DIY pro shows how simple paint effects can transform furniture

This floating wooden desk takes on a new lease of life with a splash of painted pattern

Fancy a satisfying weekend upcycling project? How about adding an on-trend geometric print or trellis pattern to a lacklustre piece of furniture? Whether painting a desk,  dressing table or sideboard – this simple paint idea can help to instantly add a stylish touch.

All you need is masking tape, furniture paint and the know how.

Read more: Homeowner creates brilliant brick feature wall in her bathroom – using masking tape

Weekend project: Painting a desk

floating desk with trellis design

(Image credit: FrogTape)

Take inspiration from Erin Spain a home decor & DIY blogger and YouTube pro. She makes and updates simple Scandi-style wooden furniture pieces for her home.

The above is her floating desk, which she masterfully adds a trellis design to, using masking tape and furniture paint. So simple yet so effective to add the wow factor to any piece of wooden furniture.

Where to begin?! The experts at FrogTape share the top tip s to get the perfect finish. First up prep the item of furniture by thoroughly cleaning the surface first.

Once dry, if needed, use a paint stripper to remove any old finishes/paint and reveal the original wood grain. Ensuring the surface is good as new, ready for painting.

Related: Be inspired by these upcycled dressing tables – to get creative with furniture

frogtape-diy-floating-desk

(Image credit: TBC)

Plan out your design with precision. The experts say 'the best way to do this is to photograph, print and draw over the top to ensure the design will definitely fit.' It doesn't get much more precise than that.

When you're ready create your design using FrogTape Delicate Surface Painter’s Masking Tape. 'Make sure to rub the tape down well to get a good seal – it goes more opaque as you do.'

Top tip,'Tape can be cut carefully into thinner stripes to make narrower stripes using a cutting mat, safety ruler and craft knife.'

frogtape paintover

(Image credit: TBC)

Paint in your chosen pattern using a flat, soft synthetic artist’s brush. It's recommended to add two coats to get the best coverage.

Another top tip from the experts, 'Use a fine synthetic sanding pad between coats to smooth if necessary. Wipe the dust away with a tack cloth before putting the next coat of paint on.'

When it comes to removing the tape do so slowly and steadily, pulling back on itself. This is to ensure you don't affective the clean straight lines.

'Seal the whole piece with two coats of a clear water-based topcoat.'

floating desk with trellis design

(Image credit: FrogTape)

And there you go, in no time your dressing table-cum-desk is a work of art!

Related: DIY fans get creative with feature walls – thanks to this £6 must-have

A weekend project?

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.