This now-stylish table was once destined for the dumpster, but we knew it had potential. By refreshing the finish and adding a faux leather top, we turned it into an attractive game table that will be enjoyed for years to come.
A fresh coat of paint kicked off the transformation. Since we knew we'd be covering the tabletop with fabric later, we just refinished the edges of the top and the base. The process involved applying primer, spraying on a dark brown base coat, and protecting it all with a satin clear coat.
To achieve the iconic look of a game table, we wanted to cover the top with faux leather. After sanding the surface, we rolled contact cement onto the tabletop as well as the underside of the fabric.
Next, we covered the table with Kraft paper (cardboard would also work for this step) and set down the faux leather material. When the fabric was in place, we carefully pulled out the paper.
To finish the faux leather top, we smoothed it with a tool called a J-roller. Then we trimmed off the excess material with a utility blade. Start to finish, the table makeover took just a couple of hours. Now it’s a stylish spot for the family to gather.
