How to Refinish Furniture With Decoupage, Wrapping Paper and Varnish

Revamping an old table, bench or chair is simple and inexpensive to do with a collage or stylish wrapping paper. A process called decoupage makes this possible. Though decoupage is typically used to decorate paper crafts or other small decorative items, using a large paper type, such as gift wrapping paper, can allow you to cover larger pieces of furniture.

Fine-grit sandpaper
Clear varnish
2-inch paintbrush
Scissors
Decoupage medium
1-inch sponge brush

Instructions

- 1
  Scuff the surface of the furniture that you are covering with fine-grit sandpaper.
- 2
  Apply a coat of clear varnish to the surface of the furniture piece with a 2-inch paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry according to the instructions on the packaging. Some varnishes are quick-drying, but most take at least a couple hours to dry completely.
- 3
  Cut out several shapes or images from the wrapping paper or cut one large piece if you are using the paper to cover a large area on the surface of the furniture.
- 4
  Apply a generous but even layer of decoupage medium to the furniture's surface with a 1-inch foam brush.
- 5
  Press the wrapping paper pieces or section in place over the layer of decoupage medium. Straighten the paper to avoid bubbles, permanent rifts or puckered edges.
- 6
  Apply decoupage medium over the wrapping paper with the foam brush. Allow the decoupage medium to dry overnight before touching or moving the piece of furniture. This will give the medium enough time to cure completely.

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