Check out this simple, easy way to transform a plain metal tray in just a few hours. This thrift flip upcycle project was fun, quick & came out great!
Today, I am so excited to share this quick & easy thrifted tray transformation. Use only a few items that you may already have on hand.
Actual work time takes under an hour to prep, paint, and seal. Of course, there’s the drying time for each coat of paint and then the overnight sealer. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the two coats of chalk paint dried so I was able to start, finish and clean my mess up before dinner.
There are so many ways to transfer or add designs to your projects. Using a stencil is one of the easier and quicker options.
To see how a metal tray turns out painted with decoupage you can check out my article How to Give an Old Platter a New Look!
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TIPS & TRICKS
- Use painters tape to hold your stencil in place
- A sponge brush works better than a bristle brush. It offers better coverage & allows you to layer the paint to achieve the look you want.
- Using a chalk paint base will offer you some texture or you can opt for spray paint for a seamless finish. Both options applied in two thin coats dry quickly.
Materials Needed to Paint a Metal Tray
- Chalk paint Rust-oleum (linen white)
- Stencil
- Thrifted platter, plate, or tray
- Black acrylic paint (multi-surface)
- Rust-Oleum Chalked Sealer/Wax Topcoat
Tools Needed to Paint a Metal Tray
- Cardboard (to cover your workspace)
- Paintbrush
- Spongebrush for stenciling
How to Paint a Metal Tray
- Apply two thin coats of chalk paint drying in between each coat.
- Line the stencil up where you want it & lightly tape it in place.
- Take your sponge brush & lightly dab paint in layers till you get the coverage you want.
- Remove the tape & lift the stencil carefully off the tray.
- Go in using a thin brush & paint touching up any areas you want to fix.
How to Distress a Metal Tray
You can use a damp cloth or fine-grit sandpaper around the outside edges of your tray. Pay attention to details that you want to bring out more.
Then take a medium paint pen or thin brush and go over the rim, any details you want to bring out more. Also, add faint lines here & there around any inner layers.
How to Seal a Painted Metal Tray
Add a coat of Mod Podge allowing it to dry overnight or you could also opt to use a spray sealer instead.
View this tutorial on my channel & SUBSCRIBE for more!
Thrift Flip Project Conclusion
Total Cost: $3.99 for the tray (used supplies I had on hand)
Time: 1 hour
Listing price: $14.99
Profit: $11
Pros: This project was both fun & easy.
Budget-friendly & eco-friendly using items on hand & from the thrift store
Cons: none
Pin Now for Later!
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Please comment below & let me know if you have tried upcycling an old platter or tray before?
How do you prefer to transfer or add your designs?
Blessings,
Kim
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