How to Decoupage Metal Trays
Don't throw away your old metal trays. Refinish them with the art of decoupage. You don't need to possess any advanced skills for this art -- just cut out attractive images and paste them onto your tray to give it a whole new look. Because they recycle old magazines and scraps, decoupage projects are environmentally friendly, as well as budget friendly. Decoupage trays to match your home decor, decorate for holidays or to commemorate special celebrations.
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Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Towel
- Images
- Scissor
- Craft knife
- Spray glue
- Popsicle stick
- Decoupage medium
- Sponge applicator brush
Instructions
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1
Clean the tray with soap and water and dry it with a towel. Spray it with a window cleaner and wipe it with paper towels. Allow the tray to dry.
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2
Spray the tray with a coating of metal primer and let it dry. Paint one or two coats of a light colored acrylic craft paint. Use a light color paint because dark colors will show through decoupaged images. If you prefer, skip the paint job and leave your metal tray bare.
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3
Select images to decoupage on your tray. Cut them out of magazines, catalogs, shelf paper remnants or other scraps. Trim around them closely with a sharp scissor or craft knife.
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4
Spray glue onto the tray in the area you want to place your image. Place the images on the tray and smooth them from the center outward with your fingers to push out air bubbles and smooth out creases.
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5
Add more glue and more images, working your way from the center toward the edges of the tray.
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Use a Popsicle stick or other blunt tool to smooth on images that go over lips or around edges on the tray. Gently nudge them into papers or creases so they conform to the shape of the tray.
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Cover the entire tray to seal it with two or three layers of decoupage medium. Brush the medium on with a damp disposable sponge applicator brush. Allow the medium to dry between coats.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut large images into sections so they are easier to apply. Laying down large images can result in more air bubbles and creases.
Avoid images printed with ink jets or that have been colored with marker, rubber stamp ink or paints. These may run when moistened by decoupage medium. Laser printed papers are safe.
