How to Apply a Clear Coat on a Food Tray

When it comes to entertaining at your home, one very nice touch is if you created some of the serving pieces yourself. For instance a food tray. Simply go to your local arts and crafts store, buy a food tray that has yet to be painted and then make it your own. Once you have painted your design, here's how to apply a clear coat to it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pre-painted food tray
• Clear coat sealant

1. Place your food tray on a piece of newspaper or surface you don't mind getting wet.

2. Shake your clear coat sealant really well.

3. Spray your food tray using long even strokes. Don't stop to spray in one spot. Simply keep moving the can back and forth. Also make sure to get in the corners and crevices of your food tray.

4. Allow the clear coat sealant to dry. Then repeat application on the underside and areas that haven't been sealed yet.

5. Repeat until you've finished a total of 3 applications of clear coat on your food tray. This will ensure that you can wash it under hot soapy water for many years to come without affecting the wood or paint on the food tray.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform this task in a well ventilated area. The clear coat sealants can be quite strong and you don't want to render yourself light-headed.
• Make sure you really allow your paint to dry before applying the clear coat. If it is at all still tacky or wet, the clear coat will not properly stick.