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How to Make Over an Ugly Desk With Decoupage

Thrift stores and yard sales often have desks and other furniture available for a deeply discounted price, which makes these venues ideal for those shopping on a budget. However, desks bought secondhand don't usually fit your decor and may need to be repainted or covered in some way. Decoupage, covering the desk with glue-covered paper, is an inexpensive way to cover the ugly desk and personalize it to fit in better with your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper
  • 1 qt. oil-based primer
  • 2 medium paintbrushes
  • Roasting pan
  • 1 gallon school glue
  • 1/2 gallon water
  • Photos, magazine pages, prints or other paper materials
  • Craft knife
  • Sponge brush
  • 1 qt. satin polyurethane
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand the entire desk so the surfaces are smooth.

    • 2

      Paint two coats of primer onto all surfaces of the desk. Let the primer dry in between coats.

    • 3

      Pour the glue into the roasting pan and mix it with about 1/2 gallon water.

    • 4

      Dip the photos or other paper into the glue mixture one at a time. Submerge them completely.

    • 5

      Apply the photos, magazine pages or other paper prints to the desk.

    • 6

      Dip the palms of your hands in the glue mixture. Use your hands to smooth out the papers so there are no bubbles.

    • 7

      Wrap the edges of the paper around the corners and tuck them under the edges.

    • 8

      Carve around handles, drawer knobs and other hardware pieces using a craft knife to remove excess paper.

    • 9

      Dip the sponge brush in glue. Use it to press down any paper that's sticking up. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

    • 10

      Brush a layer of polyurethane over the whole desk and allow it to dry.