Lemony Sewing Table Upcycle Pt. 2: Decor Transfers

When last we saw this sewing table, it was painted and ready for its lemon transfers.

They finally arrived! (See here for Part One: Sewing Table Upcycle: From Lousy to Lemony) This week, I’ll show you how to use decor transfers and reveal the final look of this darling accent table.

Step One: Selection

Decor transfers are readily available in craft stores and online. Just be sure to select one that is suitable for transferring onto furniture (most are). Give some thought to the size of the area you want to cover. You want your design to be proportionate. Too small and it will look like an afterthought. Too large and it will overwhelm the piece.

Step Two: Trimming & Positioning

Obviously, my lemon transfers were too large to apply in one piece as designed. I trimmed off what I didn’t need but saved the extra for use elsewhere. You can cut apart transfers and arrange them in whatever design you like. Just avoid overlapping if possible so the design below doesn’t show through. Be sure to trim the transfer along the natural lines of the design so it isn’t obvious it’s been cut.

Step Three: Application

In most cases, the transfer is adhered to a clear plastic sheet with a white backing. Once you remove the backing, the reverse side of the plastic with the design is tacky. Be careful not to set the design against your furniture until it’s in position. You can help hold your transfer in place for application with masking tape. Then use a smooth edge to rub the front of the clear plastic sheet. This transfer came with a wooden tool but you could also use a credit card, for instance.

Step Four: Finishing

Once you’ve rubbed the transfer well across the entire design, remove the clear plastic sheet. Gently lift a corner of the plastic and peel slowly. If a bit of the transfer is not sticking to the wood, carefully lay the plastic back down and rub over that spot again.

It’s best to apply a clear water-based topcoat over the transfer to protect it from damage. In this case, I used Minwax® Polycrylic as part of my topcoating of the entire piece.

Edges

Your piece of furniture might have an edge or a space that you need to accommodate. In this case, I carefully cut the transfer along the gap of the old door panel. Then I applied the transfer in two pieces, wrapping one side around the corner.