Dear Friends,
As promised, a tutorial on Lacey’s wallpapered dresser. Or you could call it a manifesto on what NOT to do. If I did it again, it would be easy because I would skip the whole part where I had to re-do half of it.
1. Measure: I used a yardstick to measure the drawers and then marked the back of the wallpaper accordingly. I drew straight lines all the way across when cutting on the horizontal.
2. Cut: I used scissors to cut on the lines that I made. A cutting board would be more accurate.
3. Paste: I used spray adhesive to adhere the wallpaper to the dresser. I sprayed the dresser thoroughly and did my best to center the paper. I learned (the hard way) that using permanent spray adhesive with an “open” time for easy removal was best. The brand was Elmer’s purchased from Hobby Lobby.
4. Trim: I used the yardstick and an exacto knife to make sure that the edges of the papered drawers were even. Press firmly with the knife to score the paper but not so hard that you scratch the furniture.
5. Polyurethane: I did a couple of light coats of spray poly to make sure the wallpaper sealed nicely. It is not glossy but you could achieve a glossier look with a glossy poly or more coats. Mine was more for protection than anything.
The good part of this whole deal? I learned that I could remove the wallpaper and start over without ruining the furniture. It makes the whole thing less scary in the future. I’m feeling more gutsy when it comes to furniture make-overs now.
My only question is whether or not it would work to use the wallpaper as is. In other words, no spray adhesive but using traditional paste to hang it. I’m not sure if that would work as well?
In the end, the dresser looks exactly how I want it to. Following the correct steps, it could be done in a half a day. For more pictures, see the original post here.
I’m itching to wallpaper something else now. Seriously.
I’m joining Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick @ her monthly Before & After Party. I’m also linking up with Donna at Funky Junk Interiors.
P.S. I just poked the screw for the knobs through the back side of the dresser. It didn’t tear the paper at all!
This is absolutely beautiful, Erin! I LOVE it! You have inspired me to keep our two very tall, very oak, 1970′s dressers in our master bedroom! Thank you!!!
I realize there was a ton of unexpected work involved. Just consider yourself the trail blazer for the rest of us!
Thanks!
xo
~K
It turned out AWESOME!! Love the Pretty Woman reference. Every time I hear someone say “big mistake” I have an overwhelming desire to say “huge.”
It is absolutely beautiful!!!!
I am sure you were about ready to pull your hair out from the frustration.
It was worth the effort though. It is stunning.
Besides, I don’t believe in half day projects. That only works in theory.
The dresser turned out beautiful…well worth the effort!
Haaaaaaaaaaaang on a second! Huge “uh ohs” are flashing in my brain because I am about to do this kind of project and bought Mod Podge to use as a glue for sticking the wallpaper to the dresser. I was going to buy the glossy Mod Podge finish to put on top of everything once it’s done. Is it still okay to use the regular MP for glue?
I actually think the Mod Podge as glue is the way to go! I have a small piece of furniture that I’m going to use wallpaper on and I’m going to try that route. I would “test” the Mod Podge “finish” in a corner or something before doing the whole thing. I think my problem may have been that I didn’t use Mod Podge in the first place. I have had good luck in general with Mod Podge before this.
Once I do my other project, I’ll add a link to this post with a synopsis of how it turned out!
And you never know it could have been the fact that my Mod Podge was ancient.
Good luck!!!!!!!! Reply back & let us know how it goes.