How to Make a Decoupage Tray
You found a wooden tray at the rummage sale. It was the worse for wear but solidly constructed. You couldn't resist, but how to bring your tray back to life? Decoupage, a simple paper and glue art, can transform that tray from junk to jewel in a single weekend, and refinished, it makes a beautiful buffet decoration and is ideal for tea, coffee or cocktail service.
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Things You'll Need
- Wooden tray
- Screwdriver
- Fine sandpaper
- Wood putty
- Acrylic primer
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
- Text or image for decoupage
- Glue
- Spray fixative
- Varnish
- Dry cloth
- Self-adhesive felt circles
Instructions
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1
Clean the tray with hot soapy water. Remove any knobs or hardware, and allow the tray to dry completely.
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2
Fill any scratches, dents or holes with wood putty. Sand the tray smooth and apply a coat of acrylic primer. Set aside to dry.
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3
Apply two coats of acrylic paint in the color of your choice. Allow the tray to dry between coats.
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4
Copy and enlarge your image or text so it is ½ inch smaller than the bed of your tray. Glue the photocopy to the tray; take care to ensure there are no wrinkles or air bubbles. Let the glue dry and spray with a fixative to seal.
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5
Brush on four coats of varnish; alternate directions with each application. Allow to dry between applications. Use fine sandpaper to smooth the tray after the third coat of varnish dries. Wipe the tray with a dry cloth to remove any dust prior to applying the final coat of varnish.
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6
Affix a felt circle to the bottom corners to finish your decoupage tray.
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Tips & Warnings
Brush black-and-white text with a used tea bag to give it an antique look. Allow to dry thoroughly before applying the spray fixative.
