DIY Parsons Table Makeover: Stunning Decoupage Modern Mod
Materials and Tools
- Small Parsons table
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Paper towel or clean rag
- Blue painter's tape
- Primer
- Latex paint
- Paint roller and tray
- Large piece of poster board or cardboard
- Large bowl (ours was about 11-1/2" in diameter)
- Pencil
- Several pieces of large scrapbook paper, cardstock, or colored cardstock
- Scissors
- Decoupage medium
- Glossy polyurethane
- Two medium to large foam brushes
- Aluminum foil
- Utility cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose any shape for decorating your table—circles, triangles, flowers, or our favorite rounded diamond. To create the diamond template, use a ruler to draw a straight line across the poster board and another perpendicular line through its center, dividing it into four quadrants. Trace an arc in each quadrant using the large bowl's edge. Cut out the shape and trim 1/8"-1/4" from each point for blunt, user-friendly edges.
- Trace the template onto your selected papers and cut out the shapes. The number needed depends on your table's size.
- Sand the tabletop lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away dust with a clean rag.
- Mask the table's vertical edges with painter's tape. Apply 1-2 coats of primer using the roller, drying between coats. Once dry, add 1-2 coats of latex paint, allowing full drying before proceeding.
- With a foam brush, apply decoupage medium to the back of each shape and arrange them corner-to-corner on the table. Smooth out air bubbles. Coat the entire surface, let dry, then apply a second coat. Trim any overhanging edges.
- After the decoupage is fully dry, brush on a coat of glossy polyurethane with the foam brush. Let it dry, then add a second coat.
- Allow the final polyurethane coat to dry for 2-4 hours before carefully removing the tape—use a utility knife if needed for clean edges.
