I am so excited to share with you today a fun up-cycle project. If you have seen some of my previous projects, you know that I love to visit thrift stores and garage sales. So, next time you see a tray pick it up, and I will show you how to up-cycle it and give it a fresh look!
Last month, I discovered a great Etsy shop, Maika Daughters, with some great transfers that you can put on furniture. A couple of weeks ago, I shared a small project called Crackle Pumpkin. This week let’s add some Sunflowers to a tray!
Supplies
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors, however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step by step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to make this project!
Step #1 Clean and Paint
First, I make sure to clean the trays.
I am going to add some white chalk paint. The method I am going to use is a whitewashed look.
Hint: Make sure the piece is clean.
- It is essential to make sure your tray is clean and dry before moving to the transfer step. If you have any residue on the tray, it may stick to the transfer, making it impossible to stick to your project.
- Dust is another thing that can cause issues with the transfer step. So if you have sanded your piece, make sure to clean it before moving to the transfer step. Dust will stick to transfer, making it impossible to stick to your project.
Step #2 Adding the Transfer
Decide where you want to add your transfer. My set of transfers came with many options. I decided that I would add three designs to my tray.
The transfer is in three layers. There is a white backing, the design, and then a vellum cover. The first thing you want to do is remove the white backing before you start rubbing it on.
Carefully lay your design where you want it. The transfers stick quickly, so make sure you place it right where you want it. So make sure they are in the right place before you remove the backing and place it down.
The transfers come with a rubbing tool, and now is the time to use it. Rub on the transfer. You will be rubbing on the transfer with the vellum cover still in place. Carefully rub on the entire design. You can carefully lift the vellum to make sure the design is adhering to the tray.
Step #3 Seal Your Transfer
You will want to seal your transfer. I like to use a water-based poly to seal my trays.
Malik Daughters blog post also recommends Easy PReasy Spray Wax, Best Dang Wax, or Gator Hide as another option to seal your project.
Let your seal dry, and there you have it, a beautiful Upcycled Tray.
Hints from Maika Daughters:
Wax AFTER to seal, as transfers will not adhere to wax.
- There is no need to seal glass windows or mirrors. You can wash the glass with water and a damp microfiber cloth made for glass. Do not use chemicals to clean the glass.
- Don’t use oil-based poly to seal transfers. Transfers do not like oil-based products.
- Make sure your transfers are stored at all times in the tube with the lids on so they cannot get dusty.
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
Don’t forget to checkout my Fun Stuff Crafts Amazon Storefront!
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors, however, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
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