https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/comic-book-side-table-2 • Posted by Elena R.
After going to Ikea and buying a bunch of ridiculously cheap side tables, (under 10 dollars each!) I started thinking of projects I could do with them. For my first table, I decided to make a comic book table. I used some vintage Ms. Marvel comics, but you can use any comic books that you are willing to cut up. Since I used a vintage comic, the colors weren't as bright and vivid as they would be if you were to use newer comic books. You might keep that in mind before you start your table. I was also sure to use my least favorite one that I most likely wasn't going to read again anyways.
After going to Ikea and buying a bunch of ridiculously cheap side tables, (under 10 dollars each!) I started thinking of projects I could do with them. For my first table, I decided to make a comic book table. I used some vintage Ms. Marvel comics, but you can use any comic books that you are willing to cut up. Since I used a vintage comic, the colors weren't as bright and vivid as they would be if you were to use newer comic books. You might keep that in mind before you start your table. I was also sure to use my least favorite one that I most likely wasn't going to read again anyways.
1. First, I started cutting out the comics in squares like how they look on the page. It helps if you use an exact O knife and a ruler to cut straight edges. You don't have to cut out perfect squares and rectangles, you can even cut out random shapes and make a collage-like table. BE CREATIVE. 2. BEFORE YOU START GLUING, arrange the shapes how you want them. If your doing yours just like mine, notice how i left about half an inch on the edges and in between the comic strips. You can arrange them any way you want though, it does not have to be identical to mine. And originality is the fun part! But be sure you arrange them how you like before you start gluing. I experimented with tons of different arrangements for mine. 3. Once they are all arranged how you like, start applying mod podge to the underside of the comic strips, one by one, and apply them to the table where you want them. It helps if you use a paint brush to apply the mod podge. After you apply a comic strip, smooth it out from one side to the other so that you don't end up with bubbles underneath. 4. Once you have all of them glued down, let the mod podge dry. It dries pretty quickly so wait about 30-45 minutes just to be safe. 5. Apply your clear coat that you have chosen. The acrylic clear coat costs anywhere from 5-8 dollars for a spray can of it. I used the glossy kind because i like the shiny finish and i think it looks more professional. You can also use the matte finish for a more flat looking finish. It's whatever you choose, make it original! Apply the clear coat, spraying the table evenly. You want to hold the spray can about a foot away from the table while you are applying it. Another thing to remember is to use the acrylic clear coat spray outside or in a garage, because the fumes are very bad for you. I learned that the hard way! 6. Wait for it to dry and enjoy your new side table! *A few other things to consider.. If you are planning on having cold drinks or other things that could harm the table on it, you might want to consider getting a thin sheet of glass that fits on top of the side table. This will protect it and I'm not so sure about how much protection the clear coat will offer. You may be able to find water proof acrylic spray, but I didn't see any at the store i went to. I hope you enjoy this project, and please leave good ratings if you do! REMEMBER: BE ORIGINAL AND HAVE FUN!