DIY Network

Linoleum Table Mats Get linoleum off the floor and up on the table. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-131

Set a terrific table indoors or out with these festive mats.

For your next festive occasion, how about dressing your table in... linoleum?

Once linoleum comes up off the floor, it can go just about anywhere—even Michele Beschen's table. The B. Original host dresses her patio table up with a linoleum table mat showcasing a charming hand-painted design and clever weights that keep this nontraditional table linen right where she wants it.

These custom table mats are tough enough to use outdoors in any weather, and pretty enough to dress an indoor table. And, since they're painted on the back of linoleum remnants, they're inexpensive enough to create one for every occasion. Scroll down for Michele Beschen's easy how-to.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Linoleum Table Mats

Materials:

6' x 9' roll of vinyl (any pattern)
box cutter or utility knife
gesso or latex primer
latex or acrylic paint
paint roller, brushes
polyurethane sealer
grommet tool and grommets
decorative rocks or other attractive weights

• Lay the vinyl roll flat, back side up. Turn the table to be covered upside down on the vinyl; trace the tabletop. You'll be painting the design on the back side of the linoleum.

• Remove the tabletop and use a box cutter or sharp utility knife to cut along the traced line (figure A).

• Roll on primer—either artist's gesso or latex—and let dry and cure completely.

• Create a design pattern on the top and paint with household paint or acrylics.

• Finish and protect the design with polyurethane sealer. Michele Beschen prefers to use exterior-grade sealer for her tabletop mats because of its greater durability and easy clean-up.

• Add decorative weights to hold the tabletop in place: Use a grommet tool to install grommets at various points around the tabletop (figure B), then string decorative rocks or other attractive weights from the tabletop (figure C).