Decoupage Coffee Table Photo Collage Idea | Does Mod Podge Dry Clear?

This post will show in detail how to upcycle your old Coffee Table using the Decoupage method. For this project, I’m using Mod podge Podge as an adhesive and a top coat lacquer.  Because Mod Podge dries clear it is perfect for all Decoupage projects and can be used on any piece of furniture.

Decoupage a Coffee Table Idea

This is a photo collage idea where you will learn how to decoupage photos to spruce up your old furniture with your favorite photos.

I love my pictures but rarely print them out so I thought it would be nice to have more pictures of the family displayed around the house.

I really like the old white simple coffee table I bought from Ikea years ago but over time the tabletop suffered wear and tear and has blistered in some areas as you can see on pictures below:

Taking a closer look, the paint has lifted exposing the MDF under…

As the only issue with the table is the top,  I decided to recover and create a photo collage instead of buying a new table. I could have simply restored it using a can of spray paint but I did not think it would have looked as good. With this method, it would be an excuse for me to use this versatile decoupage technique that I enjoy so much.

It is also a great way to spruce up a piece of old furniture and save money instead of spending more money and most importantly prevent more trash to pollute the world.

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How to Decoupage Photos

I think technology is good but sometimes we rely on it too much. Nowadays, we are uploading all our pictures and precious moments online or memory cards. However, we do not print and display our photos or keep albums as we use to.

Some of the new generations don’t even know that “photo albums” even exist,  they are missing out of the pleasure to gather together with friends and family and spend hours going through all albums.

These are precious moments of the past that unfortunately we are no longer sharing. I love technology, don’t get me wrong! but I miss these “family times” moments with my granny…

The Project

Learning how to decoupage is a great skill to use to upcycle all almost anything such as furniture and objects like vases, boxes for example. Here you will learn how to use your photos and bring your best memories to life.

Well, let’s have some fun and transform these memories into something unique which would hopefully be an opportunity to get these moments back into our “Tech life” in a different way.

To get started simply follow the project below. I also added a video at the end of this post.

Materials I used:

• Mod Podge
• Foam Board – size to cover the surface
• Craft knife
• Ruler (preferable metal ruler)
• Several Photos printed in Inkjet printer (normal paper)
• Duck Tape
• Paintbrush
• Pencil
• Toughen Glass (for the tabletop)

Measuring the Table:

I am using the foam board to add the photo collage. As foam board mostly comes in small sheets, smaller than the table we need to use two sheets of board. So, first I need to find the middle measurement of my table top.

Measuring the Foam Boards:

I start by cutting two boards of the same size to cover the table.

Use a cutting mat as we didn’t want to damage the table more than it was already…

Cutting the foam board with a craft knife and using a ruler and keep the craft knife straight.

Now we have to pieces of foam board which will cover the table perfectly:

I will add the boards with duck tape so I can bend to make it easy to work on it when doing the photo collage and decoupage. I will be also able to store if later I decide to change it for something else.

Adding a duck tape to the foam boards:

I put some magazines to hold it in place.

Applying the duck tape.

Now I can bend it as planned!

Foam Boards Frames:

The frame foam boards will be around the table and in the middle which will sustain a toughen glass that I just ordered.

It will be easy to move around and remove the board as I did not attach the pictures straight on the table. I can make another board or create something different under the glass if I decide in the future.

Just measuring the board frames that will go on top of the board to sustain the glass top.

The frame boards are 3.5 cm wider and the length is the same as the table length.

• Cut 4 frames for the outside (around the table) and 2 for the inside.

Choosing the Photos:

I chose my favorite photos and print them using an inkjet printer (normal paper) and I tear them off using my hands around the boards instead of using a scissor.

Time to Decoupage – Mod Podge Ideas

Spread Modge podge Podge on the board and to the back of the photo. Place it on the board and stick the picture smoothly,  Take care to avoid making wrinkles or air bubbles, try not to tear the picture. Enjoy the process. Mod Podge is an amazing product to use in decoupage and in many other crafts especially to spruce up old furniture.

After that, spread Mod Podge on the top of the photo and around covering the whole picture especially around the boards.

Adding photos as to covering the boards. It is OK if the pictures go over the outside of the board as it will be covered with the border strips frame.

I carefully placed the board on to the tabletop then I applied small dabs of glue to all four corners of the table to prevent the board from moving.

Does Mod Podge dry clear?

Yes, it does, it looks thick in the bottle, however, Mod Podge does dry clear if you apply with several layers instead of one thick layer. Just make sure you follow the instruction and give it time to dry between each layer around 10 – 15 minutes depending on the size of your project and the weather.

You can see my other Mod Podge ideas here.

Adding the Foam Board frames:

I applied glue to the foam board to secure the borders.

Adding the Toughen Glass:

I ordered toughen glass because it is stronger and safer.

Now I gently placed the glass on the top.

How to Decoupage Photos – Coffee Table Ideas

Maybe this decoupage table project is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like the idea to have my pictures displayed on my table. I think it is also a chance to remember the best moments we had and to attract even more of these times.

Let’s give a chance to the Universe to bring more amazing moments in our lives as we will be looking at these pictures every day in our sitting room, so it’s just a little push to focus our minds on good things!

“thoughts become things, if you see in your mind, you will hold it in your hands” (Bob Proctor)

What do you think about this project? Let me know your comments!

Rember, you can use any piece of furniture and instead of photos, you can use pictures from magazines or newspapers.  For more ideas, you can see my other decoupage projects here >>> tin can craft decoupage project

If are still asking weather does mod podge dry clear, watch the video below and see the finished result!

Keep Crafting! ✂

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