Project 7 of 52 - Bedside Table with a Faux Denim Look - Happy Valentines Day

Step into project 7 out of 52 as we revamp another piece in our 52 Furnishing Facelift Challenge.  

Are you looking to add a touch of style and personality to your bedroom decor? Why not try transforming your bedside table into a chic piece with a faux denim finish? With the help of Artisan Paint Company colors Cotton, Denim, and Regatta, along with some creative touches like decoupaging and painted drawer pulls, you can achieve a unique and eye-catching look that will make your bedside table stand out.

Here's our step-by-step guide to our Faux Denim Bedside Transformation.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin painting, it's essential to prepare your bedside table properly. Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. Sand the surface lightly to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. If there are any imperfections or scratches, you can use wood filler to fill them in and sand again once dry.

Step 2: Base Coat

We needed to build a base to work on as well as seal in the pink from the original painted bedside.  We used Artisan Paint Company Quick Prep Primer for the base coat.  We then applied a coat of Artisan Paint Company "Cotton" to the entire surface of the bedside table. This provided a neutral base for the denim effect.  Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.  Put drawers aside, as they will be decoupaged later.

🔥HOT TIP: Generally speaking, Grey Primer should be used under darker colours, and White Primer under lighter colours.

Step 3: Denim Effect

Once the base coat is dry, it's time to create the faux denim effect using Artisan Paint Company Color "Denim" and "Regatta". Start by applying paint colour "Denim" to select areas of the previously painted cotton base.  When planning your Denim placement, consider how a pair of worn jeans looks.  The different shades of blue are scattered and non-uniform.  This is the look we are trying to create. Paint in random areas of denim paint. 

Once the denim paint has been applied, gently drag a plastic brush (as pictured below) both vertically and horizontally over the denim blue areas.  

What we are creating here is a cross hatched design where the white cotton layer is now showing through the blue surface.  Do this as many times as you need to uncover white lines creating that denim fabric look.

Once dry, we are going to build an additional layer with the regatta paint.  Using the previous technique, paint the regatta over most of the surface.  Remember to leave some of the denim paint showing.  Drag your brush thorough the wet paint in both vertical and horizontal directions.  We will now be revealing both white lines and denim lines under the regatta paint.

You will start to see the denim look developing.  Stand back and take a look at your project.  Are you happy with the denim look you have created?  If so, your job is done.  If not, apply some dry brushing over the areas you think needs some more work.

🔥HOT TIP: Dry brushing is the effect of using the tiniest amount of paint on your paint brush and creating soft touches of colour to your project.  Dip your paint brush in the paint you intend to use, then wipe most of it off so that your brush is coloured but practically dry.  You can then paint dry brushed vertical and horizontal lines on your project to develop the denim look further.  You may also consider lightly dabbing on areas of Regatta to create the look of faded denim.

Step 4: Decoupage

For an extra touch of charm, we decoupaged the drawer fronts with heart fabric taken from an op shop dress. Process: Cut the fabric to fit the drawer fronts, then apply a layer of pvc glue to the surface of the drawer. Carefully place the fabric onto the glue, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Once the glue is dry, apply another layer of decoupage glue over the top to seal and protect the fabric.  We may apply 2-3 total sealer coats over the top. (allow to dry in between each coat).   Assess each layer and decide how many sealer layers you need.  We know we're finished when the surface is smooth and no longer feels like fabric.

🔥HOT TIP: When each of your fabric layers is dry, you can sand gently between coats with a soft sanding pad.  220 OR 320 grit.  This will ensure a smooth surface.

Step 5: Drawer Pulls

To complete the look, we cleaned the drawer pulls then dry brushed Artisan Antique Bronze and Copper.  This will give them the appearance of studs on a pair of jeans and tie in beautifully with the faux denim finish. Allow the drawer pulls to dry completely before reattaching them to the bedside table.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once everything is dry and reassembled, take a step back and admire your handiwork! Your bedside table has been transformed into a stylish piece with a faux denim finish and unique decoupaged drawer fronts. This creative DIY project is sure to add a touch of personality and charm to your bedroom decor.

By following these simple steps and getting creative with Artisan Paint Company Colors Cotton, Denim, and Regatta, you can easily achieve a faux denim look for your bedside table that will impress everyone who sees it. So why wait? Grab your paintbrushes and get started on this fun and rewarding DIY project today!

Stay Connected: for our next Furniture Facelift where we do some quick flips with upholstery.