How to Decoupage a Wood Table

Sand the entire table using a fine-grit paper to remove any old finishes or shellacs.

Rub the table down with a soft cloth to brush away all of the sanding dust and loose particles.

Paint the table the color of your choice using wood paint. White is a good option if you are using very colorful pictures or text. Allow the table to dry completely overnight.

Arrange the items to be decoupaged on the table until you are happy with how they look. Do not be afraid to overlap, as this gives the table a professional, dimensional look. Hang items that you want to place on vertical surfaces carefully with sticky tack. Trim away any bothersome areas with scissors.

Take a picture of the arrangement so that you do not forget where everything goes. Remove all of the items and take off any pieces of sticky tack.

Pick up the first item to be decoupaged. Choose a bottom-most piece if you have designed a layered arrangement. Turn the item over so that the back is facing you and it is laying in your non-dominant palm. Dip a sponge brush into the decoupage with your dominant hand and apply a thin, even coat onto the back of the item.

Lay the item slowly and carefully into place, from top to bottom, avoiding any wrinkles. Smooth the edges with your fingertips.

Rest your fingertips lightly on the center of the item. Use the brush to apply decoupage from the inside of the item to the table around the edges of the item in even strokes to affix the edges to the table. Remove your fingers and brush decoupage thinly and evenly over the entire item so that it is completely sealed. Place the rest of the pieces in this manner. Do not worry about drying each piece before layering; decoupage dries clear, and tacky lower pieces will help hold upper pieces in place.

Allow the table to dry overnight.

Spray the table in a well-ventilated area with varnish to finish.