How to Apply a Decoupage Finish to a Tabletop

Showcase a favorite image (art, photo, map) by turning it into a table. Learn how to apply a decoupage finish to a tabletop in this Lowe’s video:

1. Start by applying a coat of pre-stain wood conditioner to the areas you’ll stain. This will help prevent the stain from absorbing unevenly and looking blotchy. Let dry.

2. Stain a 1- to 2-inch border around the top, then the edges, and then the bottom side of the table. Let dry.

3. Apply the image to the tabletop. Find a position you like, then trim off any excess, and mark the position on both the tabletop and the image.

4. In a well-ventilated area, use spray adhesive on the back of the image and on the tabletop, then apply the image to the table top. Press down firmly, working from the center out to get rid of any bubbles.

5. Press around the table edges to crease the image (this makes it easy to use a craft knife to trim it to fit). For a worn look, hit the edges with a little sandpaper to distress and feather them, then add a little stain around the edges, blending it with the stained edges of the table.

6. Once dry, apply at least two coats of polyurethane in a well-ventilated area to seal and protect the table.