DIY Fabric Table Top

Having completed the "new" {coffee table}, I posted the old one on craigslist for a measly $5.  After almost a month of no takers, I figured I had might as well do something interesting with it and see if an interest would be sparked if it looked a little fancier.
After a mere hour of work, the transformation is complete:

This is actually a really, really easy project to do. I might even do this with the side table in our living room!

Supplies:

• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Fabric (home decor weight fabric works best)
• Mod Podge
• Paintbrush
• Plastic card (ex: old credit card) to spread out glue

First, just give the table legs a sand with a medium grit sandpaper. Wipe off the dust.

Give the legs a primer coat (I love using Kilz primer spray) or two.  It's best to do multiple, thin coats rather than trying to get a thick layer on in one go. 

Paint the legs!

(**Note: if your table surface is a strong colour or pattern or your fabric is thin, I would recommend painting your table surface white or black as well)

Once everything is dry, cut out your fabric to extend about an inch past the end of the table top. Don't cut it the exact size yet!

Slather a medium-thick layer of Mod Podge onto the table surface.  Carefully place your fabric on top and smooth it out really well.  Using the edge of an old credit card/membership card really helps.

Now spread the MP over the top of the fabric. Don't be scared- just cover it well, flatten it out evenly, and it will dry clear.

Let the fabric dry.  You will likely notice that your fabric will constrict/shrink a bit at this point. This is why you left a little extra fabric on there!

Once everything it dry, grab a ruler and a rotary cutter (or exacto knife) and very carefully trim off the excess fabric. You may need to put a little extra MP on the edges if they are a little loose.

If you are going to use the surface a lot, I would also recommend spraying a clear gloss sealant on there as well to improve durability. 

And there you have it!

Yes, I need to vacuum. It's from the quilt I was working on today!

Coffee table: $10 (already had, but that's what it cost originally)

Primer: $2.50 (half of a $5 can)

Paint: $2 (half a $4 can)

Fabric: $8 (already had!)

Mod Podge: $1 (barely any of my jar)

Approximate cost: $23.50 (but only $4.50 if you don't count what I already had :)