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Updating old furniture using maps

ByCarrie Posted on Updated on

update old furniture using maps and modpodge

I absolutely love a good map project, especially map decoupaged furniture. This little typewriter stand was the perfect chance for me to try it out for myself.

old metal typewriter stand
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I picked this little metal typewriter stand up at a yard sale for only four bucks.  It didn’t look like much but I knew right away that this was going to be my next map project.

I started off by updating the whole thing using spray primer followed by white spray paint.  Then I picked a few maps from my thrifted map collection.  I wanted the maps to fit inside each of the three sections on top.  I carefully cut out my map pieces and mod-podged them to the tray.

wrinkly mod podged map

At this point it looked pretty awesome from a distance but up close it was a bit of a wrinkled mess.  Plus, I knew I wanted the top to be a bit more durable than simply mod-podged paper.  I decided resin would be the perfect solution.

I had never used resin before, but after doing some research I picked up some Envirotex pour-on resin.  And it worked perfectly – my table now has a durable, glossy finish and not a wrinkle in sight.

Map covered typewriter stand

I’ve heard resin can be very finicky so I followed the directions for mixing the two parts to a T.
A few tips for using this resin:

  • If you are using resin on top of paper, be sure to seal the paper surface first with a few layers of mod-podge or a similar sealer.  Pay special attention to making sure the edges are completely sealed to the surface.  If there are any bubbles or cracks, the resin will leak under the paper and cause discoloration.
  • When you pour the resin onto your project, tiny bubbles will appear everywhere.  The directions say to use a propane torch to easily remove the bubbles.  I don’t have a propane torch and I wasn’t about to buy one.  It does say that you can exhale gently to get the same results.  I read a tip online to blow slowly through a straw which is what I did and it worked perfectly.  DO NOT use a blowdryer. That will not help.  It is not the heat that removes the bubbles, it is the carbon dioxide.
  • If you do use the blow-through-a-straw method, be careful that no tiny drips of spit make it onto the resin.  (Just being real here).  Water droplets will cause bubbles that cannot be blown out.  (This happened to me and I used a foam brush to gently remove the contaminated resin while it was still wet).
  • Make sure to mix enough resin for your project.  You don’t want to run out.  But also, pour very slowly so that you don’t pour on too much.  I overpoured one of the sections and it was a huge pain dealing with the overflow.
  • It really isn’t that hard to do a project like this.  The resin is self-leveling so basically you just mix it and pour it on and it takes care of the rest.

old typewriter stand updated with maps and mod podge

 

vintage blue typewriter and painted typewriter stand

I am so happy with how this project turned out and this typewriter table  happens to also make the perfect laptop table.

using an old typewriter stand as a laptop stand

If you love map projects as much as me, be sure to hop over and check out my map mirror too.

Hi I'm Carrie and I’ve been sharing approachable, budget-friendly home DIY projects here at Lovely Etc. for over 14 years! I firmly believe that you can transform the house you already have into a home you love - on your real life budget. I'm here to share creative DIY projects and helpful tutorials to help you create a space you love to come home to.

58 Comments

  3. Carrie, it’s perfect! While I pride myself on having an imagination when it comes to thrifting furniture, that is one piece I would have been puzzled about and walked on by. Great job!

    Reply

  7. Oh my gosh…I have this same table. It’s been sitting in my basement for several weeks waiting for an idea to pop up! This is great! Thanks!!!

    Reply

  8. This is by far my favorite project this week!

    Beautifully done!!! What a great laptop table…..Hmmm you have my mind a wheeling now.
    Blessings!

    Reply

  10. How awesome! The resin seemed to bring out the bright colors of the map. Great choice! I totally loved your tips, especially the “keeping it real” part! lol! Great job!

    Reply

  11. Adorable! I love the map and the arrangement. I have one that I painted robins egg blue. Come by and check out my blog.

    Benita

    Reply

  12. Adorable! I love the map and the arrangement. I have one that I painted robins egg blue. Come by and check out my blog.

    Benita

    Reply

  21. LOL — sadly, I remember using these in school when I took typing. I love what you did with this one — very clever transformation!

    Reply

  22. Wow…you’ve totally transformed that old typewriter stand! It’s gorgeous how you’ve modernized it…that’s totally sellable! Happy Monday!
    -Marie

    Reply

  24. Wonderful! I picked one of these up at the local thrift about a month ago – for $5. It’s just been sitting there waiting for me to find some inspiration. Found!

    Reply

  27. I’m in love with your typewriter table! I should have took the one from the estate sale when I had the chance! Was working with resin difficult?

    Reply

  28. This is totally amazing!!! I am dying to try out resin now…if only I could find a typewriter table. Maybe I will start with a tray first. Thanks for the tips.

    Visiting from Home Stories A to Z

    Reply

  30. Love the little typewriter table. I am into maps right now and am doing some in my teenage son’s room. It is impossible to get them wrinkle free. I’ll have to try to resin!

    Reply

  31. Really love this transformation! I too have a “thing” for maps! Thanks for the tips with Resin, I’ve never used before, but plan to as I expand my DIY’ing.

    Reply

  33. Love typewriter tables. I had one as my very first desk and creative space when I was growing up. I wish I still had it. I love maps too and your resin tips are great.

    I am going to link your post to my DIY Daily page on my site which is where I place projects I love.

    My best- Diane

    Reply

  34. I have this exact same cart! I found it thrifting like five years ago and just haven’t come around to a good solution for it – Until NOW!! Thanks so much for the idea. The metal just looked so “utilitarian- chic”, but I couldn’t bare to get rid of it since the drop down leaves are so clever. I thought I would paint it a fun color or something. Your mod podge is perfect. And the resin just takes it to another level. I’ve heard it is tricky to work with, but I think you have inspired me to give it a go! Thanks!

    Reply

  37. Awesome! Thanks for the info, I’ve been hesitating using resin for years! I’ll try it now. :)

    Sheila

    Reply

  40. visiting via handmade home, am about to redo my kids’ basement table (old kitchen table) and was thinking mod podge+anything else that would work..this gives me ideas. thx for sharing..love it!

    Reply

  41. LOVE this! I just bought a typewriter stand for $5 on craigslist. I plan to use it for a tiny crafting station. I hadn’t even thought about using a resin, so I’m so glad I came across your post. Thanks for the extra tips too (especially the spit one – haha!)

    Reply

  43. Carrie, I had to come back and say I’m so proud of you and the fact that I can say “Hey, I know her!” I’ve been seeing your little table circulating. You’re creating a little buzz! Keep up the great blogging!

    Reply

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