Thursday, June 21, 2012

Kids Picnic Table Redo




 This is what the table looked like when I bought it except a little  more faded. I got it from a yard sale and I hated the colors in my kitchen. I use it as a snack table for my little one. It was ugly and a little bit of a pain to clean so I spray painted it. That made it worse because any food that was stuck on would chip the paint so I wanted a better solution, and this is the result.

I spray painted it about 5 months ago with Rustolem for plastic spray paint. After I finished I read the "TIP" below and sure enough the paint chipped off easily over time. I don't know what effect this step would change for someone who doesn't do it.


I washed it down and took it apart, 8 whole screws. Very easy but be careful of the plastic screw covers I broke one and had to glue it on at the end.


Spray painted it with a really cheap plain black spray paint. I would say about a can and a half. While the paint was drying I used a staple gun to attach fabric and then vinyl covering for easy clean ups. I bought the vinyl at Walmart in the fabric department.

Here they are all finished in no time. Just a little tricky because the edges are rounded but I muddled through. And here is a pic of after I put it all back together. He couldn't wait to use it! Now I just need to get a better rug for underneath :)





Someone else did my project!
If you would like me to post a picture of your Picnic Table Redo E-mail it to me here: CarolinesCraftyCorner@yahoo.com I would love to post it!



From: Codi S. One for play one for school
From: Cheri C wow love those colors
From: Just Me and My Guys
From: Happenings of the Harper Household
From: Erica R My personal friend :)
From: April M chevron loveliness 
Jami did a great tutorial of her own.
From: Nicole L. Love those those polka dots
From: Samantha so fun!
From: Lindsey J. Fitted sheet and blue paint for
Broncos Boise State napkins for the design,so thrifty!
From: The family in apartment 5
From: Amy Lee
From: Chelsea H. Awesome table!
From: Kasi B Stunning!
From: Amber Great Job!
From: Kelly K. This is ADORABLE!
From : Leanne's creative creations
From: Patty at Reasons for Chocolate
From: Ryleigh's Mom, very designer looking.
From: Angela B. Oh so cute!
From: Khrystina R. I LOVE the Skulls and Pink!!!
From: Tasha M. Apples to go with her kitchen.
From: Danielle Amazing transformation!
From: Chantelle fun fun fun!
From: Ana F. Love the colors.
From: Andrea E. sweet and simple
From: Anonymous Pink and Camo 
From: Beth B loving those colors!
From: Debra nautically awesome!
From: Sara C blue paisleys very calming
From: Codi H lovely in leather
From: Marie E see through lace vinyl over top of color fabric love it!
From: Sarah J fun in the city!
From: Debrah W Oh my heck that's cute!
From: Lori SN I love The Little Mermaid great job!
From: Jennifer G she tried to paint hers too and almost threw it out
From: Tracy G. Looks great on your porch!
From: Quenna K Missouri Tigers themed
From: Mary J Bright and beautiful under the sea!
From: Diana F. Monkeying around in pink and brown!
From: Sara G so bright and colorful with a toddler and her toys!
From: Melissa P. done with drawer liner paper, and then vinyl covering.
From: Alyson, Cars for her cute boys.
From: Krystal H, Such a cute farm girl table!
From: Stephanie S. Cute stripes!
 From: Gloria V. Go Texas!!! 
From: Mary C. WOW! Paint and decals look really cool!
From: Sarah L Fit for a Queen!
From: Faith W. Cute little froggies





120 comments:

  1. LOVE THIS!! How much fabric did you use total do you know?!

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    Replies
    1. I had a large piece and some left over so I would guess a yard and a half to 2 yards.

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  2. You said "really cheap black spray paint"? You really mean ANY black spray paint? It doesn't chip like the rustoleum for plastic paint did?

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    1. I just made it and it's over the Rustoleum paint. I didn't have a lot of chips on the sides where I repainted anyway so I expect it will do ok. My major problem areas were where I put the fabric and vinyl covering. If I got a stuck on piece of something I found covering it with a wet rag for a while softened up the food particle enough that I could easily get it off.

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    2. oh yeah and it was spray paint I got for a dollar at home depot.

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  3. Did you have any issues with the staples falling out or scratching? Did you use a special type of staple?

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    1. The stapler I use is called an Easyshot it's a lightduty staple gun not a plain old stapler. I didn't have any trouble with it. There is a picture of it on one of my other projects "My pretty side table". I have to thank my husband for it but I think I've seen them at Home Depot.

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  4. This is super cute!
    Have you heard about our Craftastic Competition? I'd love for you to enter in it! Lots of prizes to be won too!

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    Replies
    1. I hope I did everything right :) Thanks for thinking that my stuff is good enough :)

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  5. Wow, Caroline! This is ADORABLE! You are so clever.

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  6. HI Caroline- Its Lauren@Warm&Fuzzy! I LOVE your table redo! Our table has held up resonably for South Louisiana heat. There are places where the paint is peeling but I should have expecting that since I did not put any type of clear coat or sealant on it. I am thinking that toward the end of the summer I am going to have to do touch ups. If I kept ours inside I would defintely would be doign a cloth redo! What a great idea!

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  7. Love your blog. You have some really cute ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    Ann

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  8. What a nice idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I love this - thank you for sharing.....
    I hope it is OK to do this, I pinned it on pinterest.
    http://pinterest.com/pin/232639136971909262/

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    1. Thats one reason I have this blog is so I can put these things on Pinterest :) Thank you for the compliment, I appreciate the pin.

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  10. I looove this! thanks for the idea and sharing! :) On the hunt for a table now!

    http://ineverylittlemoment.blogspot.com/

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  11. I LOVE this idea! How clever and so cute!

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  12. Awesome, I just bought some fabric and was going to make some table and bench covers, but this is a much better idea! Thanks!

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  13. What type of vinyl covering did you use over the fabric? This part confuses me :) Thanks!

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  14. There is a picture of the package on my post "My pretty side table" It's just called Clear Multipurpose Vinyl Covering. Here is a link to where you can buy it: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vinyl-Clear/17248562 I bought it at Walmart in the fabric department. I hope that helps :)

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  15. What a great idea! I have never seen a classier kids table.

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  16. Genius!! I am now on the hunt for a table...to the yard sales I go!!
    :)

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  17. Vinyl Dye works like the plastic spray paint should and it also comes in a can. No chipping!

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    Replies
    1. Wow thanks for the tip never heard of vinyl dye I will keep that in mind for the future

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  18. Great idea! Saw it on pinterest. I love your blog, and am following it now!

    Bobi
    http://westernwarmth.blogspot.com

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  19. Savvy Susi wanted me to post this for her:
    Two things popped to mind as soon as I read this:
    1) Spray adhesive (vinyl adhesive would probably be best). It would make the corners so much easier to deal with & take the worry of loose staples out of the mix.
    2) Oil cloth! It's basically clear vinyl bonded to fabric. (When I had kids @home I made re-useable sandwich wraps/bags from it).
    You can buy this at almost any fabric store. How big the store is will determine the variety of patterns available. However, it's pretty inexpensive here: http://goo.gl/aDgYu with a good selection of patterns.

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  20. Just an FYI...Krylon makes spray paint especially for plastic. The colors go on bright and do not chip. http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/

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  21. This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!!

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  22. This is too cute! I have baby #1 on the way, and would love to do this project for her!

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  23. I have this same pic nic table I was getting ready to pitch b/c its so ugly and buy a new one! I would have flipped out had I saw this after pitching it!! haha THANK YOU!!! :)

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  24. I just made one for my son. Thank you so much for this idea! I would post a pic but I'm not sure how without sending an email. :)

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  25. I did this to an old Fisher Price picnic table and it turned out great! Thank you for the inspiration!

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    1. I finally saw your reply so I took a few pictures, but I'm not very techie and can't figure out how to post them. I'll ask my husband to help one of these nights! :)

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    2. E-mail it to me here: CarolinesCraftyCorner@yahoo.com I would love to post it!

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  26. Cute! Really good way to repurpose an eyesoe into something useable and good looking. I think using a flannel backed oilcloth tablecloth would be my choice if I could fins a pattern I liked. Great job!

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  27. Wow! That looks great! I'm going to give this a go with an old kids table I have.

    Love Alisha
    From http://handsandheartsfull.blogspot.com.au/

    PS: Love your blog background ;)

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  28. What a great idea! You are one clever Mama!

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  29. Would a vinyl tablecloth work? They seem to always be on clearance.

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    1. I think it would. I just didn't because I wanted a specific pattern. and my little man is tough on things so I would be afraid of him ripping it. but its worth a try I would love to see it if you do it :)

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  30. This is amazing!!!!!! Love it!

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  31. This is a great redo! I've got a table & two chairs that need it! Stapling plastic wasn't a problem?

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    1. The plastic was thick and holds up really well. I didn't have a problem with the staples at all :) I would love to see your project when your done :)

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  32. I tried your idea and it looks great! I hope you don't mind but I linked my page to yours. Thank you so much for the inspiration :)

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  33. Hi, I just did this. Thanks for the inspiration. I couldn't find any "cute" patterned vinyl so I used fabric with a clear vinyl over it...I don't know how to post the pix here, but it turned out really cute...

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    1. E-mail it to me here CarolinesCraftyCorner@yahoo.com I would love to post it!

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  34. I have found that automobile spray paint in the big cans works better on little tike and other plastics. I have had some planters on my front porch that sit out year round for 3 years and they hardly have any chips. I got the paint at a salavage store here in town for a dollar a can. Not sure what it costs new but surely it isn't any more than the plastic paints. The only thing the car paint won't work on that I have tried is note books. The thin plastic, ripples and the glue holding it on releases. Great ideas, I love little Tike!

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  35. Cute cute cute. i like that you can easily change it up, both the color and fabric. GREAT Idea!

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  36. HOW CUTE!!! I have one of those picnic tables at home that's gotten ugly from sitting outside all the time. You inspired me to pretty it up!

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  37. I bought one of the small little tikes table and chairs from a garage sale (the table like Samantha and The Family in Apartment 5)and as I was preparing to take the legs off I looked up the instructions online. It said leg assembly is permanent and not to remove them once they are snapped in place. Did anyone have any trouble getting the legs off and back on????????
    Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Samantha said: Yes I did take them off, it wasn't too bad it took a lot of coats of spray paint to cover the under cover!! But all in all it was not too bad!!

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  38. I wonder if contact paper would work in place of the fabric? It is water proof, wipes clean and has lots of different patterns.

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  39. Thanks for the great idea! I made my own and it turned out great!
    http://leannescreativecreations.blogspot.com/2012/09/little-tikes-picnic-table-make-over.html

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  40. I saw this on pinterest and knew I what I wanted to do with our old one. I love it! Here is my link:
    http://reasonsforchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/10/little-tikes-make-over.html

    Thanks for sharing the idea!!

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  41. Thank you for your creative idea!! I send to your email of the photo that I did!! I did the apple theme that goes with my kitchen so I found apples fabric in Walmart. I had a blast to do this project but same time I was frustrated with one end of the table on top that I couldn't get the 2 screws out so had to manage to go around it and try to tuck in the fabric and vinyl and it works. I would do it again with another table if I have another kind of table or those square table.

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  42. I wish I had seen this post before I covered mine. I just used a thick fannelbacked plastic tablecloth that someone had given me. It has a harvest theme right now. I will eventually cover it with something else.
    Loved looking at all the different ones.

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  43. How well with this work for a table that is outside all the time?

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    1. I'm not sure. If it were under a covered area I think it would be fine. If you left it out in the elements I could see water getting inside the plastic eventually and cause the fabric to mold.

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  44. Thank you for the inspiration!
    I used a really cool patterened thin vinyl tablecloth for this table project.
    This saved time and instead of using both vinyl and fabric I only needed to staple down one cover.
    I found the vinyl tablecloth at a local store in the Summer Clearance section last October for only $2.00.

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    1. I would love to see that will you please e-mail me a picture at CarolinesCraftyCorner@yahoo.com

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  45. I just want to say THANK YOU!
    My monsters are loving their new table! :)
    -Maddie-
    mommyx3monsters

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  46. Your all tables look very good and i really appreciate your presentation because Picnic tables used to be made only of hard wood which could withstand the elements of nature. Now, they come in aluminum, plastic, PVC, and metal, as well as wood. There are even concrete picnic tables if you want one to stay in a specific place. http://www.picnictable.co.uk

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  47. This table is very nice. Children can easily sit on the table and start eating.
    more

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  48. In the picture you have a white fabric? on the underside - is that for cushioning? to be clear you put the fabric on and then cover that with vinyl? Thanks :) Have my veryused table - looking forward to transforming it!

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    1. no cushioning. I had spray painted it white months before. The fabric is just a flat piece of fabric with a damask print on it to match my valence in the kitchen. I put the vinyl on to protect the fabric and to make it easy to clean. I hope that helps thanks!

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  49. I'm curious how the staples have held up over time? Have they slipped loose at all?

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    1. they are doing great! none have fallen out or become loose.

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    2. Awesome, I'm almost finished with mine! Such a great idea.

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  50. I really hope I find a picnic table this year! I was thinking the ones that look like actual picnic tables (not like yours) you could make a "table cloth" similar to the way you make a ironing board cover. - by cutting out the shape, adding a casing and running narrow cording through it and cincing it up. That way you could remove it and wash it every once in a while. (look for a pattern for ironing board covers at the fabric store or walmart)

    I also like the idea of covering it with vinyl.

    Tina

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    1. I actually put a wanted add in my local paper and now I have 3 tables.... you should do that too.

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  51. I wonder if you can use a spray adhesive on the areas that you are going to spray paint first. Sometimes it helps the paints stick to the plastic.

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  52. Here is a link to my table redo on Pinterest:http://pinterest.com/pin/79446380899132090/ Thank you for the great idea and thank you for giving me the confidence to do it by adding all of these other great tables to your post. I never would have attempted this if I had not seen where so many others had successfully done tables. Thank you!!

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    1. I hope it's ok I added it :) I love it great job!

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  53. Hey guys, how much fabric did yall use?

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    1. If it's a table like mine I think 2 yards should do the trick :)

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  54. Thank you SO much for this great idea! Last summer I tried to paint it and made an awful mess of things but I just finished my table (your way) and I am so very happy with it! My daughter loves it!! I am going to email a picture to you! Thanks again!!

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  55. It look as some has used plastic table clothes? I was also going to redo my daughter's little tikes cozy coupe would you recommend use regular paint as well? Also do you put a clear coat if its going outside? Thanks!

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    1. I think some have used plastic table cloths. I did it the way I did because it sounded the most durable to me :) If you read through the comments I'm sure you will find the answer to your other questions, many others have offered up great ideas :) Good luck!

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  56. Oh my goodness you started a fashion trend. Love all the assorted colors and prints people did their tables.

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  57. wow! I loved all these. Nice. Thanks for sharing. Your blog is so impressive.
    Picnic tables

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  58. I do lots of spray painting projects, but this is a great idea!!! I have a kid's table that my older daughters colored all over when they were small...now I know how to make it cute again for my 2 year old. FYI...in case you haven't tried it, Rustoleum brand paint seems to work pretty well on hard to cover surfaces like plastic. :) Thanks for the idea!

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  59. I have a question, I have water in the top part of the table, any tips to get it out before I start to paint? Thanks!!!

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    1. After you take it apart see if there are any holes you can drain it through that. If you cant find the holes or they are in an inconvenient spot you can drill some holes along the side where the legs connect. When you put it back together you will not see the holes and it shouldn't cause a problem in the future :)

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  60. These are great! Could you use laminated cotton fabric for this project?

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    Replies
    1. Sure why not, I thought about it but my little man would rip a hole in it I just know it :)

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  61. Are sheets of Vinyl available at fabric stores like Hobby Lobby, etc? I haven't ever looked and wondered.

    Also any special type of spray paint you bought?

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    1. I'm not sure if they are at fabric stores. If you buy your fabric at Walmart then, yes :) Here is a link to where you can buy it online http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vinyl-Clear/17248562. I did not buy special spray paint. I bought it at Home depot for a dollar a can. Good luck I would love to see it when your done.

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  62. I love this. Great idea and your outcome looked so great. Thanks for sharing.

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  63. I have a playhouse I wanted to do. Every pin says to use that same plastic paint. Do you think it will rub off there too? What should i use, and a cozy coup.

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    Replies
    1. Not Rustolem for plastics. If you read through my comments there are many great suggestions from others on things that would or could work great. The problem I had with the paint on the table top and seats is my son would spill food on them and it would dry. When I got around to wiping it up it would take the paint with it. Anywhere there is going to be friction you will loose the paint. I spray painted my sons little ride on 4 wheeler and the tires are wearing off but the rest of it is staying pretty in tact. Good luck hope you find a solution.

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  64. Hi Caroline,
    I bought a table a few weeks ago and just noticed that most of the screws have been rusted and I cannot pull apart the pieces :(. I'm super bummed, but was wondering if you've covered any tables while still in tact...? Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Bummer! I have actually only done the one table. All the others are made by other people. There must be a way to take those screws out maybe WD40? I think Vinegar or vodka can also remove rust but I think you have to soak the screw in it. good luck.

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  65. Hello,

    Thanks for the wonderful idea. Question for you! I have two little tikes picnic tables that are supposed to seat 6 kids, I want to make them identical. The only problem I have is that they are the tables with the holes on top one flat oval in center for Umbrella (?) and a hole on each side of the oval I'm assuming were cup holders. I want to fill theses in and cover with something to block access to the holes so the vinyl doesn't rip in these spots. Any Suggestions? I was thinking maybe plexiglass, acrylic sheet, any cheaper ideas. Also I've seen in a couple of posts cheap spray paint seems to hold better and do you use glossy. Whats the spacing between staples? Thanks You I look forward to your input :)

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    Replies
    1. Personally I would get some lids from disposable containers like cottage cheese or sour cream and cut the edge off to make them flat and glue them into place to cover the holes. If you want something to cover the whole space I would do the above and use a large piece of cardboard (science fair boards from Walmart work good) to cover the whole space. If you want to go with a Plexiglas check with your local glass/window company on pricing sometimes they can custom cut some really thin Plexiglas for pretty cheap. As far as the spray paint I think anything would work. The staples are spaced about every 2 inches or so. Good luck! I would LOVE to know what you end up using and see some pictures when your done :)

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  66. Replies
    1. Nope just did one for myself and I like to post the pictures of the ones others have done :)

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  67. Finally got one of those tables!
    http://avicilemohaili.blogspot.com/2014/03/little-tikes-picnic-table-redo.html

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  68. I have a plastic table outside that has peeled down to the wood. Two questions...
    1. Any suggestions of what to use to cover the holes.
    2. Any idea if vinyl will hold up outside? (Rain, heat, cold)
    Thank you

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  69. Personally I would get some lids from disposable containers like cottage cheese or sour cream and cut the edge off to make them flat and glue them into place to cover the holes. If you want something to cover the whole space I would do the above and use a large piece of cardboard (science fair boards from Walmart work good) to cover the whole space. If you want to go with a Plexiglas check with your local glass/window company on pricing sometimes they can custom cut some really thin Plexiglas for pretty cheap. As far as the spray paint I think anything would work. I don't know how it would hold up outside. Good luck! I would LOVE to know what you end up using and see some pictures when your done :)

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  70. I'm soooo going to do this! I have a square little tykes table in scuffed up white blue and yellow. I'm thinking pink and teal chevron. ..

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  71. Question. This may sound dumb, but what do you mean by vinyl covering? Are you talking about the stuff that you use in like kitchen drawers? I'm wanting to do this, but want to make sure that i understand everything first.

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  72. What is the purpose of the fabric under the vinyl? I've already taken then table apart and want to redo it this holiday weekend.

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    Replies
    1. The vinyl is clear the fabric is to make it pretty.

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  73. he constantly changing fashionable take on redone demonstrates the depth of the subject. Remarkably redone is heralded by shopkeepers and investment bankers alike, leading many to state that spasmodically it returns to create a new passion amongst those who study its history. Often it is seen as both a help and a hinderence to the upper echelons of progressive service sector organisations, obviously. Hold onto your hats as we begin a journey into redone.

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  74. This is what the table looked like when I bought it except a little ... tabletstoddlers.blogspot.com

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  75. This is a very nice idea to design picnic table. these all tables are looking very colorful and awesome. I will also try to design for my kids.

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  76. How much fabric do you need? Just got a free table and I'm going to try this.

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  77. Wow I love the colors and how the intricate patterns weave so well with the big bold colors - it's like the play set was made for this project - inspired!

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  78. This may be a silly question but when using the staple gun, did it go through the plastic table? I am having a hard time understanding if the fabric will evenly stay on the table if I use a stable gun.

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