This handmade breakfast in bed tray was crafted from a $2 thrift shop acquisition! Adorn it with a retro design and resin to customize and enhance its appeal.
Upon discovering this breakfast in bed tray reduced to $2.00 at a nearby thrift shop, I realized I had to seize it for a resin endeavor.
Moreover, in a rare lucid moment, I immediately envisioned how I would proceed, incorporating Mod Podge Transfer Medium. A red color palette was also planned to complement my kitchen utensil shadow box, rolling pin bookends, and kitchen cabinet fittings.
Did I mention that visions of croissants and coffee were also part of the picture? Here’s how I refurbished this breakfast in bed tray. Once you attempt this, you’ll surely want to paint a tray of your own without delay!
Collect These Materials
- Spray paint
- Envirotex Lite two-part resin kit
- Sander
- An old candle (not illustrated)
- Sandpaper (220-grit and 100-grit)
- Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
- Mod Podge for Furniture (Hard Coat can also be utilized)
- Brush
- Rags
- Printed design
- Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) (optional)
There’s my CROISSANT! (and coffee . . . I was in dire need of some coffee).
Obtain the printable instructions below:
DIY Bed Tray
Discover how to embellish a thrift shop acquisition in this DIY bed tray table project. Resin provides the ideal waterproof finish for your tray.
Preparation Time30 minutes mins
Active Duration1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Drying Time1 day d
Total Duration1 day d
1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Yield: 1 tray
Cost: $12
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Prepare your surface using TSP and sand as needed. This ensures that the subsequent layer of paint adheres properly. Remove any dust from sanding.
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Glide a wax candle along the edges. A quick rub establishes a barrier that hinders the spray paint from sticking in those areas. Apply two light layers of spray paint to the tray and allow it to dry for several hours.
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Use the 100-grit sandpaper on the waxed edges to scuff off some paint here and there, achieving a vintage appearance.
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Print the image you desire with a laser printer. If any text is included, reverse it in the print settings so it appears correctly when transferred.
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Spread Mod Podge Transfer Medium onto the printed side of the image and position it on the tray. Smooth out any wrinkles and clean away excess medium that has squeezed out from the edges of the paper. Allow it to dry overnight.
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Place a damp cloth over the image for several minutes. Start rubbing to eliminate the layers of paper. Continue until your image is fully visible and no paper remains.
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Utilize the 220-grit sandpaper to distress the tray and graphic to the desired degree.
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Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tray and allow it to dry for a few hours.
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Combine and pour the Envirotex Lite according to the instructions on the package. Ensure it cures for at least 12 hours before use.
Step 1: I desired a vintage look for my tray with some wear and age on the edges, but I wanted to conceal the original vibrant blue hue. I sanded the entire tray with a 220-grit sandpaper (this roughens the surface providing “teeth” that help the next paint layer adhere more effectively).
Step 4: I created a design that appealed to me – just simple text on a red band. I utilized the font named “Market Deco” which is available for free at DaFont.com (a fantastic resource for free fonts). I design in Adobe Illustrator, but the same effect can be accomplished in Canva, basic MS Word using shapes from the graphics bar and the built-in Word Art feature. Alternatively, you can use photos.
Mod Podge Transfer Medium necessitates the use of a “dry toner” (laser) copy of your graphics, obtainable at any Kinkos or Staples if you lack a laser printer.
Step 9: You don’t *have* to utilize the Envirotex. A brush-on waterproof sealer or Engine Enamel (available in a spray) are also viable options. It depends on whether you prefer the resin or not.
If you have any inquiries regarding this tutorial, feel free to ask – I’ll keep an eye on the site and strive to respond to you as swiftly as possible. Additionally, check out these other photo transfer suggestions here:
Christmas Napkins • Family Reunion Centerpiece • How to Transfer Photos to Wood • Inkjet Transfer • Photo Keychain • Photo Transfer to Canvas • Transfer Paper to Fabric • Transfer Photos to Fabric • Transfer to Furniture • Transfer to Glass • Transfer to Metal
