The easy furniture face lift
The easy furniture face lift
If you’ve never decoupage before, start with something basic. The size is perfect for a single image, a simple composition like the one here,’
1. Sand the entire area smooth. Apply the base colour. Whether your brush is natural bristle or foam, use this technique: Apply the paint in one direction and then lightly brush the opposite way. Wait for the paint to dry thoroughly (at least one hour for water-based paint), then lightly sand the painted surface using No. 400 sandpaper. (The smoother the finish, the better the final result.) If brush¬strokes are visible, give the stool a second coat and, after the paint is dry, another sanding.
2. Cut out your printed illustrations. Using cuticle or embroidery scissors, trim off as much of the background as you can from each of your pictures. (If they’re from
a magazine, use colour copies instead of the originals, which have printing on the other side that will show through.) Even if the background is white and your stool is white, you want the cleanest edges possible. (Easy way to sharpen scissors: Use them to cut up sandpaper.)Next, arrange your cut-outs. If you’re using just one element, like a flag, place it in the centre. If you’re composing a design with several pieces, it will require more thought. Trust your instincts and go with what pleases your eye. If, in the end, you don’t like your design, you can sand it off.
3.Glue the design in place Put a small amount of glue on the back of a cut-out, spreading it evenly to all the outer edges with your finger. Position the cut-out on the stool and press down with a slightly damp sponge. Remove any excess glue from the edges. Press down again with the sponge and then with a dry cloth. Apply all cut-outs in this way. Let the glue dry for at least one hour; overnight if you used photos or postcards. 4. Brush on a clear acrylic sealer. Apply a thin coat of sealer to the entire stool (including the under¬side and. legs). Let dry according to sealer directions; then lightly sand using No. 600 sandpaper. Continue to apply coats until the edges of the cut-outs feel smooth under your finger. �