In this delightful DIY tutorial, I’m excited to share a stunning $2 thrift store tray makeover that’s sure to become a treasured addition to your home decor collection. As any homeowner knows, having an assortment of trays at your disposal is always a good idea – whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your entertaining setup or simply seeking ways to elevate the visual appeal of your living space.
So keep those thrifting eyes peeled for a wooden tray, and get ready to give it a beautiful makeover that will leave you beaming with pride.
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When I stumbled upon a wooden tray at the thrift store for just $2, it was a no-brainer – I had to take it home! The versatility of wooden trays is what makes them so appealing. Not only can they be used as a functional serving piece, but they can also add a touch of warmth and character to any room when used as a decorative element. And the best part? You can easily update your tray’s aesthetic to match the season or coordinate with your home’s decor.
supplies needed for DIY Thrift Store Tray Makeover
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All the supplies needed can be found HERE in my Amazon Shop!
To give your wooden tray a unique makeover, begin by removing the existing handles. You’ll be replacing them with ornate and eye-catching alternatives that will elevate the overall aesthetic. Once the old handles are gone, it’s time to tackle the holes they left behind. Fill these gaps with spackle, allowing it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Use a 120-grrit sandpaper to gently smooth out the surface, ensuring a seamless finish.
how to makeover a thrifted wooden tray
As the painting process commences, reach for your trusty chip brush and apply a generous coat of chalk paint to the wooden tray. For those in need of a tried-and-true chalk paint recipe, I’ve got you covered – simply click here to access my go-to formula. The versatility of chip brushes makes them an ideal choice for craft projects, offering a cost-effective and adaptable solution for a wide range of creative endeavors.
To achieve the desired level of coverage on the tray’s initial green hue, I found it necessary to apply 2-3 coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry before moving forward. In an effort to expedite the drying process between coats, I employed the assistance of a heat gun to gently warm the surface and promote evaporation.
Once the paint layers had fully dried, I took advantage of a clever trick: misting the top with water followed by a light brushing motion to create a remarkably smooth, brush-stroke-free finish. If you’re in need of a reliable mister for this purpose, be sure to check out my Five Favorite Finds for some inspiration.
NEXT…
Transform your wooden tray by decoupaging tissue paper onto its surface using Mod Podge. To achieve a balanced design, divide the paper equally among the tray’s sides, allowing the vinyl transfer to shine in the center. For a seamless application, apply Mod Podge directly to the tray and gently press the tissue paper into place, ensuring a smooth finish. A helpful tip: Use a ziploc baggie as a makeshift smoothening tool to eliminate air bubbles and creases.
Next, cut out your vinyl transfer design using a cutting machine. Utilize transfer tape and a weeding tool to simplify the removal process. This step can be quite therapeutic! To complete the look, use a scraper to burnish the vinyl onto the tray’s center, revealing the lettering design. For added texture and dimension, age the tissue paper and tray by lightly brushing black ink from a stamp pad using a soft brush.
Take it a step further by sealing the tray with gold wax, applied using a brush for a subtle shine. Finally, adorn the ornate handles with gold gilding wax, applying it randomly with your fingertips to achieve a unique, vintage-inspired finish.
that’s it!
This stunning thrift store tray makeover is a must-see! With its versatility, the possibilities are endless. You could add various graphics to create a unique piece for any occasion or everyday use. A farmhouse-style graphic would be an excellent choice, don’t you think? The fun part is decorating with your new treasure. I adore using trays in vignettes, and adding a rustic wood bead garland takes it to the next level, providing extra texture and dimension.
Imagine standing the tray up on a buffet table or mantel and placing a few items in front of it – the possibilities are endless! This simple DIY is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their home.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER THRIFTY DIY IDEAS!
Elevate your home decor with a touch of vintage charm by transforming thrift store finds into unique masterpieces. From a cozy pillow covered in a vintage tablecloth to a beautiful wreath, pitcher, and more, these DIY projects will show you how to breathe new life into second-hand items. Create a stunning silver tray chalkboard or a charming farmhouse-style photo frame with just a few simple steps.
Whether you’re looking for an easy makeover or a more involved crafting project, this collection of 21 best DIY thrift store projects has got you covered.
DIY Wooden Tray Makeover
Transforming a humble $2 thrift store wooden tray into a show-stopping piece reminiscent of a vintage marketplace is easier than you think. With a few simple tweaks and some creative flair, you can turn this affordable find into a one-of-a-kind treasure that will be the envy of all your friends.
Equipment
Materials
When it comes to crafting, having the right supplies can make all the difference. In my Amazon shop, you’ll find a curated selection of essentials that will help take your projects to the next level. From basic must-haves like a wooden tray and black and tan check tissue paper, to more specialized items like Mod Podge, Cricut permanent vinyl, and vinyl transfer tape, I’ve got you covered.
To get started with a specific project, you may also want to pick up an adhesive scraper and weeding tool for precision application. For those messy moments, a spray bottle is always handy, while black ink pads and gold gilding wax provide opportunities for added detail and flair. Finally, chip brushes and chalk paint are great for adding texture and dimension to your creations.
Instructions
To begin, take out the old hardware from the wooden tray. Then, fill in the existing holes with spackle and let it dry before sanding it down to create a smooth surface. Next, use a chip brush to apply chalk paint to the tray, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding additional layers – typically 2-3 coats are sufficient. To hasten the drying process, you can employ a heat gun. Once the paint is fully dry, give the tray a light misting with water.
Cut your tissue paper into pieces that fit the tray and use mod podge to decoupage it onto the surface. After that, cut out the vinyl transfer using your cutting machine, remove any excess material with a weeding tool, and carefully burnish the remaining vinyl to the center of the wooden tray. Finally, add some age to the wooden tray by applying black ink with a brush, then top it all off with your beautiful new ornate handles.
With these steps, you’ll be able to give your wooden tray a stunning makeover that’s sure to impress!