Picnic Prep: How to Dress Up Your Cooler
Make your next picnic pop with this colorful and customized cooler.
![DIY Cooler Upgrade Make your next picnic pop with this super stylish, customized cooler.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/6/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_How-To-Make-Your-Cooler-Cooler_COVER_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488853729555.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Materials Needed
- 9 qt. personal cooler (made of PE and PP)
- origami paper in desired colors
- scissors
- decoupage glue
- water-based polyurethane
- foam paintbrush
- 1" chip paintbrush
Choose Your Cooler
Big or small, just make sure the cooler is clean and dry before you start. We chose a nine-quart personal cooler with a flat top and swing-up handle made of high-density polyethylene and polypropylene for durability.
Cut Paper
Using scissors, cut out bits of colored paper. Word to the wise, straight edges makes for easier application later.
![DIY Cooler Upgrade Step 2- Cut Paper
Using scissors, cut out bits of colored paper and stay with straight edges for easier application later.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/6/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_How-To-Make-Your-Cooler-Cooler_Step2-Cut-Paper.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488852346020.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Paint on Glue
Using a foam paintbrush, apply a layer of decoupage glue.
![DIY Cooler Upgrade Step 3- Paint on Glue
Using a foam brush, paint on a layer of decoupage glue.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/6/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_How-To-Make-Your-Cooler-Cooler_Step3-Paint-On-Glue.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488852348169.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Add Paper
Quickly place papers onto the surface of the cooler, starting at the corners. Brush each piece to smooth out any bumps.
![DIY Cooler Upgrade Step 4- Add Paper
Quickly place papers onto the surface, starting at the corners. Brush each piece to smooth out any bumps.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/6/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_How-To-Make-Your-Cooler-Cooler_Step4-Add-Paper.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488852348270.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Layer It Up
Add more shapes into the mix, using the same technique. Continue adding layers of paper until the top of the cooler is covered.
![DIY Cooler Upgrade Step 5- Layer It Up
Add more shapes into the mix, using the same technique. Layer it up until the top is covered in tissue or origami papers.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/6/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_How-To-Make-Your-Cooler-Cooler_Step5-Layer-It-Up.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488852349713.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza
Coat With Sealer
Allow the papers and decoupage glue to dry a few hours, then add a clear coat of polyurethane to protect your work. Allow this to dry for a couple of days before you put your trendy-topped cooler to use.
![DIY Cooler Upgrade Step 6- Coat with Polyurethane
Allow the papers and decoupage glue to dry a few hours, then add a clear coat of polyurethane to protect your work! Allow this to dry for a couple of days before you put it into use!](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/6/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_How-To-Make-Your-Cooler-Cooler_Step6-Coat-with-Polyurethane.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488852353746.jpeg)
Tomas Espinoza