How to Refinish Metal Tray Tables

Russian Metal Tray

The beauty of metal trays is, more often than not, related to their shape and hardly ever their painted patterns. There are only so many fruit baskets and poorly painted still-lifes a woman can take. To refinish a metal tray and reintroduce it to your home, you will need some basic tools and supplies readily available in any hardware store. Within the span of an afternoon, you can have a stunning new tray.

Things You'll Need

• Dremel
• Sanding bit
• Eye Protection
• Metal polish
• Metal primer
• Enamel paint or lacquer

Instructions

1. Attach a sanding bit to a Dremel. Put on your eye protection. Turn on the Dremel and let it begin to eat off the old paint. Wipe down the sanded-down tray with a towel or cloth.

2. Apply a coat of metal polish with a clean rag and let the tray dry for approximately 2 to 4 hours.

3. Wipe the tray down once more with a clean towel and apply a coat of metal primer. Depending on what brand of primer you use, it could take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours to dry. Check the label.

4. Apply a coat of enamel paint or lacquer to the tray. Allow 4 to 6 hours to dry and repeat as desired, or until you achieve your desired level of color and saturation.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear eye protection when using a Dremel. Apply metal polish, primer and paint or lacquer in well-ventilated rooms or outdoors.

Resources

• Metal Man Restoration