Using Mod Podge and sheets from a paper pack to decorate a tabletop.
I decided to decorate and customize a portable, folding table with Mod Podge and sheets from a paper pack. First, I had to remove the old Mod Podge design that was damaged following a few storms.
Continue reading to see the steps I took to remove the old design and add a new design.
Supplies and Stuff
These are the items I used to clean and customize the tabletop:
Table. I had a portable, foldable table I wanted to customize and decorate with a design.
Pattern paper. I used many sheets from an Orion's Belt paper pack I recently bought from Michael's.
Cutting tool. I used a paper trimmer, scissors, and knife to cut the paper to size and remove excess paper from the tabletop. While I used three different cutting tools, just one will suffice.
Mod Podge. I used Mod Podge to adhere and seal the pattern paper onto the tabletop.
Foam brush. I used a foam brush to apply Mod Podge under and over the paper.
Scraper. I used a plastic scraper to smooth bubbles out from under the sheets of paper.
Sponge. I used a wet sponge with scrubbing pad to remove residue left on the tabletop from another design.
Bucket of water. I had a bucket of water nearby to easily remove residue off the table.
Towels. I draped towels soaked in hot water over the tabletop to help make removing residue easier.
Removing the Old Design
I've used Mod Podge before to adhere and seal pattern paper onto a couple portable folding tables before. Why? I like customizing things for fun even though it's not necessary. One table, which I keep in my bedroom, was decorated with tropical-themed paper.
The other table, which is well-traveled and used outdoors often, was decorated with travel-themed paper. Overall, it handled the outdoor elements very well. It didn't have any issues with rain showers and a couple thunderstorms. However, it couldn't handle many thunderstorms.
I peeled the old paper with the help of a flathead screwdriver. There were some areas where the paper peeled off the tabletop easily, but there were many other areas where it adhered very well to the tabletop.
An online search on "removing Mod Podge residue" led to many helpful articles and blog posts on using warm water and a washcloth to clean the surface. Since I was dealing with a larger surface, I opted to use a couple towels to cover the tabletop.
I filled a bucket with warm water that I used to soak the towels in. I wrung out the towels before draping them over the tabletop. However, when I pulled the towels out of the bucket of warm water, the towels felt cold to the touch. I didn't think much of it since the water itself was warm.
After a half hour, I removed the towels and scraped the tabletop with a plastic scraper tool to remove the residue. I didn't scrape off much residue. The effort I made wasn't any different than the effort I made before draping wet towels over the table for a half hour.
I decided to try the wet towel technique again. I refilled the bucket with hot water the second time around. When I soaked and wrung out the towels, they were very warm to the touch. I draped them over the tabletop and left it alone for a couple hours.
I soaked a sponge with scrubbing pad in water and then scrubbed the table with the scrubbing pad side of the sponge. It worked well, especially when I squeezed water onto the tabletop before scrubbing. It was easy to do, although it was time consuming with much repetitive scrubbing motion.
Deciding on the Design and Layout
I typically buy paper packs when Michael's has a buy one get two free sale. I decided to use sheets from my recently acquired Orion's Belt Hot Buy paper pack. I pulled many sheets of pattern paper and smaller designs.
I used my paper trimmer to cut the sheets of small designs. I then used my scissors to cut just the moon from a single sheet. Once I had the small design cut, I started arranging the sheets of paper both halves of the tabletop until I had a layout I liked.
Because I spent so much time playing around with the layout, I took a photo to remind myself of the final layout later. I piled the sheets together and put them aside.
Adhering and Sealing the Design
I poured some Mod Podge directly over one half of the table and spread it with a foam brush. Using the side of the foam brush opposed to the tip as one would typically use made spreading the Mod Podge quicker. I could've applied the Mod Podge directly to the back of each sheet of paper, but I'm lazy and went with the pour option. Either option would've resulted in a messy and sticky project.
After I placed a sheet of paper, I initially used the palm of my hand to smooth the bubbles out from under the paper. I later used the plastic scraping tool to smooth out the bubbles. It smoothed more effectively than my palms did.
Before I continued with the second half of the table, I washed Mod Podge residue off my hands. I then repeated the steps for adhering the paper onto the other half of the table.
When I finished adhering paper to both sides of the tabletop, I applied more Mod Podge to areas where the paper edges lifted. I left the table alone for about a half hour before cutting off excess paper and sealing the design.
Initially, I tried cutting the excess paper around the table's edges freely with scissors and later a knife. I messed up and couldn't get a straight, clean cut. To fix my error, I used a metal ruler to make straight cuts.
I discovered with practice that short, repetitive strokes of the knife made cleaner cuts. I didn't apply much pressure to achieve the straight and clean cuts. It's possible I cut the table, but I didn't worry or care about it.
I poured Mod Podge directly over the tabletop and used the foam brush to spread it evenly. Mod Podge dries clear, provided there aren't any clumps on the surface. I used a sponge to clean off excess Mod Podge from around the edges of the table.
After I applied the Mod Podge over the design to seal and protect it, I left the table in my garage overnight before moving it out under the sun the next morning.
Bad News
The goal was to leave the table alone for several days to allow the Mod Podge to fully dry and cure. I hoped the sun's heat would help with the process, so I set the table out in my backyard.
Unfortunately, I failed to check the weather forecast and didn't know it was going to rain. After editing the video for YouTube, I went outside to discover the paper bubbled and lifted along the edges. It didn't have enough time to fully dry and cure before it got wet, so everything began peeling off the tabletop.
I'll try to fix it, but I have a bad feeling I'll need to redo this project all over again.
My Thoughts
Ignoring the fact that I mistakenly put the table outdoors before checking the weather forecast, I thought the design was awesome. I loved the pattern paper and small designs of the Orion's Belt paper pack.
Because I layered the paper opposed to cutting them down to size, I didn't have a flat or leveled tabletop surface. I knew that going into this project and I wasn't concerned about it. I normally use the table for outdoor picnics or to set stuff onto it temporarily.
However, I'm disappointed at myself for not leaving the table in the covered, enclosed garage. I assumed the sky would remain clear, but I was wrong. It's a lesson learned, and I'll be more careful next time.
What's Next?
I'll attempt to fix the design. If I fail, then I'll redo this project. I'm not sure if I'll use more sheets from the same paper pack or work with a different theme.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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