How to Decoupage a Dresser Top

Thoroughly clean the dresser top with mild detergent. Rinse it well by wiping it with a rag moistened with clean water. Let the top dry naturally.

Sand the dresser top lightly with 100-grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the surface and give the adhesive something to grab onto.

Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Prepare the images that you will decoupage onto the dresser. Cut or rip them into smaller pieces. If you are using one large image to decoupage the entire dresser top, lay the paper containing the image upside down on the dresser. Trace the outline with a pencil and then cut the image out just inside of the penciled line. Do a test fit of the cut-out image and trim it for size, if necessary.

Apply a thick coat of the decoupage glue to the table top using a disposable foam paintbrush. Work quickly so the glue doesn't have time to dry completely before you're finished.

Paint the back of each small individual image with decoupage glue and place it on the dresser in the desired location. Smooth the top of the image gently with the flat edge of a plastic credit card to remove any wrinkles or air bubbles. You can also use your fingers, but moisten them with water so they don't stick to the paper. Continue applying images to the dresser top, overlapping them, if desired, to achieve the desired effect.

To apply one large image to the dresser top, paint the entire back of the large image with decoupage glue. Carefully position it on the dresser top while the glue is still tacky. Working from the center out, gently smooth the paper to remove wrinkles or bubbles.

Apply a thick coat of decoupage glue to the top of the dresser after it is completely covered with images. Allow it to dry for the length of time indicated on the label.

Apply a second coat of decoupage glue or clear polyurethane after the first coat is completely dry.