I love a good chunky end table with turned legs and loads of carved detail.
And while I'd love to write this blog about the use of dark wax over light paint to bring out the details of the carvings......
Instead, I am going to focus on the fact that I chose to decoupage the wicker top surface.....having no clue how it would turn out....and I love it!
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But First...The Before!
And my son, Brody...always ready to help in my studio and it makes my heart happy having him here!!
Supplies Used
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Start with Applying Paint and Wax to Furniture
So let me quickly run through the painting process of this table and then we will get to the good stuff of today!
Clean and Paint the Entire Piece First
It was cleaned with White Lightning and rinsed well with water.
I painted the entire table including the wicker top in two coats of Drop Cloth which is a fantastic off white that isn't too yellow....and allowed to dry.
PRO TIP: In preparation for the dark wax process ahead, I applied a thin single coat of Top Coat in Satin to the entire table and allowed to dry.
Note: At this point, I did apply the decoupage next but we are going to skip to the dark waxing of the legs and carved skirt.
Add Wax to Bring the Carvings to Life!
Using Best Dang Wax in Brown, I worked in sections by liberally applying the dark wax and then wiping away with a damp cloth.
I removed as much wax as possible leaving the dark buried in the crevices of the carvings.
This process makes the carvings that were lost in the all white color.....completely come to life!
It is a really fun process but can be nerve wracking for a beginner. However the tip of applying the satin top coat and allowing it to dry....and THEN starting the dark wax process is a game changer. The wax is so easy to use and remove with the satin top coat as a base.
I do hope you will try it....it's very satisfying!
I continued the waxing process to in sections over the legs and all four skirting sides.
How to Apply Decoupage Paper to Wicker
I chose the Sunny Daze A1 Decoupage paper for the top of this table. I love the watercolor sunflower....and sunflowers are my favorite flower!
Read Decoupage 101 on Wood Furniture Blog HERE (including curved surfaces)
Or... Watch my Decoupage YouTube video HERE.
Or... Learn How to Decoupage on FABRIC HERE.
Sizing the Decoupage Paper (not so formal way... works for me!)
I laid the paper down and used my fingernail to press it into the square perimeter to make a crease in the paper.
Using scissors I trimmed out my paper based on the creased line.
PRO TIP: I held up the paper that I was planning to apply and lightly misted it with water and set it aside. This helps you paper to "pre-stretch" before you lay it down which makes less wrinkles.
Laying the Decoupage Paper on The Wicker Surface
Using Top Coat in Satin again, I applied a liberal coat to 1/2 of the wicker surface.
I then laid the sunflower paper down (face up) and pressed it into the wet top coat.
The paper is strong enough to lift and reposition should you need to.
I then used a wadded up ball of saran wrap to smooth out any wrinkles.
Note: This decoupage paper was actually two different pieces so I had to repeat the above steps for both pieces.
Sealing the decoupage paper
I applied another liberal coat of Top Coat Satin on top of the paper this time......the entire design....began smoothing out any remaining wrinkles.
I absolutely love how this design looks over the wicker!!!
The wicker adds a texture element that just brings the whole flower to life!
I love the way the light bounces off of each little curve of the wicker! I am so happy with this result!
STEP BY STEP GUIDE How to Apply Decoupage HERE...including curved surfaces and around permanent drawer pulls!
Watch the Full Decoupage Process on YouTube HERE.
Learn How to Decoupage on FABRIC HERE.
Adding Dark Wax around Edges for Smoky Look
Once dry it was time to dark wax the top surface of the table to match the legs and skirting.
I love dark waxing around decoupage paper.
I applied the Best Dang Wax around the entire perimeter of the paper and blended it out toward the flower using my french tip brush.
This creates a smoky look and really allows the center with the art to be the center of attention.
One Final Element of Texture
I left this overnight to dry and returned to apply a dry brushing technique over every surface.
I used Fluff for this...which is a soft white.
This just adds one more element of texture.
It is honestly barely noticeable...but I love the subtle hue of highlight that it offers.
How to apply dry brush technique
To dry brush, I just load the very tips of the (dry) brush bristles only......and then blot off almost every bit of it.
I then just work my brush briskly and lightly over every square inch of the piece....reloading and blotting off with the Fluff when needed.
The Finished Look
This table is done!
We've got 2 layers of paint, a coat of sealer, a layer of dark wax, two more coats of sealer on the decoupage, and a thin coat of dry brushed paint to bring it home!
All in all, every process was enjoyable and I am quite satisfied with the results.
However I am crazy excited with how the decoupage looks over the wicker and I highly recommend you consider this technique with any worn out or discolored tightly woven wicker that you come across.
More Inspiration: Decoupage Projects
I have been painting jewelry armoires for years! Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Decoupage on Fabric - this tattoo decoupage chair went viral on Instagram!
Decoupage LIFE Truck - from vintage to vibrant
How to Decoupage on Wood Furniture - a step by step beginner guide
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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