A CREATIVE FAIL TURNS INTO LEARNING SOMETHING NEW. . . AND I HAVE A FUN FURNITURE TRANSFER GIVEAWAY FOR YOU!
Have you ever been excited about a project? You spend time planning it all out and envisioning what the finished piece is going to be? Then halfway through, you realize it’s a project gone wrong and looks NOTHING like you imagined? In fact, you don’t like anything about it?!!
I wasn’t even going to share today’s makeover. This mirror was supposed to be for my sister but it gave me a hard time right from the get-go. Honesty, it was looking pretty lame so I didn’t even finish it.
But on the bright side, I always learn MORE from my mistakes than my wins.
So today, I’m sharing how to remove furniture transfers if things go wrong. These tips also work with stickers, sticky adhesives, price tags, tape, etc.
I’ve also included a bonus in today’s post for ALL OF US CREATIVES! … something I keep reminding myself over and over again…
Here’s the mirror I started with. A thrift store find for $14.99 which is a great deal seeing its large size, gorgeous beveled edge, and this heavy-duty frame.
It was meant to be an Anthropologie antiqued and demasked look-a-like but it fought me every step of the way. The back is made of I don’t know what and it wouldn’t strip off – even with a heavy-duty stripper. So my plan B was to use this furniture transfer and match it up with a colorful frame.
Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking.
This mirror is more classic than boho so the transfer (although absolutely gorgeous!) isn’t a good match. On top of that, my measurements were off and I rubbed in on cock-eyed by a quarter of an inch. Just not a good look all around.
WELL WORTH THE MISSES::
Obviously, I’m disappointed it didn’t turn out. But when I feel like this, I remind myself this isn’t the first time… and it won’t be the last.
It’s not like I work in a factory and I’m told how to make the same identical widget over and over again — or say at a franchise where all the burgers must be the same size, same taste.
Like you, I’m a creator.
Sometimes a project is a HIT. Sometimes it’s a MISS.
And this is a good thing! If we never try anything new or stretch our creativity, it will become stagnant or worse yet, disappear altogether.
Creativity is like a muscle. If you don’t use it, you lose it.
So how blessed are we? We’re so lucky to be creators. We get to breathe new life into something and make it beautiful again. Truly, what a gift. I don’t know about you, but I think – no, I KNOW – it’s well worth the few misses that come with the territory!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
-
- Thrift Mirror – SALVAGED
- Razor Blade Scraper
- Steamer
- Surface Safe Goo Gone
- Heat Gun
- Sander
- Furniture Transfer
HOW TO REMOVE FURNITURE TRANSFERS::
CHECK OUT THE FB LIVE HERE
1. RAZOR BLADE SCRAPER
These scrapers are amazing for removing paint, stickers and furniture transfers off glass or mirror. It worked amazing for removing this transfer without a trace. That said, I wouldn’t use it on a painted piece of furniture unless you’re willing to sand and repaint again.
2. HEAT GUN OR HAIR DRYER
If you’ve gone wrong with your furniture transfer, applying some heat and then scraping off will help remove it. With a painted surface, this really needs to be done with caution because if too much heat is applied, it could damage your paint finish.
3. STEAM
Using a steam iron (with a tea towel or cloth placed over the transfer) or this steamer is another great way to loosen a furniture transfer off your project.
4. ORIGINAL GOO GONE
When working with a painted piece, the Original Goo Gone will help remove a furniture transfer. There’s also another version which WILL strip away paint so be sure to use the correct one. A cheaper more natural alternative is using baby oil or olive oil to loosen adhesives. They take a little longer and there is clean-up afterward to remove the greasy residue.
5. SANDER
Lastly, if you’re desperate to remove a furniture transfer that’s not budging, sanding it off and starting fresh is always an option. This will remove your finish, paint or otherwise and then you can start fresh.
As I mentioned above, all these techniques will work on other adhesives too. Stickers, price tags, tape residue, etc. If you have any other products or methods, I’d LOVE to hear them in the comments below!
AND NOW FOR A FUN *****G*I*V*E*A*W*A*Y*****!
For being the BEST #SIBLOGFAMILY a girl could ask for AND inspiring me every week – I’m sharing my Furniture Transfer Stash with YOU so you can create! Here’s what’s included….
3 ReDesign with Prima Furniture Transfers::
1. Patchwork
2. Butterfly Frame
3. Seashore
GIVEAWAY VALUED AT $95
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CLICK ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW.
COME BACK EVERY DAY AND ENTER AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE!
I’M SO EXCITED… GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! I’LL ANNOUNCE THE LUCKY WINNER RIGHT HERE ON THE SI BLOG NEXT TUESDAY NOV 5/2019. THE WINNER HAS 48 HOURS TO CLAIM THE GIVEAWAY BEFORE ANOTHER WINNER IS SELECTED… SO BE SURE TO DROP IN NEXT WEEK! 🙂
HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO REMOVE A FURNITURE TRANSFER BEFORE? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU USED!
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Painting friends!
Denise XO
RELATED POSTS::
Prima Transfers On Fabric
How To Apply Furniture Transfers
Adding Graphics | Vintage TeaCart Makeover
Butterfly Collage Dresser Makeover
Floral Transfers For Furniture
How To Remove Sticker Residue
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Thank you for this beautiful idea! I have old windows and a big mirror, I’m sure I’ll do it! And thank you for the contest!
Hi Martine! Good luck to you! These transfers look amazing on mirrors and windows!
I have a two drawer project perfect for this transfer idea. Thanks for the great idea and offer!
the perfect addition to my entry table project. Would be great to win these transfers! Love your projects and inspirations.
Thanks so much Lindy! And thanks for participating. Good luck to you!
I have a homemade vintage cabinet and a dresser that would really look awesome with any one of these transfers
That would look really awesome! Good luck to you Lorna!
You’re the BEST Denise! Again, thank you for sharing your knowledge & talent AND generous raffles ❣️ I’d like to try these, most likely on a dresser, but who knows?!?! I have a lovely antique smoking cabinet that is copper lined …… hmmmmm I think that would be a great little fun piece – yep that’s the first!! 😊
Hi Ammmmy!!! 😀 Love all your ideas… it’s hard to pick just one, right!? Good luck to you and thanks for taking part! XOXO
Would ❤️ To win and try these beautiful transfers. I have a beautiful dresser waiting for a creative makeover. Thank you!
Thanks, Doreen and good luck to you! x
Thanks for sharing all the great things you do!
Thank you, Dianne! Good luck! 🙂
Love these transfers !! I’m kind of new to following you but your designs inspire me.
Hi Carol! Thanks for the kindness and follow 🙂 … good luck to you!
Good tips! I’ve never loved how my transfers turn out and usually sand them off!
Hi Iris! It’s kind of disheartening when you have to remove them, isn’t it? Hopefully, you have better luck with them in the future. Good luck to you! 🙂
I love learning from other’s mistakes. I make so many of my own.
” I always learn MORE from my mistakes than my wins.” Me too! You’d think I’d be an expert by now but I just keep finding more mistakes to make lol.
Thanks for all your tutorials.
LOL…ya, I should be an expert by now too..lol! Good luck with the giveaway Sally! xo
I’d like to try using a transfer on a mirror, (thanks for sharing your mistakes so hopefully I won’t make the same)
Oh, I hope not. Kinda broke my heart this gorgeous transfer didn’t work out. Good luck to you Rita! 🙂
Hi Denise- OK:..you are the best! Thanks for writing about your mistake/creativity. (They DO go hand in hand and are great learning experiences). Nothing in life is perfect- until you try, try again! I am learning so much from your blog- and have an vintage TV cabinet that I lovingly restored about 20 years ago… it has been gathering dust lately and my lovely guy “ suggests” it is time for it to go…but not if it has awesome transfers on it! 😁
I look forward to your posts every week- thanks for sharing ALL that you do!👍🏼✅
Thanks so much, Tracy!! I appreciate it and so glad you’re finding the #siblog helpful. I’d love to hear how your vintage TV cabinet all turns out if you end up restyling it! Good luck in the giveaway! XO
I would maybe…if it looked right use one of these on an old record cabinet that I am transforming to hold wine….but not sure….I don’t want to have to take it off!!
Ya, I’m very visual like you. I have to put the transfers right up to the piece to get a good idea of what it might look like… along with the paint color etc. Anyway, if your name is drawn and they are not perfect for the old record cabinet, they will be perfect for something else! 😉 Good luck Gail!
Great blog post / tutorial as usual !!! You do such a fabulous job !!!
Great tips !!!
Ammmmmyyyyy!!! So great to see you here and thanks so much!!! 😀
I like mayonnaise to remove stickers, price tags, labels etc. It stays where you put it and has not damaged any wood finishes that I have tried it on. You do need to be patient, it takes time to soak through the paper and loosen the adhesive. Cleans up with dish soap, nontoxic, and usually in the fridge.
I love this tip Cherrie! I’ve heard of mayo and also peanut butter! I guess anything that has a high oil content works well on most adhesives. Good luck to you Cherrie and again, thanks for sharing!
I’m going to try a transfer this weekend
Yaaay! Have fun Kelly! I’d love to hear how it works out for you!
It’s nice to know that even the most creative have projects that don’t turn out the way they wanted them to. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!
Oh, believe me, I’ve had my fair share…lol. Good luck to you Sherry and thanks for participating! XO
Hate when that happens! Love your work and the transfers.! Hope I win….lol….
It’s disappointing for sure and thanks so much, Hanna! Best of luck to you! 🙂
love the transfer you were using on the mirror. did i miss where you bought it & the name of the transfer? thanks!
Hi CC. It’s called Passion Flower and you can buy it here. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks. 🙂
So sorry that your mirror didn’t work out and that such a beautiful transfer was ruined. (I LOVE Passion Flowers!) I’ve been drooling over them but haven’t gotten up the nerve to try one yet. Good to know how to remove them if they don’t work out.
Thanks so much, Kim! I love Passion Flowers too so it was really disappointing! Good luck to you and thanks for participating in this giveaway! XO
I love transfers! Thanks for the giveaway
My pleasure and good luck Lori! 🙂
Hi Denise! Can i call you Friend? I fill we would be great friends. I am going to have to repaint a piece that is just not selling and it has a wonderful transfer on it. Breaks my heart to do this. Do you think i should use BOSS before i just paint over it? There is no way i will be able to use the techniques listed here. I have started painting smalls and i have had hits and i have had misses. I keep telling myself this is how i will learn. I am just beginning to learn. thank you for the chance to win these transfers. I love all of them and i have a ton of furniture in my garage still. Thank you for everything.
Cheryl
Hit and misses are how I learned… and how I continue to learn so I know this sounds odd — but good for you! And you could definitely use BOSS before painting over but I would still suggest giving it a sanding to smooth everything out beautifully. For all the chatting we do I wish you would call me friend Cheryl! 🙂 Good luck to you!
Denise, the piece i thought i would have to paint over sold yesterday!! This was my first “big” sale. I am so glad i didn’t give up. I tried to place more entries in the giveaway and i couldn’t. 🙁
Heeey, so happy it sold for you! I’ve learned sometimes you just have to be patient and the PERFECT match comes along. Congratulations! And I’ll look into the entry could. From what I can see on my end seems to have worked!
I have several dressers sanded and waiting for inspiration to strike!
Good luck Kathie!
Would love to try these transfer on a dresser or buffet!
Good luck Julie! x
Thanks for sharing your oops, too! I haven’t used transfers yet, but I’m curious to try!
I know you’d do something AMAZING with them Kellee! XOXO
Hi Denise. Ohhhh, how I LOVE your giveaways!!! Wish me luck:)
Great advice on how to remove transfers. I was under the impression that once a transfer was applied it was permanently stuck on no matter what, which made me afraid to try some of the larger ones. Excellent tips.
You’re right. Once transfers are applied they adhere REALLY REALLY well! The above methods will work along with some good ol’ fashion elbow grease. Good luck Monique! xo
I would most likely fit each transfer to the right style of furniture….. I love all three – and no doubt they would improve any piece!!!! I read your blog and try to soak in everything you write!!!!!!
That’s a HUGE compliment Suzanne, thank YOU! Good luck to you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your “mistake”, Denise. What fun it would be to try the transfers!
Olivia
Hi Olivia! Thank YOU and good luck! XO
Beautiful transfer! Sorry it didn’t cooperate with you! Thanks for the information on how to remove the transfers. And thanks for the opportunity to win such lovely transfers!
VERY uncooperative!…lol Good luck to you my friend. XO
Drooling over these! Would love to win!
Good luck Emily! x
I love the giveaway transfers. Especially seashore.
I love the Seashore too! Good luck Debbie! x
Thanks so much for your honesty and the tip, too. 🙂 It is good for all of us to have reminders every now and then that we ALL make mistakes and projects don’t always come out perfectly…sometimes we have a flop. And that’s okay! 🙂
It’s okay and it’s inevitable… unless we were to paint in the same color, same technique, same products every single time…lol. And that wouldn’t be much fun, would it?! Good luck Claudine and thanks for participating. 🙂
Girl, just yesterday I was doing exactly that and NOTHING would remove that darn mirror backing. I came here to revisit your antique mirror post to see if I was doing something wrong. Nope, just a stubborn finish. Mine too was a fail and I ruined the mirror. Back to the drawing board again today 🤞🏻Oh my word, I want that Patchwork transfer – such beautiful bold colors! Always sad to see a beautiful transfer go to waste, huh, but as you said, being blessed as a creative is well worth the hit and misses.
Soooo weird we were working on the same type of project Marie!!! What’s with that???!! LOL Ya, I was bummed it didn’t antique.. and about the furniture transfer. Good luck in the giveaway Marie. I love that Patchwork transfer too!!
I would use the transfer to decorate the top of an end table I have in mind. Thank you for this opportunity to win!
Good luck to you Teresa! 🙂
Maybe that tranfer didn’t work on the morror, but I still think it’s a beuty!
Same here Piper… I love this Passion Flower transfer!
I would probably use the transfers on my entry table, night stands or even a book shelf.
Thank you for this great giveaway opportunity
My pleasure and good luck to you Colleen! XO
I have a large open wooden thing-a-ma-jig that I’m not quite sure what it is, however it’s solid and I thought I would freshen it up with paint and a transfer to use it for blanket/pillow storage.
That sounds amazing! Good luck Dottie! xo
Always enjoy your bogs! So many tips for someone like me who just wants to buy bargains and make them pretty again!
I totally get it! Happy creating and good luck to you Janette! 🙂
You have given many a gift by inspiring “making mistakes” is how you learn and teach others!
Thank you for this wonderful and important lesson!
Aw, thanks Robin. I so appreciate this! Good luck to you!
Oh no! I should be horrified to have a transfer fail! But now….at least I know how to save the piece under the transfer. Your tutorials are the best. I pinned it before I wrote the comment. LOL…..For Pete’s sake, this is a news alert.
lol… ya, not a good feeling. I feel bad for wasting this gorgeous transfer but I least I learned something. Thanks for the PIN my friend. XOXO
What a wonderful giveaway. I’ve never used a transfer before and would love to try one.
Good luck to you Susan! xo
Thanks for the great tips. I have been too terrified to try transfers but you gave me the courage to try it. Nice to know you can remove them if necessary.
I hope you do try them Kellie, they can really add to a piece! Good luck to you! 🙂
Thanx for the info…being a DiYer one Never knows what the next obstacle will be!
So TRUE…lol. Good luck Shelly! 🙂
I love transfers but have only used them a couple times myself. Thanks for your humble post today. I think we have all had those projects where we step back and think ‘what am I doing?’ I love your pieces and have no doubt you will be able to do something beautiful with that mirror.
Thanks Kathy! My sister had a really good laugh at it…lol… that was when I questioned whether or not I should even post it but I’m happy I did. Good luck to you!
Glad that you shared despite your misgivings, lol! That was a gorgeous transfer. I pit must have hurt to have to scrape it off. 😕
Aw, thanks Patricia and yeeeeessssss! Hated doing it. Good luck to you! XO
Hi Denise, I just had a bad experience with applying a transfer over sealed chalk paint. However it was the transfer that was the problem. As much as I burnished the transfer only part of it stuck and the rest wouldn’t remove from the sheet. And then I tried to remove the partial transfer from my piece and had to end up scraping and repainting and top coat. Now I’m leary if using them. Once burned, ya know!
Oh dear, I really hope this experience doesn’t stop you from trying again Linda! There are such gorgeous designs and they can REALLY add so much to the right piece or project. Not sure why your transfer wasn’t released from the sheet but I totally hear you about the scraping off. When they’re on they’re on and don’t want to budge. That’s why I hope some of the above tips (or a combo of) will help others who are in a similar situation. Good luck to you Linda!
Great topic! I was just thinking about this the other day. Thanks for the tips. xo, Do
Thanks, Do and good luck to you my friend! XOX
Thanks for this insight! I know when transfers go down on something, they stick like crazy. Thank you!
Like craaaazy… so true! Good luck Toia! 🙂
Sweet! I love these transfers! I used one on some small side tables. I have a dresser or two that would love some transfers, so count me in!
Also, really good to know how to get them off in case of a mishap!
You’re counted in Karen! 😉 Thanks for participating and good luck to you!
My bedroom has needed a make over for a number of years and I have 2 pieces that would really benefit from some paint and transfers. Thanks for honestly reporting failures, it reminds us all that nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Thanks for this Susan! And good luck to you!! XO