I want to put COPIED photos on a table and put a coating on it...?

Question

OK, yes as the questions says; I want to put COPIED photos on an end table I bought. The pictures are going to be of my Aunt and Uncle and there life together (it's for their 50th wedding anny.)...

What do I have to do to prep the table for the photos?

What kind of Laquer, or "sealent" should I use that won't damage, or make the pictures "bleed"??

I have 1.5 months to do this, and I want to get started now.

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

The project you're doing is called DECOUPAGE.  Your going to decoupage a end table with copied photos of your aunt and uncle and here are some helpful suggestions and websites to aid you at the bottom ->

If the end table is made out of wood make sure to use a filler in any gaps or cracks.  

After arranging the photos you can take your decoupage medium (sold at art stores) or diluted white glue and put a thin layer to the back of your photo and place on on furniture.

Depending on how many coats of decoupage you're doing it's best to use a polyurethane for a better seal and durability.

HERE ARE YOUR BASIC INSTRUCTIONS ->

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/decoupa...

or

six page steps http://www.passagems.com/decopage_tips.h...

Answer 2

You should be able to use pretty much any quality clearcoat. I prefer water based for ease in use and clean up. I would test a photo like the ones you'll be using and if it does run when you apply the finish then I would purchase a spray on sealer which is commonly available at craft stores. I haved used these products for similar projects and have found that they work very well. It's just a thin coat but it is enough to protect the surface from the brush on finish.