Would decoupage be durable enough for a coffee table top?
by Tova Pearl
+10
I have this old coffee table (similar to the one pictured) that i want to decoupage with old book pages, but i am sort of concerned that the decoupage won't hold up to use. Does anyone have any suggestions for making it durable? thanks!
It will if you seal it once done. You can use the Mod Podge brand but sometimes it clouds if too wet. You a spray on in your choice of shine. Thin coats are best.
Yes when you finish of with Polyurethane Varnish
I would try a PolyAcrylic top coat over the decoupage just to seal it all in.
Polyurethane can yellow over time. Check the can if you dont want that
Use a non yellowing polyacrylic
Use a couple coats of polypropylene on top after decoupaging the table.
I would use a poly. Depending on the color of the surface, you might need to use a nonyellowing top coat. Some poly yellows over time but it might not matter in your case. For table tops i like a spray on. Just THIN COATS!
You could cut a piece of Lexan clear plastic the same size as the table top to protect your decoupage.
I sold my soul to epoxy! ;) That is what I'd use... See my coffee table makeover (very similar) : http://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/turning-old-coffee-table-into-memory-32202057
And this one made with decoupage and crystal glaze : http://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/furniture/old-suitcase-becomes-a-side-table-33192686
Good luck!
Turning Old Coffee Table Into Memory!
Old Suitcase Becomes a Side Table
I do decoupage and it definitely will hold up. For your project I would recommend five or six coats of polyurethane. I hate to be a stickler but decoupage really means "cutting out" as I have done with these images. Other wise wallpapering could be called "decoupage"
ModPodge tends to soften if say....you put a sweaty glass down. I have fallen in love with ModPodge Hardcoat which I think is in a purple label container. They also make one that is dishwasher safe. If you can’t find them locally both are available on Amazon. The Hardcoat seems to wrinkle less for me and is very tough. I have even used it on signs I have put outside but for a coffee table i would still spray a coat of crystal clear topcoat just to protect the work.
Good Luck!!
How about you just put a piece of glass over the top? Measure; a glass company will cut a custom piece with finished edges for next to nothing, place it, and forget it. No yellowing. No mess.
I use Dixie Belle Satin Sealer when I decoupage. It's a furniture grade sealer.