Best technique to apply a map to a tabletop

last year

Hello, I have an RV that we are renting out as a short term rental. I would like to install a map of the area on the dinette table, like so:

I know there are many different ways to get this look and I would love some advice on which technique would work best for our situation, given these parameters:

- The tabletop the map is going on has rounded edges

- This is the only table in this space, so it will be regularly used to for eating/playing games etc, though less for kid-related activities like homework or art projects.

- My husband insists that whatever technique we use, that it doesn't damage the tabletop so that we can eventually remove the map if we want to resell the RV.

- The RV is stationary and not going anywhere soon, so the table will stay deployed all the time (as opposed to being stowed away for driving). However the tabletop still needs to be secure and not slide around.

I have looked into glass tops, epoxy finishes, polycarbonate tops, peel-and-stick plastic sheeting, clear vinyl 'tablecloth' cut to size, and I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

Thanks!

Featured Answer

apple_pie_order

last year

Have the map professionally laminated. Then you can attach it to the table with whatever non-destructive method you like, depending on what the table top and sides are made of. Command strips may work.

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Comments (18)

Olychick
last year
Do you have a particular map you want to use or just any map to achieve the look? If the later, I'd look for peel and stick wallpaper. You could see if it's available in washable vinyl. You'd have enough to replace it when it gets worn. This is washable:

Washable map peel and stick wallpaper

Maybe something similar here?

https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/sb2/maps-self-adhesive-wallpaper-c1861000-a85980~302555-a123161~484332.html
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zazako
Original Author
last year
I do have a particular map (its a topographical map of the national park that is near our rental unit). The wallpaper idea is a good one though...
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
ModPodge

you can search tutorials

**edit,,,

as for not damaging the table top. get a veneer piece of wood that goes on top of the table top and put the map on that. you could do a 1/8" ply wood in the shape of the table, and just screw or lightly glue to the top. now put your map on that.
User
last year
last modified: last year
- My husband insists that whatever technique we use, that it doesn't damage the tabletop so that we can eventually remove the map if we want to resell the RV.

So, there's not really a good way to do this that's totally water resistant and easily removable.

Mod Podge is the best thing for this project, but consider it permanent. When you remove it, you will have to chip it off the table top, and then sand and repaint.

you could get the map laminated, but I don't know how you would attach it in a way that would look perfectly smooth and flat. it would look kind of like a placemat. and if moisture gets in between the plastic and the table top, that could be damaging (or just gross).

I think it would look better and be easier to simply get a map of the area framed and hang it on the wall instead. I love the kind that are made of wood:
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
thanks seattle. I edited my comment. I'd do the map on a thin veneer wood cut to the table top dimensions. screw it from beneath. if and when it's time to go, the veneer can be removed.
Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
I would frame it and out on the wall.
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
sherry, she doesn't want it there. I'm sure she's thought of putting it on the wall. She clearly said she wants it on the table.
Paul F.
last year
ptreckel
last year
Laminate it. And then have a glass or plexiglas top cut to put on top of it.
Olychick
last year
If you can convince your husband that it doesn't need to be removed it would make this much easier...I can't imagine a new buyer rejecting your motor home because of it. Many would love the custom touch over a stock, standard RV table.
Rachel Lee
last year
The only practical option is to put the map under a piece of safety glass.
Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
Beth, I know that. I have had RV's for 40 years and nothing is going to stay on the laminate of an rv table and come off later without damage.

The table top could be replaced later with a new table.
maggieq
last year
Make a new table top out of plywood, finish the edges. Laminate your map. Store the original table til you are ready to sell the RV.
zazako
Original Author
last year
Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I love the idea of putting the map on wood and then attaching that to the tabletop or just replacing the tabletop altogether. I also think that having a custom tabletop would be a nice thing for future buyers but this is the first RV we have bought and it is relatively new so we are a little shy about modifying it :) I will try to post photos of the finished product!
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
sherry, that's why I suggested putting it on a thin veneer piece of wood that is then attatched to the regular table. there are ways to do it w/o damaging the RV table. when it's time to sell, the veneered piece w/the map can just pop off.

But, I like your idea too of just bringing in a new table top. Those things aren't that expensive to replace.
zazako
Original Author
last year
Thanks everyone for your advice! Ultimately we decided to change out the tabletop for a piece of wood cut to the same dimensions and epoxy the map directly to that surface. It turned out 'pretty' well....not perfect because the map was warped and so there are some spots where the paper is 'bubbling' under the epoxy (rookie mistake!) But we might just live with it for now.

But it looks pretty cool I think!
User
last year
last modified: last year
nice job! that really is the best solution. it looks so much more professional, and you won't need to worry about liquid seeping under it. it looks great!

don't worry about the bubbles. it's pretty common with epoxy tables. consider it part of the quirkiness.

if you want to make this look retro, you could trim it out with an aluminum band -- kind of like formica tables from the 50s.

Best technique to apply a map to a tabletop

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