Need some ideas, please


Dawg

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I have a table. I think the top is oak. It's approximately 4'x4'. I am going to put it out on my porch. It needs to be sanded and stained, but I don't want just an ordinary table sitting out there. Give me some ideas of designs I can do to the top of this thing to make it unique.

Thank you in advance for those of you who will reply.

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Depending on the size of the vinyl sticker you could use a die grinder with a tapered or ball tool to texture around the sticker, would take some time but would leave an awesome contrast to the table top. After texturing use some Gorilla tape to build a low rise frame around the edge and then use "Bar" finish which is a 2 part epoxy type finish used on bar tops to fill, level and seal the entire top. Use a blow dryer on low to blow across the surface as it dries to pop the air bubbles and ensure a smooth level finish. I wish I had pictures to show you, I have done 3 tables like this and the result is long lasting and very durable.

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Depending on the size of the vinyl sticker you could use a die grinder with a tapered or ball tool to texture around the sticker, would take some time but would leave an awesome contrast to the table top. After texturing use some Gorilla tape to build a low rise frame around the edge and then use "Bar" finish which is a 2 part epoxy type finish used on bar tops to fill, level and seal the entire top. Use a blow dryer on low to blow across the surface as it dries to pop the air bubbles and ensure a smooth level finish. I wish I had pictures to show you, I have done 3 tables like this and the result is long lasting and very durable.

Yea, I'm not sure what all that means but it sounds neat. :D

Guess I should have stated that my carpentry skills are........well their not. So whatever I do to it will be simple. :D

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Tile/ Rock the top..... If done properly it turns out great and last for a LOOOOOONG time.

Or find sketches of wild game (elk, deer, turkey, etc.). Print them and then burn the images into the top. Something else would be to take bottle caps, turn them upside down and rubber mallet them into the surface of the table where they can be read. If you need it really flush for playing bones then cover the top with plastic....

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One cool thing I have done for friends on like a bar top was to have them gather pictures they like, be it kids, friends, hunting or whatever, and lay them on the top, a little spray adhesive to temporarily hold them where you want them. Then us a clear coat over them, I used a product called Deft if I remember right. Its a super thick poly type clear coat. I think was just kinda of poured it on and it kinda self leveled. It turned out pretty neat I thought. I can try and find out what is was if your interested.

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Put a raised edge all the way around it with decorative trim wood after you've sanded everything.

Then get a bag of small sized river-rock and pour it out on top.

Use a leaf blower on reduced speed and gently use the flow of air to "Dust" off the rock of the "Chaff" that occurs in the bag.

Arrange the rock to your liking.

Pour on enough MinWax - PloyUrethane to cover the rock and let it cure.

It should be level when dried so your Card or Dominoe games should not be a problem.

P.S. I've done a few of these for people using Rock but also did one with fishing lures that turned out well for a friend. If you do use fishing lures like Rapalas though you have to glue them into place first...trust me on this one or you'll end up with a bumpy table top you have to add more Poly too...LOL

Edited by GWSmith
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Put a raised edge all the way around it with decorative trim wood after you've sanded everything.

Then get a bag of small sized river-rock and pour it out on top.

Use a leaf blower on reduced speed and gently use the flow of air to "Dust" off the rock of the "Chaff" that occurs in the bag.

Arrange the rock to your liking.

Pour on enough MinWax - PloyUrethane to cover the rock and let it cure.

It should be level when dried so your Card or Dominoe games should not be a problem.

P.S. I've done a few of these for people using Rock but also did one with fishing lures that turned out well for a friend. If you do use fishing lures like Rapalas though you have to glue them into place first...trust me on this one or you'll end up with a bumpy table top you have to add more Poly too...LOL

I think we may have a winner here. Really like this idea Gary, thanks.

Keep em coming folks!! Thanks!

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Guest TennesseeTurkey
I think we may have a winner here. Really like this idea Gary, thanks.

Keep em coming folks!! Thanks!

I liked my last suggestion although you didnt seem to notice it :angel2:

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I liked my last suggestion although you didnt seem to notice it :angel2:

My deepest and most humble apologies Willie.

I have one child, but could still burn his name, my name and the wifes name into the side of the table top. OR......use small sticks in the rocks to spell out our names......hmmmm....

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