How to Decoupage Paper onto a Tabletop

I loved the shape of this table, but it had seen better days, and it still had lots of life so I wanted to share with you how to decoupage paper onto a tabletop. It’s easy to do, and can rescue damaged surfaces. You can use any paper, but I decoupaged scrapbook paper onto the table top to brighten it up. The top was very damaged and a bit ugly. I like to use both paper and fabric to recover damaged table tops. You can find some really pretty pattern and designs. You can also use wallpaper. Adding the paper to the top made it very Cottagecore or even Grandma-chic. If the top is really damaged, consider removing the finish and waxing the bare wood.

A vintage wooden two-tier side table with visible scratches and wear, ideal for a creative refresh—perfect if you're interested in learning how to decoupage paper for an easy, personalized update. Placed on a wooden deck outdoors.

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For this project, you’ll need:

-Regular Mod Podge

-A soft brush

-Scrapbook paper of choice

-Paint if you are painting your furniture piece. You can also find supplies here.

Paint the Furniture First

Start by painting the majority of my accent table and let it dry at least 24-48 hours before decoupaging. The only place I didn’t paint was the area to be covered by the paper which was the leather on the top layer.

A hand uses a paintbrush to apply a white adhesive or coating onto a square sheet of paper, demonstrating how to decoupage paper on a wooden table.

Choose a Paper Design

For the paper, I chose a a 12 by 12 piece with a pretty, neutral pattern. I made sure the pattern was easily matched since I needed two pieces. It’s almost like matching up wallpaper. I pre-cut and matched my pattern for easier placement.

Brush on Decoupage Medium

I first brushed Mod Podge on the backside of the paper, and then working quickly, on the top side of the bare table top. If what you’re decoupaging on is shiny or has a coating, you will need to sand it first to create a rougher surface. The leather on this piece was so dried out it wasn’t issue.

A hand with a gold ring is placed on a brown tray with a floral pattern, showcasing how to decoupage paper onto home décor items.

Apply Pressure to the Medium and Paper for Maximum Contact

I carefully pressed the paper down and pressed out any of the bubbles and creases and then applied decoupage medium over the top with a soft brush. Even though it goes on milky, it will dry clear.

Tip: If you find you have bubbles popping up in your decoupaged paper project, you can use a safety pin to gently make a hole. This will help the trapped air escape and the paper dry flat. The small hole won’t even be noticeable when it dries.

Let Decoupage Medium Dry and Seal

When decoupaging paper, let it dry completely, then spray sealed it with polyacrylic to seal it. You can also use a brush on sealer as well. You can read why I like polyacrylic over paste wax for sealing painted furniture here.

A two-tiered beige table with curved legs sits on grass beside a garden, featuring a decorative floral pattern—perfect inspiration if you’re learning how to decoupage paper—with a small white dog statue nearby.

After a few coats of sealer, the surface will be hard, and your decoupaged top will now hold up to glasses and everything else set on it.

A beige wooden side table with a floral-patterned top, crafted using how to decoupage paper techniques, sits outside near green plants and a building wall.

I hope you loved learning how to decoupage paper onto a damaged table top and give it a try yourself, it’s such a great way to update a piece and save a damaged furniture piece, as well as adding a pretty pattern or design with out the hassle of painting.

Love this project? See how to Decoupage fabric on a table top here.

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6 Comments

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Anytime I have ever tried to decoupage paper on something I get air bubbles and wrinkles. I noticed in your 5th photo that yours looks wrinkly too. How did you get the wrinkles out? When it dries, do the wrinkles come out? Please advise.