How to Give an Old Platter a New Look!

Do you have an old tray or platter that needs a new look? Want to create a one-of-a-kind design?

Here is an earth & budget-friendly thrift flip that you’re sure to love!

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Today, I am so excited to share a recent thrift store flip using a faux silver platter with you. This project involves three steps. Not only was this an easy project but it was fun to get creative & add a beautiful piece to my online shop’s inventory.

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Chosing your Decoupage Prints

This to me is my favorite part! I just love beautifully printed tissue paper or napkins! For this project, I want to keep the cost minimal and use items that I had on hand only. I decided to try to make my own prints to decoupage.

I chose a vintage French garden theme for this project. If you are interested in piecing together your own design you can use images from thegraphicsfairy.com & resize them on Canva.com. Canva.com is also a great resource for fonts so you can make your own text.

You can check out my How to Design & Print Decoupage Paper article for more details. If you prefer, you can purchase already printed tissue paper or napkins to use.

Materials

Papers to decoupage
Platter or tray (metal or wood)
Mod Podge (32oz. matte finish)
Chalk paint (linen white by Rust-oleum)
Acrylic paint (that coordinates with your print)
Small piece of fine-grit sandpaper
Topcoat Sealer

Tools

Paintbrush
Small cloth or paper towel
Paint drop cloth or cardboard
Scissors

Let’s flip this thrift store find!

1. Time to paint

Clean your platter
Sand (fine grit) any imperfections or rough spots)
Paint two coats of chalk paint (make sure each coat has a few hours to dry)

2. How to decoupage your prints

Gather your papers for decoupage & cut out each piece.
Lay down each piece of printed tissue paper on your tray how you want it.
Remove all your tissue paper except your bottom layer.
Start from one end of your tray adding a THIN coat of Mod Podge then laying down your paper and smoothing it with your fingers.
Add each layer at a time using only thin coats. (Do not add a layer of Mod Podge to seal your tray until it’s completely dry or the ink may smear.)

3. How to create a layered aged distressed look

On the decorative rim take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper folded over & run between your ridges or whatever design you have on your tray.
Take a brush & dab it into the paint shade you have chosen to distress on your tray. Lightly add some around the edge of your decoupage.
Lightly add some paint along the outside edge and between any cracks to bring the pattern out.
Take a small damp cloth & wipe off areas where you’d like it lighter.

How to seal a painted metal tray

Allow your tray to completely dry overnight. Then add two coats of Mod Podge allowing them to dry between coats.

Tips & tricks

Take your time when layering your tissue paper prints. Using only a thin layer of Mod Pod ge to each piece.

Project conclusion & resale info

Total Cost: $5.99
tray: $3.99 & supplies: $2 (to cover the cost of colored printer ink) – I had all items on hand

Time: approx. 2 hours (drying time not included)

Listing price: $24.99

Profit: $18.99

Pros: This project was both fun & easy.
Budget-friendly & eco-friendly using items on hand & from the thrift store

Cons: Paint & Mod Podge drying times.
Designing & printing the papers to decoupage required patience & time to complete.

Creative DIY Purpose was formally known as Simplified Family Living 🙂

For this tutorial and more on our channel

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Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this quick how-to flip post.

Please comment below & let me know if you have tried upcycling an old platter or tray before? Also if you ever tried printing your own decoupage paper?

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Blessings,
Kim