Using a beautiful french graphic transfer on a piece of furniture has been on my “Wanna DIY” list for quite a while – and I’m finally jumping in with both feet!
*This post contains affiliate links in mocha for things I use and love. If you choose to make a purchase using a link, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at NO extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my family in this way. Full disclosure here.*
In this post, where I shared a video of me painting this little table, you can see how easy it was to transform this table from black to white. And with only two coats of paint! No primer, no prep. Easy peasy. I’m still so obsessed with my HomeRight goods!
(Pssst….there’s a HomeRight giveaway going on at the bottom of this post, so keep reading and then enter for your chance to win!) 😉
But first, I’m excited to show you the finished table – with it’s fun french graphic. (I’ll spare you the saga of my “artistically minded” three year old who scribbled blue highlighter marker all over the table and I had to REPAINT around the half-finished graphic. Another story; another time). The real life stories of a DIY mommy blogger. That should be a TV series. Just sayin’.
But I digress. Back to the graphic. There are many different methods you can use to create a graphic transfer. The Graphics Fairy shares multiple ways on her site. (Be sure to check her out for fantastic graphics!)
For this table, I knew I’d want a french graphic that was relatively “round” in shape, to fit the shape of the table. This one was perfect (and not overwhelmingly detailed). Since this was my first time around, I wanted it to be easy enough that I didn’t regret it – yet still achieve the look I was envisioning.
Here are some great French stencils I found, if you’re a person who would rather not mess with doing a graphic transfer. (I’ve gotcha covered) 😉
The Table
Once my little table was white, I was ready to try my hand at this graphic transfer thing. I used the instructions in this video to print off my graphic. I even did another small table using the chalk transfer method- and it worked great – though admittedly, quite tedious. After my “tester” table, I decided that I’d like to skip the mess of chalk and just use graphite transfer paper instead. I called all over town looking for this stuff (to no avail) and finally resorted to ordering it on Amazon. I’m so glad we live in a time where we have Amazon – amen?!
Graphic Transfer Supplies
- Your project of choice (table, wooden sign, upcycled tray, old window…the options are endless)
- Printed graphic
- Graphite paper
- Pencil or Ballpoint pen
- Paint pen in whatever color you like (I used the super fine and fine for this project)
- sanding block if you want to distress your piece when you’re done
French Graphic Transfer How-To
With my french graphic printed off, I centered it on the table (no perfectionism here – I just eyeballed it). Then, with the graphite paper underneath, I began to trace the outline of my graphic.
While I cannot say this is a quick process, it really isn’t hard. Just a little time consuming as this is not something you want to rush through. Take your time so that you are ensured crisp, clean lines for your project.
Once the entire graphic was outlined, – BEFORE removing the tape – I carefully lifted the graphite paper to double check that I hadn’t missed any details.
Please Note:
**It is essential that you double check BEFORE removing your paper and tape because if you remove the whole thing only to realize you missed a chunk, you’ll have a really hard time repositioning it accurately.**
Now that everything is outlined, the graphic transfer is ready for paint.
If you’ve got the patience of Job, and a steady hand, I’m sure you could do this all just by using a regular craft paintbrush and some paint. I am not blessed with these qualities. Especially the patience part. 😉 So these paint pens were my saving grace for this project.
*Cue all the angels singing!*
I used the “ultra-fine” tipped paint pen for the outlines, then went back and filled in the thicker areas with the “fine” tipped one. Considering the tiny details on this french graphic, these two options were the best fit.
Here is a fun little time-lapse video I shared on Instagram – it’s fun to see how the graphic takes shape. Be sure to follow me there for “behind the scenes” with 1915 House.
After the paint was dry, I ever-so-lightly sanded the top and edges, bringing in just a smidge of distressing to add some age to the table.
You know I have a thing for side tables. Little $2 ones and ones made from an old Birch tree stump…well, I can now add this one to my list of “favorite side tables”. I love how it turned out, and while it doesn’t exactly fit the “fast” or “quick” projects that we all love, it’s definitely worth the time and detail.
A Word on Paint Pens
*Note: I did do a side-by-side comparison of a black sharpie and the black paint pens. (I figured if the sharpie looked just as good as the paint pen, I’d stick with the sharpie because they’re cheaper). Let me tell you…there is NO comparison. The sharpie looked like…a sharpie (surprise!) but the paint pen looked professional and crisp. Night and day difference! This is one of the few times, I’ll tell you to spend the few extra dollars to get the paint pens. They do gorgeous work for this kind of stuff.*
Pin for later! 😉
Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!
If you saw me use my HomeRight goodies in this post (and the included video), you KNOW how much I love HomeRight products! They. Are. Phenomenal.
I’m teaming up with some of my blogger friends and we are having a GIVEAWAY!! One winner will get the Large Spray Shelter, the Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer AND the Tabletop Shelter! This is HUGE! I’m so thrilled to be a part of this! The MSRP over $185 value, and it all goes to one winner.
~~~ HOW YOU CAN WIN ~~~
All you need to do is answer one question and enter your email (so you can be notified if you’re the winner).
*You will NOT be automatically added to my email list through this giveaway. If you’d like to keep up with all the DIYs and yumminess that happens here, I’d love to have you. You can sign up in the top right corner.*
Giveaway is open for entries until midnight (EST) of November 20. The winner will be randomly chosen on November 21 and will receive a notification email.
Be sure to check out all the fabulous projects we’ve done with our HomeRight goodies below! So much inspiration to be had! 😉
Wishing you all the best!!
I miss using transfer paper. It does create much more crisp images than the pencil method. I need to go and pick some up. Thanks for sharing your tutorial (and the awesome reminder) with us at Merry Monday this week!
It really does!! I’m so glad you enjoy the transfer paper method, too. It’s so much easier than other methods I’ve seen. Have a great week and thank you for hosting! 🙂
The table turned out so well. Such a beautiful project! Thanks for sharing your tutorial on Share Your Style.
Thank you, Lisa! And thank you for hosting Share Your Style! 🙂
I also had an impossible time trying to find that paper for a project a while ago! I ended up getting one of those restaurant pad thingies, and using the tiny piece in that (tis what I get for waiting until the last minute). I will have to order some on Amazon instead and stock up. That design is gorgeous, and I am also LOVING the paint pen recommendation!! It’s a stunner!!
Thanks Hun! I don’t know whay graphite paper is so hard to find now… but I’m thankful for Amazon! And that was a good idea you had about using a restaurant pad! 😉
That turned out beautiful!!!
Thanks, Ann!<3
Thanks for giving me the courage to try something new!
I’m so happy to hear this, Melanie! Have a lovely day! 😀
Wow, that transfer worked perfectly! I’m amazed at your patience painting all those details by hand. It looks amazing!
Thank you Vineta! It was worth the time and detail involved. 🙂
Such a great post and project. Love the info about the paint pens! I will have to keep that in mind if I every have a need for them!
Thank you, Janine! It was lots of fun- 🙂 Have a lovely day!
I love the bee graphic it looks lovely, the black on white works really well too.
Thanks so much, Claire! I’m so pleased to hear that you like it! 🙂
Love this table!!! And I must say, I’m thrilled to learn your technique and the info about the paint pens. I see them at Michael’s all the time and have always wondered……. Now I know!!! Yay you!!! Great project!! XOXO Susie from Chelsea Project
Thank you, Susie! The paint pens really were such life savers! 🙂
Sarah!! This is so pretty!! I love that detailed graphic and the crispness of the design!! What a gorgeous transformation!
Thank you so much, Anika! I’m happy that you liked it! <3
I’m a real sucker for anything french, farmhouse and/or vintage so your table is right up my alley;) It turned out beautifully! I’m always so happy when a graphic transfer turns out well. I love the Graphics fairy, too. xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}
Thank you, Kathleen! I’m so glad you like how it turned out! It was a fun process… 🙂 <3
A paint pen? This seriously took my breath away and it looks AMAZING! You never cease to amaze me Sarah…you are so talented.
Denise, you’re such a dear. Thank you for your kind words. I’m so pleased that you like how the table turned out. Have a lovely day!
I love the table and the pens are great .still looking for the perfect designs for my granddaughter room she keeps changing her mind from fantasy’s to princess lol .
Oh cute!! That’s quite a difference between the two options that she likes – 😉 Maybe she needs one of each – 😀 Thanks for taking the time to comment, Lorraine! Have a great night! 🙂
I love this table!!! And paint pens are going on my shopping list!!
Thank you, Susanne! Yes – paint pens are fantastic for these kinds of projects!! 😀
Love the table! I think I need the sprayer you use. Amazing!!!
Thank you Stacy! The sprayer really is my new fave! (tell John you need one) 😉
I love this! Thanks for the comment about the paint pen vs. Sharpie. I would have tried the Sharpie. 😉
H aha! Right!? Save yourself the time and hassle and go with the pain pen. 🙂
What a beautiful job you did! And thanks for testing the paint pens vs sharpies – saves me the trouble (or at least THAT trouble as I get into plenty on my own)
LOL!! Sharon, you made me laugh out loud!! I totally get it. I’m so glad my test run was helpful for you. Bet of luck whenever you do your own transfer! 🙂
I love how the table turned out! It adds so much interest!
Thank you, Mary!
Love the table ?
Hey! Thanks, Melinda! Happy to have you stop by! 😀
wow just gorgeous xx
Thanks so much! 🙂
I need to do this graphic transfer thing!! I love it! You are so talented!! Your table looks awe-mazing!
Well thanks, Janice! You’re so sweet –
I just love this table, and I’ve looked at and saved that graphic because it’s so beautiful! Yes, you have the patience of Job, but sometimes working on a detailed project like your graphic transfer is good for our souls. I just love how it turned out. I also would not do well with an actual paintbrush, I would not be coloring inside the lines at all. So the paint pens are the smartest option for girls like you and me 🙂
Lol!! You’re so right, Toni! Paint pens for the win! 😀
you did a lovely job on this.
Thank you, Wendy! 🙂
Love, LOVE the table!! Thank you for your beautiful inspirations, Sarah ♡
Thanks, Angie – I’m so glad you like it! 🙂
This table!!!!! It turned out gorgeous, and you would never know it’s jaded history. 🙂 I think I’ll add a project like this to my list for 2017.
XOXO,
Lisa
Thank you, Lisa! I’m so glad you like it – 😀 Have a lovely day- <3