Inspired by the concept of the Hobbit wall, we decided to decoupage the back of the wardrobe with sheet music—a material that holds special significance in our lives. This guide walks you through how we transformed the Pax wardrobe into a stylish room divider that suits both form and function.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of materials and tools required for this project:
- Backing boards (to provide a solid surface for decoupage)
- Screws (to attach the boards securely)
- Primer (we used Kilz for its affordability and effectiveness)
- Paper of choice (sheet music, maps, poetry, etc.)
- White glue (we bought a large 4-liter bottle of LePage for $15)
- Foam brushes (you’ll need plenty, as they can break easily during extended use)
- Polycrylic sealer
- Trim material (metal, wood, or your preferred style)
- Adhesive for the trim (we used Liquid Nails)
Step 1: Strengthen and Prep the Surface
To start, we needed to reinforce the back of the Pax wardrobe with a sturdy board that would serve as the base for our decoupage. We opted for fiberboard, a budget-friendly option at just $8 per board, purchased from Home Depot.
Since our wardrobe spanned three meters, we calculated that three boards were enough to cover the back. The Home Depot team kindly cut the boards to our specifications at no additional cost. For our setup, we needed two 100cm boards and two 50cm boards.
Attaching the Boards
- Pre-drill holes: To prevent the boards from splitting or crushing, we drilled holes approximately every 6–8 inches before attaching the boards.
- Screw the boards: We carefully secured the boards to the wardrobe, ensuring a snug fit. Fortunately, the cuts were precise, making the installation process smooth.
Preparing for Primer
Before priming, we vacuumed and wiped down the boards to remove any dust. We applied Kilz primer to create a base for the decoupage. In hindsight, taping the seams between boards with masking tape before priming would have helped achieve a seamless finish.
Wet paper from the decoupage tends to settle into small cracks, which can create bubbles.
Step 2: Prepare Your Paper
While waiting for the primer to dry, we turned our attention to preparing the paper. The material you choose should reflect your personal style. For us, sheet music was a natural choice, representing our shared passion for music. However, you could use pages from novels, maps, newspapers, or even personal photos.
Tips for Preparation
- Remove unwanted elements: Pay attention to details like barcodes or extraneous text that might distract from the overall look.
- Photocopy originals: For items with sentimental value, consider photocopying instead of using the originals.
- Organize the layout: Decide which pieces you want to highlight for a cohesive and intentional design.
Step 3: Start Decoupaging
This step requires patience, as decoupaging is a time-intensive process. We spent roughly eight hours covering 90 square feet of wardrobe backing.
Mixing the Glue
In a container, mix white glue with water at a ratio of 4 parts glue to 1 part water. This consistency ensures that the glue is not too thick or watery, making it easier to work with.
Applying the Paper
- Set up your workspace: Lay down wax paper to protect your surfaces and reduce mess.
- Glue the paper: Using a foam brush, coat the back of a piece of paper with the glue mixture. Simultaneously, apply a layer of glue to the corresponding section of the wardrobe backing.
- Attach the paper: Press the paper onto the glued surface, smoothing it from one corner to the other to eliminate bubbles. A few small bubbles may remain but will often disappear as the glue dries.
- Repeat: Overlap the pieces slightly for a seamless look. We opted to keep our sheet music level, but you can experiment with different orientations for added visual interest.
Step 4: Seal the Surface
Once the glue has dried completely (allow at least 24 hours), it’s time to seal the surface with Polycrylic. This water-based sealer provides a protective finish and enhances the durability of the paper.
Application
- Ventilation is key: Polycrylic emits fumes, so ensure your workspace is well-ventilated.
- Use a foam brush: We applied two coats of sealer, waiting two hours between coats. Each coat took about 30 minutes to complete.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Trim
To give the wardrobe a polished look, we added trim to frame the decoupaged surface. We found brushed aluminum trim at Home Depot that complemented the Pax wardrobe’s doors. Each 8-foot piece cost around $15.
Installation
- Cut the trim to size: We used a hacksaw available at Home Depot to make precise cuts.
- Attach the trim: Liquid Nails worked perfectly to adhere the trim to the edges of the boards. For the baseboard, we reused leftover trim from the original construction of our loft, cutting and mitering it to fit.
The Final Result
The transformation was incredible. Not only did our Pax wardrobe serve its purpose as a room divider, but it also became a stunning feature in our loft. The decoupaged sheet music brought a personal touch to the design, and the trim added a sleek finish.
Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
