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-----What do I use to cover a card-table that has photos on it?
2007
A beautiful Mother's Day gift was made for my by my 3 daughters. They bought a card table and covered the whole top surface with hundreds of cut out pictures of our family. These pictures are a treasure to me and they nor I know how to protect them. The pictures were applied with Mod Podge. They also bought me a box of Envirotex Lite [affil link] Pour-on High Gloss Finish. A product that states equals that of 50 coats of varnish. They didn't apply it because of running out of time, AND because the directions scared them. Well it scares me too. I'm afraid I'll mess it up. And ruin the pictures. I also don't want the finish to cloud up and not be able to see the pictures. What do you think I should use? Is there a product that insures a clear finish? Or should I use plexiglass or glass? Glass would be heavy I think. I am willing to even take it some where to have a professional do it. But Where? Can you help me preserve this priceless gift? Thanks so much, Helen (mom)
Helen L. Weaverhomeowner - McDonald, Pennsylvania
I'd be very cautious about any sort of pour-on, brush on plastic or varnish. Even if it went on perfectly, it might well become cloudy or discolor over time. Glass is probably safest.
Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2007
First of two simultaneous responses -- 2007
Hi Helen !
You have, I think, but two choices. Acrylics, i.e., Plexiglass or ordinary glass.
If you used Acrylic, I'd probably opt for 3/8" material which would weigh around 3 lbs/sq.ft
For glass? Um. 2 options. Ordinary glass and tempered glass. I'd think of 1/4" thick material. Far less scratch proof than Acrylics and easier to clean, methinks.
In all cases you're going to have the edges polished ...
at least I would. You don't want sharp edges. And to hold down the
'glass' you'd need 4 simple clips.
The advantage of the more expensive tempered glass is that it is far less breakable than ordinary glass ...
Hope that helps. Cheers !
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
Second of two simultaneous responses --
Few will become cloudy, but they will scratch. Also, sunlight and fluorescent lights will turn them yellow with time.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
2007
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