My latest thrift store find is a simple DIY makeover for an ugly tray. The pretty part of the tray? It was twenty-five cents! A little spray paint, chalk paint and a stencil and it went from old and ugly to fresh and coastal. Not only was this super cheap, it was also super easy!
When I saw this tray, I wasn’t very interested in it. The base had some kind of fake wood finish on it and the metal band around it was dull with a little rust. I didn’t think it was worth the effort it would take to transform its look. That was before I looked at the price. It was marked at .50 and that day was half off day on household items. For .25 it seemed a lot more appealing!
I cleaned it up using some TSP All Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner, then wiped it down and it was ready for painting. I used Rust-oleum Ultra Cover Paint + Primer in Sage Green. I used this instead of the usual Valspar paint because I wasn’t sure how well Valspar would adhere to the faux wood and metal. I gave it two coats and allowed it to dry completely.
Once it was dry, I sprayed it with Krylon Matte Finish and allowed that to dry. I didn’t want a shiny finish and this works great for the look I wanted.
I used an anchor stencil in the center of the tray and painted it using chalk paint.
After two coats of chalk paint, I was happy with how it turned out. I gave it one more spray with the Krylon Finish to seal it.
I’m always looking for inexpensive ways to add coastal decor to my home. Using paint-a crafter’s best friend-I managed to do just that.
What’s your latest thrift store find?
Beverly shares easy, inexpensive craft tutorials, diy projects for the home, coastal decor projects, & thrift store find makeover projects all designed to help you create a beautiful home on a budget.
Christie says
I love this! Isn’t it so much fun to find something and totally change it to give it a new life??? Great job!
Beverly says
Thank you, Christie. I know! It’s fun to browse the thrift store, look over something, and think now what can I do with this? I love finding things that have the potential to be useful and pretty with a little attention given to them. Thanks for coming by!
SK Sartell says
Simple, pretty, nice. sk
Beverly says
Thanks, SK!
SK Sartell says
You are very welcome. sk
Megin says
I love this slate blue and what a difference it makes!
Thank you for sharing this at Brag About It Link Party on VMG206.
~ Megin of VMG206
Beverly says
Thank you, Megin. I always enjoy Brag About It! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Joy @ Yesterfood says
Beverly, you’ve got me thinking about stencils- your great table and now this cute little tray! I’m so glad you shared it with us at Treasure Box Tuesday- pinned! 🙂
Beverly says
I’m on a stencil kick! I love the look of the decals on things made with a Silhouette, but since I don’t have one of those, stencils work pretty well. Always happy to share on Treasure Box.
Mary says
Yay for a thrifty find and paint. I am always amazed at the transformation of something tired given a fresh new look!
Beverly says
Isn’t it fun to find something that you can a quick makeover to? Thanks for visiting!
Laurie says
Wow! What a great project! Love how this turned out!! Seems to be an endless amount of things that can be painted with that chalk paint recipe!
Beverly says
Thanks, Laurie! I’m eyeing several pieces of my furniture now and wondering if how they would look with chalk paint makeovers!
Michele says
Great find! Lovin’ the anchor too<3 Pinned
Beverly says
Thanks, Michelle. Can’t beat something for .25! Thanks for stopping by.