Project 5 of 52 Part 2 - Roaring Transformation: Refurbishing a Queen Anne Set of Drawers into a Leopard-Inspired Masterpiece

Our bedsides at this point were cleaned, repaired, sanded and painted.

Step 3: Decoupaging with Fabric Next comes the exciting part – transforming the drawer fronts with a stunning leopard print design. With our drawers painted, it was time to prepare the drawer fronts.   We painted the drawer fronts with Artisan Paint Company Cotton. 

🔥 HOT TIP: A light colour is often the best choice on the surface where your decoupage will be applied.  For example, a white surface will help the design maintain its vibrancy.  If you're not sure on the back ground colour to use, place your decoupage over a light and dark surface to see which base colour will work best for your project.

With this bedside table set, we carefully measured and cut leopard print fabric to size.  Remember to leave a slight margin around the edges to accommodate any shrinkage when drying.  The fabric itself is a leopard print cotton from our local fabric store. 

We applied PVA glue to the surface making sure to get into all of the corners and edges.  We used a cheap brush so as not to ruin our Cling on paint brushes.  Always have a damp cloth on hand to wipe up excess PVA.

🔥 HOT TIP: We use any PVA glue, we are not fussed on brand for this application.  Other artists may suggest adding water to your PVA.  We don't do this, but you can add a touch of water.  It can help with the pasting process.  Be careful not to water it down too much you need the glue to retain its adhesive qualities.

Before applying the fabric its crucial to ensure there is no debris or brush fibres on the surface that could mar the finished look.  Apply the fabric ensuring to remove any bubbles or air pockets.  You could use your fingers initially, then a decoupage tool or paint brush to help with this. Remember, patience is key – slight stretching or distortion of the fabric is normal during application.  Re-position as required. Double check that the pattern itself is not distorted. 

Once satisfied with the placement, gently brush over the fabric with a light layer of PVA glue to seal the deal. 

🔥 HOT TIP: Keep a keen eye on your masterpiece as it dries, attending to any pesky wrinkles or shriveling fabric along the way.

What we are looking for next, is for the drawer front to be fully dry and hard.  We then use a 220 or 320 grit sanding pad to lightly brush over the surface.  Sanding pads are better than traditional sand paper as they are soft and less likely to scratch your surface like traditional sand papers.

🔥 HOT TIP: Feel the fabric both before and after you sand the surface.  How's that for a transformation?  It feels good doesn't it?

If you are happy that your fabric drawer front is secure and has been sanded sufficiently, it's time to seal.

Step 4 Seal the Deal:  Using our non-yellowing sealer Tough Coat and a good brush like our Cling on Australia brushes, apply a thin, even coat of sealer over the fabric, using long, light brush strokes to minimize streaking.

Less is more when it comes to sealer application – aim for three thin coats, sanding lightly with 220-320 grit sanding pads between each layer for optimal smoothness.  Wipe the excess away from any edges. 

Once you're finished, the fabric drawer front will be smooth to the touch.

🔥 HOT TIP:  This process may not work on black or very dark fabrics.  Be sure to do a test run before you commit to your dark drawer front project.

Stay Connected: for our final instalment of this impressive transformation.  To finish the project, we will be applying raised stencil to the bedside table tops.  Click here for the final instalment