Protecting Carpet From Art?

[DCMomOf3]

My daycare rooms are fully carpeted so right now I do messy arts outside, but with fall and winter coming in a few months I will have to bring them back inside. I am planning on getting my 1yo. DCKs involved this year and am not looking forward to paint stained carpets. Do you think just a shower curtain under thier tables is ok? Do you have better ideas?

[Crystal]

Yes to the shower curtain. Even though my floors are tile, I have a clear shower curtain under my easels. I found duck tape that matches my tile and taped the perimeter of the shower curtain to the floor so that it stays in place. Under my tables, I have $20 area rugs, so if they get ruined, it's a cheap replacement, and they look nice.

[kidkair]

A large roll of plastic sheeting like to cover for painting walls might be more economical than a shower curtain. I personally would not do painting inside and focus on other mediums that are easier to clean up. Painting out in the snow is fun to do too.

[JenNJ]

Shower curtains (from Dollar Tree) or the plastic table cloths. Either one worls great when rinsed by the hose after the mess.

[Lilbutterflie]

Canvas drop cloths can be purchased for about $10-$20 at hardware stores. Or fabric stores sometimes also carry cheap plastic (people put it over their table cloths) by the yard. I remember paying about $5 for 3 or 4 yards of it.

[Golden Rule]

If the tables are small enough, you could use those plastic trays, with raised edges, that are intended to go under washing machines to prevent floor damage for hardwoods.

I bought several before I moved into this house for the same reason. Eventually I just let the children sit directly in them (one child per tray) instead of messing up the tables. Clean up was easy, stack them and take them out for a rinse with a garden hose. They stacked and stored easily, too.

I gave them to friends a couple years back or I would post a pic....

[DCMom]

I use carpet mask that is meant for RV's, model homes, etc. It comes on a roll and sticks to the carpet protecting it from spills, etc. In the summer I have 14 kids, so I mask off the entry area and the area under my extra table because the olders kids eat there. I use a double layer and it stands up pretty well.

I use in the winter too when snow and muck get tracked in. Then I don't have to clean my carpeting every 10 minutes.

[emosks]

We have mats under the table that the kids eat at and do their crafts at.

[tenderhearts]

When we did our new carpet we kept large strips so I have that under the preschool table, it's been there for over 2 yrs and it still hasn't had any "accidents" on it. We paint, do plato, all kinds of stuff. The shower curtain is a good idea too.

[WImom]

How long does that carpet mask stuff last? Could I use it under the table and replace it once a month? Can it be wiped off just like a vinyl floor could be?

I have carpet under my Daycare table for art/eating and was wondering how I would keep it clean under there. (Opening next week so I haven't tested it out yet)

[Abigail]

Yes to the shower curtain. Even though my floors are tile, I have a clear shower curtain under my easels. I found duct tape that matches my tile and taped the perimeter of the shower curtain to the floor so that it stays in place. Under my tables, I have $20 area rugs, so if they get ruined, it's a cheap replacement, and they look nice.

Can you add Duct Tape to your expenses? LOL.....I've even seen it in HOT PINK

[DCMom]

How long does that carpet mask stuff last? Could I use it under the table and replace it once a month? Can it be wiped off just like a vinyl floor could be?

I have carpet under my Daycare table for art/eating and was wondering how I would keep it clean under there. (Opening next week so I haven't tested it out yet)

It lasts a pretty long time~I think it has a lot to do with the type of carpet you have. I have more level loop, commercial style and it has lasted since June. It probably should be replaced now, but I only wanted it for the summer.

If you have a more plush carpet it probably wouldn't last as long. I use 2-3 layers because it is somewhat thin. You wouldn't be able to mop it, but I spot wipe every day..