Beginner Scrap Wood Projects: DIY Metallic Foil Table Risers
If you’re looking for beginner scrap wood projects that are easy to make but look like expensive home décor, these DIY metallic foil table risers are the perfect place to start. Using nothing more than leftover scrap wood, decorative foil, paint, and resin, you can create beautiful risers that are perfect for displaying candles, seasonal décor, plants, or your favorite decorative accessories.
One of my favorite things about DIY scrap wood projects is that they allow you to transform leftover pieces of wood into something you’ll actually use around your home. These table risers are inexpensive to make, beginner-friendly, and easy to customize with different foil patterns and finishes.
Why You’ll Love These Beginner Scrap Wood Projects
- Perfect for beginners
- Uses inexpensive scrap wood
- Creates a high-end boutique look
- Great for decorating throughout the year
- Easy to personalize with different foil designs
- Makes beautiful handmade gifts
Whether you’re searching for small wood projects, wood scrap projects, or creative projects from scrap wood, this metallic foil table riser is a fun project that produces stunning results.
Beginner Scrap Wood Table Riser Video Tutorial
Materials You’ll Need For This Beginner Scrap Wood Project –
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- SCRAP WOOD cut to your desired size – I’ve also found small wood pieces at thrift stores that I painted over and I’ve found unfinished wooden plaques at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.
- FOUR UNFINISHED WOODEN BALL KNOBS or any small piece of wood will work as long as you can glue it down flat.
- TITEBOND WOOD GLUE
- ROTARY SANDER OR SANDPAPER
- WHITE PAINT (or another base color depending on your foil)
- PAINT BRUSHES
- MARBLE METALLIC TRANSFER FOIL
- DARK PEWTER/BRONZE TRANSFER FOIL
- FOIL ADHESIVE
- SMALL ARTIST BRUSH
- EPOXY RESIN (Optional)
- POLYCRYLIC CLEAR COAT – (If you don’t want to use Resin)
- MIXING CUPS & STIR STICKS FOR RESIN
- DISPOSABLE GLOVES
- HEAT GUN
- X-ACTO KNIFE (optional for trimming cured resin drips)
Beginner Scrap Wood Projects – Pin for Later
Step-By-Step Instructions for These Beginner Scrap Wood Projects
Step 1: Add “Feet” To Your Scrap Wood
Begin by gluing the wooden ball feet to one side of your scrap wood using wood glue. Position each foot approximately one inch from each edge.
Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to painting.
Since this project uses leftover lumber, inspect the wood carefully. Sand any rough edges or uneven surfaces until everything feels smooth. I used a rotary sander especially on the edges of my boards. A smooth surface is especially important when working with metallic foil because imperfections can show through the finish. You can also use sandpaper. Start off with an eighty or one hundred grit and then finish with a 220 grit to get it smooth to the touch.
Step 2: Paint Entire Scrap Wood Table Riser
Paint the entire table riser, including the feet.
For this project, I chose white because one of my foils had a light marble pattern. The base color you choose should complement your foil design. If you’re using darker metallic foils with black or silver tones, a darker base coat may produce better results by disguising any tiny gaps in the foil.
Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before moving to next step.
Step 3: Apply the Foil Adhesive
Once the paint is completely dry, brush a generous, even coat of foil adhesive over the entire surface of the riser, including the sides and the feet if you plan to foil them as well.
Tips for Success:
Use a small brush for the edges and a larger soft synthetic brush for the top.
Take your time during this step. Good coverage is the key to successful foil transfer.
Finish with long, even brush strokes to minimize visible brush marks.
Allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before applying the foil. You don’t have to apply the foil within a certain time frame, after 24 hours is up.
Step 4: Apply the Metallic Foil
Note: This is a different foil than the marble one you saw previously because I forgot to record that one; but the process is the same.
After the adhesive has dried, carefully place the foil onto the surface and gently press it into the adhesive.
Don’t worry if you notice wrinkles. Wrinkles are completely normal and often disappear during the transferring process.
Cut away excess foil for easier transferring.
Using a firm toothbrush, nail brush or other firm burnishing tool, rub the foil thoroughly until it transfers to the adhesive. I even did the ball feet.
Carefully peel the backing away to reveal the metallic finish.
Step 5: Fix Imperfect Areas
Not every foil application transfers perfectly—and that’s okay!
If you notice areas where the foil didn’t stick well, simply lay unused sections of the foil down and brush that area until foil is transferred.
Note: While lifting the marble foil off that table riser, I accidentally touched this table riser while the adhesive was tacky. The foil stuck which prevented this silver foil from sticking in one section, but it was an easy fix by simply repeating the adhesive and foiling process.
Sometimes our mistakes become our best teachers! I was working too closely with two boards and two different foils.
Intrigued by the Metallic Foils? Check out this lamp project:
How to Use Deco Foil For a Thrifted Lamp Makeover
Step 6: Add a Sealer
Once you’re happy with your foil, it’s time to protect it. I decided to use epoxy resin for a glossy finish but you could simply use a clear polycrylic. Just brush on a couple of coats allowing it to dry in between and then you’re done!
Pouring Resin:
Mix equal parts of Part A and Part B epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s directions, stirring slowly for approximately 3½ minutes while scraping the sides and bottom of the cup.
Pour the resin over the entire top of the table riser.
Using gloved hands, spread the resin evenly across the entire surface and around the edges.
The resin is self-leveling, so it naturally smooths itself as it cures. It also minimizes the appearance of any remaining brush strokes from the foil adhesive.
Tip: Use a heat gun to remove any bubbles; then leave over night to cure. Make sure your surface is level so the resin won’t run to one side. It’s also a good idea to cover your resined project to prevent dust particles from falling in it.
Your resined project should have a glass like finish once cured.
New to Epoxy Resin? For more helpful resin tips grab my free Beginner’s Resin Guide below:
IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE RESIN PROJECTS, CHECK THESE OUT!
Step 7 – Display Your Beautiful Scrap Wood Projects
Can you believe this was scrap wood? I love how it turned out! The other table riser turned out great too; even if I did have to fix it! See the finished project and check out that process HERE.
Final Thoughts On These Beginner Scrap Wood Projects
I love finding creative ways to turn ordinary things into beautiful home décor, and these metallic foiled table risers are perfect examples of how projects from scrap wood can look elegant without costing a fortune.
Want more ideas for scrap wood table risers? Check out these DIY Table Risers where I decoupaged with napkins and added decor transfers!
If you love creating Upscale diy projects, check out my five most popular DIYs you can do in a weekend!
Whether you’re exploring small wood projects, searching for DIY table risers, or simply looking for creative DIY home decor projects, I hope this metallic foil table riser inspires you to create something beautiful of your own.
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Until Next Time!
Love,
Joanie
