How do I protect my table tops?

[McQ]

Declan's ready to starting drawing, well scribbling, these days. And while I don't want to stunt my little artist in the making, how do I protect my tables from getting all marked up?

And what kind of markers/crayons/writing instruments are best? TIA!

Allison
~ mommy to Declan 3.24.03
and number 2 EDD 9.14.04

[papal]

Allison, not sure about markers or crayons but if you want to go the oil-clothish route...here are some nice ones:
http://www.mimithesardine.com
They don't have PVC or vinyl if that is a concern... also, do a search for OILCLOTH in the Lounge... there are a couple of links.

[ShayleighCarsensMom]

Crayola washable crayons are wonderful!
My DD drew on a childless friends white couch with purple crayon and it came right up with a wet paper towel!

[starrynight]

You could by the crayola color wonder stuff, the paper isn't cheap if Declan likes to draw a lot but the markers only work with that special paper so no marks on him, clothing, furniture or walls. It's cool! But I gave up on it since my kids go through so much paper it was costing a ton.

Either get a cheap table cloth that you take out when he colors or get some large art paper and cover the entire table. Maybe cover the table with newspaper?

[McQ]

Thanks. I found some great prints from http://www.retrodepotfabrics.com/reprodepot/fabrics.html (check the 60s/70s fabric!) but now you're going to have explain oilcloth to me. What makes this different than regular fabric?

Allison
~ mommy to Declan 3.24.03
and number 2 EDD 9.14.04

[McQ]

You ladies inspire me. How about butcher style paper that I can roll out, tear a bit off and let him go to to town. I like the idea of washable crayons too. Who'd a thunk :)

Allison
~ mommy to Declan 3.24.03
and number 2 EDD 9.14.04

[kransden]

I didn't know they had washable crayons!!!! I have learned something new today and must go buy some.

Karin and Katie 10/24/02

[Marisa6826]

Hey Girlie-

What about getting a big roll of butcher's paper? Ikea has something very similar. Can't be that expensive there...

-m

[papal]

Allison, oilcloth is fabric that has been treated to make it waterproof.. (like a splatmat).. so you can just wipe of any mess... i think the roll of paper thingy is a great idea too (i saw it at IKEA too).. incase Declan goes out of the paper, the oilcloth will protect the table!

[jubilee]

I have Logan color at a small table (actually a breakfast-in-bed tray) and it has a laminate surface that wipes up easy. Crayon marks come right off.