DIY Thrift Store Decoupage Wastebasket Makeover

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DIY thrift store decoupage wastebasket makeover using blue floral paper cocktail napkins for a classic chinoiserie look.

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Thrift Store Makeover Day

The Before

This wastebasket was only $2.99. I loved the classic shape and lines of the metal can. It was decoupaged before in a print that didn't work with the style of the can. I have a bit of an obsession with cocktail napkins. I've added favorites to my entertaining tab on my Amazon Storefront. You can see them HERE.

Supplies Used

• wastebasket
• Mod Podge
• gold paint
• spray primer
• spray paint
• spray paint nozzle
• painter's tape
• drop cloth
• paper napkins
• craft scissors
• small plastic paint bucket
• small trash can liners
• plate and pencil
• iron and parchment paper
• matte spray sealer

How-To

The first thing to do after cleaning is to tape the feet with painter's tape in preparation for spray paint.

Prime the wastebasket with primer.

I didn't have any on hand, but used a gray spray paint to cover over the old palm print.

I lightly sanded a few areas before I did my final coats of the final paint color.

This clamshell color was a pretty compliment to the napkins that I had on hand.

I sprayed 3 coats.

Once it is dry, remove the tape on the feet.

The napkins are a pretty blue and white pattern and work well with my chinoiserie pieces.

I wanted to remove the fold lines in the napkins

I placed a piece of parchment paper over it and ironed it with no steam.

While the lines were not completely removed, it did help.

I debated several ways to decoupage the panels of the wastebasket.

At first, I thought I'd completely decoupage each side panel.

Then I thought I'd cut out individual flowers.

I then went easiest and used a clear plate to cut out a pattern for the center of each panel.

Use some sharp pointy craft scissors.

This part is very important. Your paper napkin is either 2 or 3-ply. You must separate the floral pattern from the back layers. You only want to use the top decorative part when decoupaging.

These are the main supplies for the next steps.

Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge on a panel. Do only 1 panel at a time.

Working with napkins can be a bit difficult for larger projects. The paper is fragile. I put a piece of Press and Seal on my finger and used it to smooth the napkin down. This was very helpful. You do not want to over-manipulate the napkin.

Do this with each panel. Let it dry completely even overnight. Apply 1-2 more coats of Mod Podge on top to seal.

I love this gold paint if I need to paint gold. If not, I use Rub ‘n Buff.

I could already tell that with the vibe of the napkin, I'd want to tone down the gold.

I used this paint in Putty to tone down the gold using a dry brushing technique.

Dry brushing is simple. You load your brush with paint and then wipe it off with a paper towel. Then brush over the gold so that the gold still shines through.

The toned-down look is much better.

I also used the gold to paint in freehand gold edges on the wastecan. I did not want sharp taped lines.

This last step is not required, but I took the finished can outside and sprayed 2 coats of a spray clear matte sealer.

I took my wastecan to Lowe's with me to find an inner liner for the can to look a bit prettier and protect the basket.

This is a paint bucket.

Remove the handle and throw it away. It fits in the wastecan perfectly.

I like the imperfect nature of it.

Add the paint pail.

I added a plastic bag liner to the can.

The can will have a permanent home in the upstairs guest room that I am currently working on completing.

I am happy with how it turned out for the guest room. Have you ever decoupaged anything?

I also completed this decoupaged ice bucket that is a favorite.

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Thanks for sharing!