Do you ever have a piece of furniture that is lacking some pep? Sometimes it can just need a little updating and although painting will suffice, you can also decoupage furniture. What’s that you say? Let me show you what I’m talking about using this Art Deco waterfall chest as an example.
*sidenote: While I understand some people are wood purists and chastise me for painting, I too love wood. I only paint things that won’t lose value when painted. This chest is not a high-end Art Deco piece and I know that by experience. This is a copy and thus I can change it as it suits me. PLUS, it’s mine! (end of rant – thank you. 😀 )
I found this chest on Craigslist and in the past, I have done several different things to these waterfall chests. My most popular is my BEEP. This dude was a freebie for good reason – he was a hot mess!
Then there’s my Dumpster Diva, another piece of decoupage furniture. She was left out in the cold and on her last leg. Now she shines!
*post is sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
DIY TIME
I have done more Art Deco pieces that you can see in these posts, and I hope you can see why I enjoy them. Obviously, this chest was in sound shape and really wasn’t looking that bad, although the appliques were flaking, and it had some surface damage. Not only did I want to revive this, but I wanted to give it some flair to make it shine.
It has all the original Bakelite pulls with metal accents (not brass), so I thought a new look was in order to bring it up to date. First, I start with my reliable sander to get things nice and even. Next, I go to one of my favorite tools, my sprayer.
We are having some fantastic weather here and I can’t resist getting to work outside and savor it all. Thankfully, the Spray Shelter helps keep the debris from getting into my work, and the Finish Max makes my job super-fast!
PAINT TIME
Since I know that these pieces are known for bleed-through, I start with a base coat of Kilz stain blocker. Likewise, you can see the numerous ways I have put this thing to use HERE.
For my topcoat, I chose to use the same color gray, Universal Gray by Glidden, that I used in my teen boys room makeover and my bathroom remodel. Love that soft, light color.
DECOUPAGE
Then, after two coats and curing, I am ready to add my decoupage. In past posts, I’ve used tissue paper, art printed online, or most anything to decoupage furniture. Today, I’m using the set of gorgeous napkins sent to me by a reader that knows my style and has become a friend. Thank you, Grace!
Since waterfall pieces tend to be sorta boring, I wanted to add some dimension to the chest drawers. All you need to decoupage is your paper, a brush, and either decoupage adhesive or watered down school glue. Both work well.
You will want to work in small batches and apply adhesive in a thin layer to the spot you want to begin with. First, apply your paper starting at one edge and smoothing as you go. Be careful not to tug and smooth too hard. Then, once set, apply more adhesive on top to the paper to seal it. You may have a few wrinkles that you can leave for texture, or gently smooth with your brush. Also, consider if you want to wrap around edges, in this case I did.
You can overlap your decoupage sheets or line them up, but feel free to experiment on a scrap piece of wood if you desire to give it a test run. Finally, your decoupage is now finished and sealed, but if you prefer, you can also add a poly topcoat for added durability.
TIP: When using napkins, sometimes you need to separate them into individual sheets for easier application. Thinner material goes one smoother, but if you want texture, keep them together.
THE REVEAL
Here’s my waterfall chest makeover in the new look.
I painted the pulls with contrasting satin white and brushed nickel since that orange Bakelite wasn’t cutting it for me. The contrasting drawer fronts make for a better show and add charm to this dated piece.
To give it a soft glow, I went over the entire chest with a white wax. It really softens it and adds texture to the crevices and the wrinkles on the paper that I wanted to show.
And if this little lady has stolen your heart, you can find it available for purchase in my online store along with my other goodies.
My goal is to inspire you to try to decoupage furniture, whether it’s your own or for resale. It’s fun and easy! Do pin and share to inspire others to try too. Thank you!
Next, I am excited to show you the after of this vintage Kroehler vanity. I used to do vanities all the time and have been in withdrawal! Any guesses to the finish? Head HERE to see the end result. In addition, sign up for my newsletter to get the details in your inbox.
Also, more of my decoupage furniture for you to see:
That is absolutely stunning! …and I am so honored to be a part of it, haha! Thank you for this nice surprise. You delivered!! 😀
You are a sweet soul, Grace. Thanks so much for being a part of it! 😀
I just showed it to John and he said, “whoa….”. You are most welcome. I am so glad you used it. I forgot about the napkin, but obviously you didnt, haha. Its gorgeous. I knew you would pull it off. Its perfect!
Awesome!! He deserves a kiss from you. 🙂 Thanks, girl!
Wonderful job Larissa,
We just moved to a new to us home and my old furniture just needs some updating to brighten things up around here. I would love to try some of your ideas on my old things and give them a new life.
And the best part is YOU are making your home. It will feel so good. Thanks, Sally!
I have had a waterfall chest in the garage since last spring. I love the look that
you achieved with your decoupage treatment! Have you ever tried decoupage on the front using material? I’ve used this inside drawers, but I have some gorgeous lightweight material that I’m going to try. Let me know if you have any tips! As far as the shell, I haven’t yet decided on color… a paint sprayer sure would make my Job Easier! Thanks for sharing, Mary
Thanks, Mary! I have decoupaged with fabric too and it works just as well. Same idea as paper, just sometimes a little more adhesive needed. Have fun!
I know the kitchen remodeling has been dragging on and the issue with the saw slowed you down, but isn’t it cool how you saw the opportunity for a mini break (apples!) And then when the time was right, you saved so much money on the blade? I just love seeing examples of how God takes care of us so personally and gives us exactly what we need at the right times.
I have been loving your blog and the openness of your faith.
HI LARISSA, This is stunning I love everything you make and believe me I would buy a piece but I think postage to Australia would be wow but you are amazing love all your furniture remakes I am trying to do our sick daughters house and two chronically ill children age 2 and6 is a tuff life but we are getting their .
What a treat to hear, Suzanne! Thank you. Yes, posted is at least $500 and that’s with our half-price discount we receive. OUCH! I will pray for you and your family.
Wow! It’s always a nice surprise to get up in the mornings and see what Fabulous you have created next! What a difference and oh my – it’s beautiful!! I always have a project going and would love to have a spray shelter! I’m hesitant to spray but because you said “5 minutes to clean up”..what!!! I’ll have to try it now for sure!! I have a dresser just waiting to paint!!! Thank you so much for always giving such great pictures and tutorials!! You are amazing!!
So awesome! And yes…easy to clean and maintain. I am all about saving time and making the most of it, so you know this was meant for me! 😀
I’d paint an old bench that I have had in the garage forever.
Perfect. 🙂
Beautiful!!
I would do a chest and nightstand that’s left of my bedroom suit.
That would be wonderful.
The first project I would use the sprayer on is my kitchen cabinets. They are flat, ugly, cheap cabinets, and I want to redo them in a craftsman style.
Sounds like a plan, Elaine!
I think I would start small. But the painting shelter and spray painter would akeley more brave!
How very cool!! I have never considered using napkins. I think I sense a new stash coming on. 🙂 And love the sprayer and the tent for it. I can see what difference it would make in the final product. 🙂
I forgot to mention….I have a dresser that I want to do redo. I painted it several years ago and since then I can see that I really goofed on type of paint and not prepping it enough. The mistakes of a then newbie!
We are always learning, and for that I am thankful.
It is addicting, I tell ya. 😉
Lovely. I have the top to a China cabinet that I want to hang on my wall and the sprayer woul be so great. Love your pieces.
Sounds like a perfect candidate. 😀
I remember separating napkins for my mother to use to decoupage 45 years ago! I think of it every time I see gorgeous paper napkins. I would like to spray paint a headboard I will make into a bench. Pictures to be sent!
That’s awesome! It certainly isn’t new, and I think often forgotten as an awesome way to update. Fun!
I have a dresser that I would like to paint that I would try it out on first!
Sweet!
Very pretty
Thank you, Brenda.
That turned out so beautifully! I have a waterfall chest AND matching vanity that belonged to my hub’s grandparents. I’ve been planning on updating them and the sprayer and shelter would be awesome! I always enjoy your posts. You are a super talented lady and your children are as well. They’re learning from the best.
That would make the job so much faster! Thank you for the love, Patti.
I love the napkins! That is my favorite piece that I have seen you do. The pulls are perfect now too. Wonderful job.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks so much!
i never get tired of the gray you use, and apparently neither do you! the napkins turned out so pretty! i have a similar waterfall dresser with those Bakelite pulls and would never have thought to paint them – you are always an inspiration!
Now, on your next project – i again have a piece that is so similar that i’m truly amazed! my father gave my mother a desk (no mirror) back in the mid-40s before they married! mine is oak and i always cringe at the thought of painting it. i’m looking forward to your update and just maybe i’ll be able to paint mine someday!
It definitely is a neutral that goes most anywhere, so that suits what I do since my pieces go to new homes. It makes it fun! Sounds like you have a good line-up for spray. 😀
I have a wicker chair and table that just itch for a spray of goodness.
Perfect! Wicker is wicked to hand paint. ugh. 😛
I need to paint a side table for my daughter’s bedroom. Just trying to get the courage to go for it!
You can do it! 😀
Love the color with the napkin pattern!
It was begging for it. hahahaha…thanks!
Hi Larissa: I have an armoire left from a bedroom set I painted by brush for my granddaughter. I would love to try a sprayer on that. While I don’t mind the brush marks on the pieces, I do think it would look more professional if it was painted with a sprayer. Also, as mentioned above, I have a wicker sofa that needs a coat of paint. Right now, it is off white with a brown stain on it. I would rather have it a clean, crisp white. It would look much better in my sunroom! Also, I LOVE the waterfall chest you did. It is AMAZING!
I’m with you. Sometimes I was those strokes and other I want factory finish. Makes sense to me! 😀 Thank you for the love.
This is so pretty. My 16 year old granddaughter just moved in with me. We are scrambling to but some bedroom pieces together for her. I think this sprayer is right up our alley of needed supplies, and maybe the answer to our bedroom furniture needs. Love your decoupage technique, this might be something we can use to personalize her own style. You rocked this again!!
Thanks, Karen! It would be so fun to work on it with her. Yay!
Wow! Great transformation! I like the texture the napkins gave the piece.
I left them together to get a thicker look and am pleased with the outcome. Thanks!
Gorgeous – as always!
Thanks, Fran!
I don’t particularly care for Art Deco furniture but you did a beautiful job on the chest. I don’t see any white product inside the handles inn the original picture of the chest. I’m just curious. How did you get the white product inside of the original handles to stay and what is that product? The handles look beautiful! I also really like the way you redid the top knobs.
I don’t normally either, but they beg to shine. I mentioned spraying them with a white paint since the Bakelite was orange. I don’t do orange well, only pumpkins. 😀
This is stunning! I love the colors and the knobs and pulls are a perfect match! Another amazing transformation! Your talent and creativity knows no bounds!
Blessings,
Candy
Wahoo!! Thanks so much, Candy!
Love this piece. Thanks for the giveaway. Thank you for all of the great ideas and tips.
You bet, Brandi!
You did it again! I love that you reused the knobs and pulls. So many people replace them. I have several pieces that have seen better days and need to be painted – this sprayer would really come in handy.
I really try not to replace them unless missing or damaged, or even low quality. It would be a blessing!
Swoon! Gorgeous!!! You are so talented.
You are so sweet! Thank you, Karen.
I have a storage full of vintage furniture, I would start with my table.
Larissa that is absolutely beautiful. Were the napkins Grace sent you also paper and if you use the decopauge does it protect the paper? I want to try this soon.
Thank you! Yes, the were a higher end napkin with two layers bound together. Yes, the decoupage adhesive is also a sealant.
Beautiful dresser! I would love to have a paint sprayer. I’ve been “saving up” furniture to work on this winter (but I could use that sprayer now and get a few done, lol). I always take advantage of the lull in the yard sales to get other projects in the works. Thanks for the chance to win.
You bet!
I would paint an old cabinet.
I would paint my kitchen cabinet doors – they are desperately in need of some love!
Love this make over, haven’t used fabric that way yet, will have to try it. Have so many projects waiting to be done but have a couple cabinets in my kitchen waiting to be repainted so would start there.
You and me both, Frances! I’m trying to wrap up as many projects as possible before the holidays hit. I need a break!
Always wonderful work and great giveaways ! Always look forward to see what your going to do next .
Very nice. I need to repaint my kitchen nook table so that would be very handy!
Oh my word, I love what you did to that dresser. I would so buy it if I was close to you! Are those paper napkins or cloth? Do you know where I might find them ( I know they were a gift) just hoping to find something similar. Love love love it! I’m doing some projects right now that I am decoupaging and I have a ton of things that need painted and this shelter and sprayer would come in handy. Have a wonderful week!!
Aww…thanks, Cheryl. I love your tenacity! Yes, paper napkins. Grace found them at the thrift store, so I have no idea. Sorry!
Love the new waterfall. Beep is still my favourite, however.
He will have my heart forever…beep!
This dresser turned out beautiful! I really enjoy your blog and am thankful for the opportunity to win the HomeRight sprayer and shelter!
I’m so happy to hear it, Kelly! Thank you for saying so.
I’ve really been wanting to try decoupage. Maybe I’ll start small – like on a tray.
Go for it!
An end table
I would paint our entryway table! I might even try to decoupage the two front drawers!
Wahoo!! 😀
a dresser i have that ive been putting off doing
Larissa, another awesome transformation! I really like the color and pattern on those napkins, and the white wax if perfect! If I had the spray right set up, I would spray up a bunch of larger wicker baskets and wood picture frames I’ve been holding onto for a long time!!
Thank you for sharing your dresser and the chance to enter your generous contest too!
Thank you! I wish I had a sprayer for everyone. 🙂
I would love to try out the sprayer. I’ve never used one. I would possibly paint the bathroom cabinets first or maybe some other as yet unknown piece of furniture!
This is just gorgeous Larissa! Amazing what you can do with paper napkins. I am going to try my hand at something like this with a small dresser I have, a paint sprayer and paint booth would seem to make the job so much easier! Love your posts! By the way, I am loving the little Danish jewelry box I purchased recently! Blessings to you!
There are so many ways to change things up. Thanks for the love, Janny!
I would love to try this on my daughters dresser that I found at a yard sale! 🙂
I would use the paint sprayer to paint the exterior of my home!
Some old end tables and doors.
I have an old bench that needs a new look. This sprayer and shelter would help me out do much! Thanks for the chance!
You bet, Kat. 😀
What a sweet and thoughtful giveaway! We have quite a bit of grandma’s old dressers and china cabinets that need TLC! Would love to win and make over these precious pieces for my 3 year old’s “big girl” room. The 2 of them had such a sweet bond.
That would be perfect!
I look forward to our posts and this one doesn’t disappoint.
You just made my day, Kim. Thank you!
Such a Stunning piece! Love the napkins, and the soft look they give! The first piece I would paint if I were to win is a little waterfall nightstand that is being delivered to me today! I could have used the sprayer this morning when I did a filing cabinet too! (Now I have hammered spray paint on my shoes LOL Cause I wasn’t paying attention 🙁 )
Too funny! Sorry, but been there done that. ahahaha… Thanks for the love, Beverly!
Opening a junk it shop in the spring – this would be wonderful to have!
Congrats!
I would paint my upper kitchen cabinets first!!
I would paint my bedroom suit first! so ready for a change!
I think I will start with a chest of drawers that is in need of a new look! I shouldn’t have any problem with inspiration, Larissa, because I LOVE everything you do! thanks for putting together this giveaway! Brenda
My absolute pleasure, Brenda! I wish I had one for everyone here.
I would paint the cabinet in the downstairs bathroom.
I would paint the three antique chairs I just brought home!
I’d paint a sofa table that is desperate need of an update.
Amazing, she is gorgeous just like she was meant to be. Larissa your work is so beautiful and I sure wouldn’t worry about any negative comment about paint these wood pieces, most of them would end up in a landfill or a burn pile if wonderful artist like yourself didn’t rescue them.
I wish I could do half as good as you do, love you style lady and the goodness in you.
Thank you, Patty. I just deleted a nasty comment. If we can just all remember, “If you don’t have soMEthing nice to say, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.” 😉
I would paint my coffee table. It has been on my to-do list for a while now.
Larissa, (I love that name!) I think we were separated at birth! Our tastes are so much the same, I rarely react with anything less than a “love” on almost every post! And your faith is so contagious! I actually had pinned your “Beep” photo months ago and was attempting to copy it before I ever found your blog! Now I look forward to your posts each day! I have a shop of my own, so the sprayer & shelter would be a blessing, but it will be a blessing to whomever wins! What a wonderful thing you are doing!
Keep on being you and doing what you do! Be blessed my friend!
Thanks! That’s so awesome to hear how you found me. I love to hear stories like that. Have a blessed day!
Larissa, your projects always are beautiful & the tutorials are easy enough to understand & recreate. If I won the sprayer & shelter, I’d finish some projects I have in the garage. I might even try them on some furniture my Superman creates for me. Thanks for all your great ideas and inspiration. Blessings, Jenny
Thank you for the loving words, Jenny!
I love all of your creative genius ideas! You are truly an inspiration. I would probably paint the crates I just got so I can make some storage shelves for my craft disaster room.
That sounds perfect!
Your work is great…each piece with a new ‘twist’.
I’m super happy to hear you love it, Corey. Thank you!
I would paint the great antique table that I got free curb side last week. It is awesome.
Beautiful piece! I would paint a dresser that’s been sitting in the garage.
I will paint my 1940’s Now front dresser and my French provincial dressers blue grey.
I would paint a headboard! Love the last dresser you just finished.
Gorgeous projects. Great products to use for so many projects!
I love this! Getting some great ideas for my daughter’s room!
Ha, I just finished decoupaging a waterfall dresser the other day too. LOVE the pretty soft napkins you used on yours! Pinning to share 🙂 I bet this beauty is going to sell quickly if it hasn’t already. Glad to hear the saw blade escapade, although it took some bends and twists getting there, turned out best in your favor. Now those countertops can get finished already!
Awesome! I’ll have to go see. I wish I had more time to support everyone. Never enough time in the day! I think Karen at Redoux did one the same day too. Great minds, I tell ya. Onward kitchen we go!
All your furniture and finds that you reproduce are so beautiful and unique! I try to refinish furniture and repurpose furniture and items I find. I pick up items at the dump, side of the road anywhere I can find them. I have a 4 stall shop and a connex full of furniture and stuff to redo and repurpose. My hubs is very patient with me?. I need to get me a sprayer and paint tent. Would definitely make my life easier and quicker! Thanks for sharing all your beautiful transformations.
You sound like a gal after my own heart, Monica. It sure is an adventure every day!