes or just love experimenting with mixed media, this technique opens up endless possibilities.