Drop cloth
1 quart oil-based primer
2 paintbrushes
1 (turkey-size) aluminum roasting pan
1 gallon school glue
Nautical charts or other maps
Craft knife
Sponge brush
1 quart satin polyurethane

photography: Ted Tucker Begin by priming the Draftsman top and base from Storehouse (storehouse.com) with two coats of oil-based primer. Let each coat dry thoroughly.

photography: Ted Tucker Mix Glue with water so it's the consistency of egg whites. Submerge charts one at a time and wet both sides for flexibility.

photography: Ted Tucker Apply charts to the desktop and pull tight, smoothing out wrinkles or bubbles. (This is easiest if your hands are wet with glue.) Fold charts around edges as if you were wrapping a present. Use a craft knife to trim around the hardware and remove any excess paper.

photography: Ted Tucker Continue to cover, layering smaller torn pieces over tricky areas. Dip sponge brush in glue, and press down on any stubborn corners. Allow to dry overnight, then apply a thin coat of polyurethane with a paintbrush for a smooth finish.