So, here is the tale of my $50 estate sale dining table. I got this thing forever ago, knew I would have to do something with the top as it was completely destroyed. The back story for it can be checked out here. It looked a little like this when I first got it.
As you can see, it was gross. I had plans to sand it all down smooth, and paint it. Things being what they were (didn't want to us the electric sander in my home/NOT hauling it BACK down 3 flights of stairs as it was solid walnut)...I decided painting it was not going to happen...so, I started thinking of alternative options. I toyed with the idea of decoupaging some fabric to the top and sealing it. I couldn't find anything I thought would work, and so it sat. And sat, and sat. A couple of weeks ago, my Mom (thanks Momma) sent me a little package. She said she had found some fabric that made her think of me, so she bought it and sent it. I opened it up and knew immediately what I would do with it. It was very light weight, basically sheer really. Which was something I hadn't previously, viewed as an option...but, when I laid it over the table...I was sold. DONE. Here's the process I followed.
First I smeared glue (Elmer's, fabric, ModPodge, etc.) on the table. Paying special attention to the edges, as I didn't want any floppy ones. I then smoothed the fabric over the table a bit at a time trying to make sure there were no wrinkles or creases (I still ended up with a few, but it definitely helped to pull and smooth.) After it was all trimmed up to fit the table, I liberally applied a little more glue underneath the edge of the table, and folded and pressed the excess fabric under for a seamless appearance. I then applied 4 coats of polyurethane, as well as a spray sealant. That was it. Happy, happy me! It was a really easy, nice, and unique alternative to paint. So what do you think. would you try this?
31 comments:
i love your table. What a brilliant idea. this has got me thinking.....
Bianca
Bianca-
So glad you like it! oooh, thinking is good...let me know what you come up with!
This is amazing! I would definitely try this!
It turned out really good! I do a lot of work on my furniture with paper but I haven't attempted fabric yet - you may have convinced me!
XO
Lenore
I just found your site! What a fantastic idea! My husband is a cabinet maker and instead of waiting for him to finish doors (or spend the extra money), I like to cover the doors in fabric and then apply moulding so it looks "finished". (It also means I can go back and change the fabric as my room morphs a million diff times.)
Your idea could really compliment a project I am working on.
Thank you!
I'm wondering how it's holding up? Is the fabric staying put?
I love your site - I can't wait to try the puffy lantern (though I think I might go a bit smaller...)!
Julia-
Yes, actually the fabric is permanent. It is literally part of the table now (hard to the touch.) The 3 to 4 coats of poly on top of the glued fabric makes sure of that! ( = Plus, I have kitties who happen to like it too...no issues, even with them. Super durable. Hope that helps.
N
Fantastic idea- I like your thinking!!Never crossed my mind- but it's definitely an option for me for the future.Thanks for sharing!!!
LOVELY table! Thanks for sharing the technique!
Wow I love this! We have tried to come up with a creative idea for a sunroom table at our cabin and this just may be it.
I'll have to try this one out. Very creative idea.
Chic Modern Vintage
What a gorgeous room! And such a unique approach to refashioning the table!
What a GORGEOUS room! And an awesome approach to refashioning the table!
So did you also decoupage the matching leafs in case you need to extend it out at some point? Or did you just shellac that fabric down right over the seam? Are the leafs in as bad a shape as the main part of the table?
Off the Cuff-
I covered the seam and all. I knew I would not need to extend it, so it was really a moor point. But, I'm sure it could all be done individually as well. Thanks!
N
Fantastic idea! I know I'll be giving this a whirl SOON.
Love this idea. I'm thinking of doing this to an old card table to use as wall decoration until I need it. One question.. can you use any weight fabric or is sheer the best option?
Such a great idea! My boyfriend and I loved your table so much we decided to do it to ours. However, we ran into some problems and we will have to redo it, so I thought I'd ask you a few questions... What type of polyurethane did you use? Brand? Matte? Gloss? We used gloss and it was too shiny so we went to semi-gloss but it was very rough over the top. Also, the polyurethane we used had a yellowish tint to it, so it yellowed the fabric. Is there a brand that doesn't have that yellow tint? Also, how thick were the layers that you put on? And what kind of spray sealant did you use? Sorry for all the questions, we just want ours to look as fabulous as yours!
I was wondering the same thing as Kait... I have a table that I attempted to paint but the top was too damaged even after painting. I thought of covering it in fabric but didn't know how to go about it until I came across your blog. I wasn't sure if any poly would do. I am planning on using my table outside.
As a part-time woodworker, I couldn't believe that you would desecrate a solid walnut table like that but, I have to admit, the finished product does look rather nice and you did not paint the rest of it (thank God!) I myself would have sanded, stained and polyurethaned the heck out of it to look as original as possible. Just my point of view.
Im trying to cover my table, too. I have a cheap table (not walnut) and I have the same questions about the specific products you used. (spray, pour or brush the poly and details on the sealant you used). Thanks for sharing your project with us. Darla Virgilio.
love it! I want to try something like that too, but I was thinking floors and walls...we'll see what happens with that :-)
I did this to a end table and turned out great..I used Poly/Acrylic Satin by General Finishes as my top coat..you can use as many coats as you want till you get the look you want..I did 4 coats on mine followed by a acrylic sealer
Thanks so much for posting this! I've been stressing for weeks how to make a little wooden box look quilted for a mini garden I'm making for my Mom. I was at the glue part on my own, but just wasn't sure about covering it with poly. LOVE LOVE your table!!
I started a project like yours on a dining room table and I am using burlap. I have already used 3 coats of polyurethane and it's not even close to being like a table top you can wipe? Should I just add more coats? Any tips? I am very new to doing anything crafty! Thanks. I love your table!
I started a similar project on a dining room table using burlap. I have already applied coats of polyurethane and it's not even close to being a table you can wipe. Should I just keep adding coats? Am I using the wrong thing? What effect does the sealant have that you talked about? Thanks so much! I am new to anything crafty but I loved your table!
I made a sewing table and covered the top with fabric and mod podge. After leaving my sewing machine sitting on it for a few weeks it left big ring marks/indentions in the table. Covering it with poly prevents this? Also, are you related to Kate Loiacono?
I LOVE THIS!!!!! I think I will try this on a chest I have in my living room!!! AWESOME!!!!
My counter top in my apartment is ugly (older, even has some burns on it from b4 I moved here). I'm going to Mod Podge the countertop with my favorite fabrics - I can't wait to get started! Thanksssss for the great ideas!
I recently covered 3 tv tables with fabric using several coats of modge podge, and then several coats of polycrylic. I love them - wish I could post a pic here. All this in preparation of covering an antique dining room table with damaged veneer top with fabric. I was considering using an epoxy pour, but now that I know someone else has done something similar like this for a dining room table, I'll just go for it. I have the fabric, a quart of modge podge, the table, now I just need the gumption to move forward with what will be a BIG project for me.
TY for this idea I'm hoping to do maps on my dining table...which isn't that large...Can't wait to start..
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