Oh wow! II'm just wondering- your're talking about using the type of contact paper that doesn't have any sticky-adhesive on it, right?

Where do you buy Glossy transparent plastic contact sheet? I am not even sure what it is.. is it the one that is sold on the long roll in the furniture cover and protection stores? I meen it is used for sofas and chair so they won't get stained? Is it the one? But I don't think they have any adhesive surface at the back .. so Ironing will melt it over the fabric ..?

I'm sorry, I'm having trouble uploading photos at the moment. By 'glossy transparent plastic contact sheet' (I know, its a gobful! I mean the stuff that comes in a roll approx 50cm x 4m, the backing paper has squares on it so you can cut in straight lines, and the glossy transparent plastic peels off it and has a sticky back. You need to get the sticky back one so that the glue adheres the plastic to the fabric. I've been using the brand Fablon, and I bought it from B and Q, which is a British, I guess hardware store. It sells wallpaper, paint, gardening tools, DIY stuff etc. I hope this is helpful, I don't really know how else to describe it. If you Google 'Fablon', it may give you more idea of what I mean. x x

Thank you so much! I think I know what you mean! I will try to see if I can find Fablon here in USA. Thanks!!

How about using THERM O WEB - Iron-On Vinyl . I have some that is clear shiny but I know it comes in Lustre too. I just don't know about what sizes it comes in. Donna Rae

I went to the site and this is what I found. Hope it helps. DonnaRae

Iron-On Vinyl Fabric Protector Lustre Finish Roll Model: 3902 Iron-On Vinyl is a perfect addition to your craft project. This flexible, UV Resistant, Water Repellent material irons on to your fabrics to protect them. Use Iron-On Vinyl to make placemats, baby bibs, diaper bags, chair seat covers, and children's art smocks. Image shown as Gloss; actual is Lustre.

Is it the plastic you can use for covering books and things like that as well? (if that's it it would be great, I've got tons of it :)!)

I've not heard of Therm-O-Web, but by the sounds of it, thats the right stuff, give it a go. Yes, if the plastic for covering books is sticky back it will work. Good luck with all your projects x x

The Therm-O-Web iron on vinyl is not exactly the same as the contact sheet referred to originally in this how-to. The Contact Sheet is thicker and has more tack to the back part, because it's intended for covering books, or for shelf covering etc. (As KatieJean said, it's sold in hardware stores, sometimes by the yard and sometimes by the roll, and also in office supply stores, usually in smaller rolls, for covering books). The Therm-o-Web iron-on vinyl is more lightweight and has only minimal tack to it because the glue is only supposed to hold till you iron it and fuse it to the fabric that way. I do believe both will work - you just need to decide if you want the heavier (and more easily found, less expensive) Contact sheet, or want to have a more lightweight item, in which case you'll need the iron-on vinyl. I do believe that if you google "iron on vinyl" you will also find some generic makes of it, which will save you a penny - or several! Either way, it's a great way to make waterproof or at least water resistant fabrics for bags, raincoats, kitchen appliances - whatever you can dream up. Oh, one more thing: The iron-on vinyl can be found in both glossy and matte versions, if you don't want the shiny look but do want the waterproofing. The contact vinyl can be found with embedded patterns in it (not printed, sort of etched into the plastic). So you have lots of options for playing. And last - you can always use the vinyl on the BACK of the fabric, so that it is not seen but still keeps the inside nice and dry.