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How to Apply Leather to a Table Top

The top of a table takes a lot of abuse. But, if the legs and frame are in good condition, a leather top will make an old table look new. You can apply leather by covering the tabletop completely--by wrapping it like a gift or applying a leather inlay--or by simply applying a piece of leather and using upholstery tacks as an embellishment. This is the simplest and least expensive method, which should take no more than an afternoon’s work.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather top, custom or raw leather
  • Heavy shears
  • Painter’s tape
  • Furniture stripper
  • Sandpaper, 200 grit
  • Wallpaper paste, vinyl
  • Upholstery tacks
  • Tack hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of your table top.

    • 2

      Calculate the size of the leather top you will need by subtracting 4 inches from both the length and width measurements. This will allow a 2-inch border on all sides. Adjust these measurements if desired.

    • 3

      Trim raw leather to the desired size. Sharpen your shears or craft knife as you move from one edge to another.

    • 4

      Position the leather on the table, and “frame” it or "outline" it on all sides with painter’s tape. Remove the leather, but leave the tape on the table.

    • 5

      Strip the surface inside the tape frame with a liquid furniture stripper. Roughen the stripped surface with 200-grit sandpaper.

    • 6

      Apply a thin layer of vinyl wallpaper paste to the surface inside the tape frame, then remove the tape. You should have a perfect rectangle, wet with paste.

    • 7

      Position the raw leather at one edge of the rectangle of paste and unroll it carefully.

    • 8

      Smooth out the leather with your hands and lay heavy books on it--reaching every corner--to strengthen the bond. Allow the paste to dry.

    • 9

      Leave the raw leather top as is or embellish it with upholstery tacks. Measure 1/2 inch in from every edge of the leather and mark the leather with tailor’s chalk. Measure along those lines and mark where you will place the tacks, about 2 inches apart.

    • 10

      Apply the tacks carefully with a small tack or ball-peen hammer. Be careful not to hit the leather because it will show the dents.

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Next:

Furniture Making
  1. How to Elevate a Table Top
  2. How to Build a Leather Covered Table
  3. How to Replace a Tooled Leather Table Top
  4. How to Breadboard a Table Top
  5. How to Glue Leather to a Table Top
  6. How to Epoxy a Table Top
  7. How to Distress a Table Top
  8. How to Strip a Table
  9. How to Secure a Glass Table Top
  10. How to Build a Table
  11. How to Apply Leather to the Top of a Chest of Drawers
  12. How to Stencil a Table Top

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