A Creative and Colourful Table

Skill Level: Beginner

Bring that shabby old table back to life with a bold burst of colour.

BLACKDECKER modern utility table with blue wavy design, yellow trim, and white legs, corner view.

Give an old table a new lease of life with our step-by-step tutorial. All you need is a bit of beeswax, a new lick of paint, and a little creativity.

Products You Will Need

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Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Make Repairs

Make any repairs to your table (glues and sprays work well on wood).

Step 2. Get Sanding

Sand down the wooden surfaces – start with a coarse sandpaper grit and then move onto a finer paper.

Photo of hands assembling a rectangular wooden tray on a table, BLACKDECKER, BrandWebsites.
Photo of BLACK+DECKER sander used to sand a wooden table surface.
Person using a BLACKDECKER paint sprayer to apply paint to a wooden table frame.

Step 3. Wipe Surfaces Clean

Wipe the surfaces clean with white spirit.

Step 4. Apply Primer

Apply a primer coat on the bare wood areas that you plan to paint.

Step 5. Get Painting

Paint the desired areas. Apply 2 to 3 coats, as required, until you are happy with the finish.

BLACKDECKER gloved hand applying tape on workbench edge, close-up, BrandWebsites, black and yellow tape.
Close-up photo of a hand adjusting a yellow metal shelf with fabric rolls in the background.

Step 6. Lightly Sand

Lightly sand (400 grit) the painted areas to remove any imperfections on the surface.

Step 7. Apply Beeswax

Apply a beeswax coat, allow some time for it to absorb, and then buff. Repeat this 5/6 times (more if required, for optimum shine).

Step 8. Place Wallpaper

Place the piece of wallpaper on the table top in the desired position. Wrap the paper over the edges, make cuts at the corners so the paper can overlap for a neater/smoother edge.

Photo of LIBERON Beeswax container with yellow wax inside, partial front view.
BLACKDECKER dough sheet on floured wooden surface, SKU BrandWebsites, top view photo.
Photo of a table corner with blue patterned tablecloth and white legs, taken indoors.

Step 9. Glue the Wallpaper

Use glue to fix the paper onto the table top and allow it to dry.

Step 10. Varnish

Once completely dry, seal the paper with a coat of varnish. Apply according to the varnish instructions. Allow drying thoroughly before placing any items on the top of the table to avoid marking.

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