How about something covering the work surface like newspapers or have smudges all over it. If it's a good table, I always protect it with something -- an old table clothe, newspapers, lots and lots of paper towels, even an old piece of plywood or masonite. If it's an old table, I don't really care so only something to keep whatever I'm working on from getting leftover debris on it. And some wadded up towels, a can of paint remover, an old can to hold the brushes and clean brushes in. Maybe a radio? I like to work with music usually. Ok that's enough for now....pretty soon, I'll have it looking like my work area! Disgusting! :o)