How to Customize a Game Table

A game table is a wonderful center for fun times as the family gathers to play and cheer. As Martha Stewart points out in the article Making a Game Table: "Homemade boards are just as easy to create as they were centuries ago and retain a warmth and attractiveness that is difficult to capture with mass-produced boards." Customizing a game table can be a family project, completed over just a few days. Choose the game your family enjoys the most, and get started!

Things You'll Need

• Table, sealed and painted
• Wood sealer, water-based
• Acrylic paint (three colors, minimum)
• Scrap paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Paintbrushes
• Paper decorative motifs
• Mod Podge decoupage glue

Instructions

1. Seal and paint a wooden table in a color that is complementary to the room décor. Follow paint manufacturer's directions, sanding carefully between each coat. Dry thoroughly.

2. Create a pattern for a backgammon board on scrap paper with a pencil and ruler. It is necessary to make the pattern for only a quarter of the board, as all four sections are identical. Size as needed, and transfer to the middle of the table using light pencil marks.

3. Paint the backgammon board design using two colors of contrasting paint. Dry thoroughly.

4. Cut coordinating decorative motifs from wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, magazines or tissue paper. Arrange these motifs around the painted backgammon board on the table top, moving and trimming until you are pleased with the design.

5. Decoupage motifs to the table top using a paintbrush and Mod Podge. Spread Mod Podge carefully to remove air bubbles as you progress.

6. Apply several coats of water-based sealer to protect the paint and decoupage and to prevent damage to table during use.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a new, unfinished wood table, or find a vintage table and remove the existing finish. A table intended to accommodate games for two people, such as chess, checkers or backgammon, can be relatively small: 24 inches square or in diameter. A table for games such as bridge or poker and for working jigsaw puzzles ideally should be 36 inches square or larger. You can make extra tablecloth "tops" for your game table with different game boards. Paint game boards on heavy canvas with the same acrylic paint you used for the table, and cut to tablecloth size. Allow the canvas to fray on the edges for a casual look. The final coats applied to the table are very important. Nagging players to use coasters under glasses and trivets under hot plates is the last thing you want to do on a fun, family game night. Consider using a sealer designed for heavy commercial use if your table requires it.

References

• Mod Podge is made by Plaid and they offer decoupage tips and ideas.
• Backgammon Galore has game board layout and official rules for backgammon.
• The American Checker Federation has detailed specifications and rules for checkers.

Resources

• Easy-to-understand information about two-part epoxies and hardwood floor coatings.
• Martha Stewart customizes a game table found at a flea market.