Step 1
Measure the length and width of your table top.
Step 2
Calculate the size of the leather top you will need by subtracting 4 inches from both the length and width measurements. This will allow a 2-inch border on all sides. Adjust these measurements if desired.
Step 3
Trim raw leather to the desired size. Sharpen your shears or craft knife as you move from one edge to another.
Step 4
Position the leather on the table, and “frame” it or "outline" it on all sides with painter’s tape. Remove the leather, but leave the tape on the table.
Step 5
Strip the surface inside the tape frame with a liquid furniture stripper. Roughen the stripped surface with 200-grit sandpaper.
Step 6
Apply a thin layer of vinyl wallpaper paste to the surface inside the tape frame, then remove the tape. You should have a perfect rectangle, wet with paste.
Step 7
Position the raw leather at one edge of the rectangle of paste and unroll it carefully.
Step 8
Smooth out the leather with your hands and lay heavy books on it--reaching every corner--to strengthen the bond. Allow the paste to dry.
Step 9
Leave the raw leather top as is or embellish it with upholstery tacks. Measure 1/2 inch in from every edge of the leather and mark the leather with tailor’s chalk. Measure along those lines and mark where you will place the tacks, about 2 inches apart.
Step 10
Apply the tacks carefully with a small tack or ball-peen hammer. Be careful not to hit the leather because it will show the dents.