Hello, lovelies! I am back with another silver tray upcycle today! This one is silver plated, of course. (If it is real silver, there should be a marking on the bottom.) I just love the details on these pieces, and they pop up at thrift stores in my area quite often.
This one was a fantastic deal at only $4.99, and it started out like this:
Clean
I started by giving it a good cleaning with White Lightning by mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water and using a terrycloth applicator pad to wipe it down:
White Lightning is a degreaser and a deglosser, so gloves are recommended. Be sure to swap your water out for clean water and wipe down once more to remove any residue.
Bonding Primer
The next step was to apply Bonding BOSS, a bonding and stain blocking primer in one:
This will help paint to adhere to the metal surface. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before painting.
Paint
I followed that up with two coats of Cotton:
Sand
I sanded lightly all over once that was dry to smooth out the surface and to highlight some of the details around the edges of this silver tray.
Adding a Transfer
I love updating these trays with transfers like I did HERE and HERE, so I pulled out the leftovers from my Pastels Artistry Middy transfer and Maxi transfer that I used on this dressing table makeover:
It was mostly scraps, but it had a couple of good pieces left. I believe the pieces I ended up using came from the maxi one.
I started with this piece that was mostly stems and added the two white blooms:
You can cut and layer these transfers to arrange them anyway you like! I prefer to keep mine off-center like I did here.
Seal
Once I had it how I wanted, I sealed with two coats of Clear Coat in satin using the blue sponge applicator:
Silver Tray Upcycle with Transfers, The BIG Reveal:
Here is how this $5 thrift store find looks now!
I kept this one super simple…
While I love to use Gilding Wax to highlight the pretty details, I just sanded this one…
You can also see in that close-up that the original pattern on the bottom does still come through after painting.
I am always drawn to the silver trays that have little feet:
And I love that this transfer is still really neutral, so this tray could work in just about any space…
Simple, yet updated!
I am SO close to finishing this haul!!
See anything you may have missed at the links below:
Thrift Store Shelf Update
Oval Oak Mirror Makeover with Moulds
Painting the Smalls #27
Dressing Table with Transfer Makeover
Updated Vintage Cabinet with Glass Doors
Fun with Cheap Frames
Box Store Bookcase Makeover
Sea Spray Candle holders
$4 Thrift Store Lamp Update
Painting the Smalls #26
$10 Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
French Buffet Lamps Makeover
Painting Furniture with Silk Mineral Paint (The large and curvy dresser.)
TWICE Painted Plant Stand Makeover
Elegant Flatware Box Makeover
Mini Lane Cedar Chest Makeover
DIY Herringbone Tray
Whitewashed Side Table
Sewing Basket Makeover
Louvered Door Cabinet Makeover
Painting the Smalls #25 (SIX mini makeovers!)
Shoe Shine Box Makeover
Metallic Vintage End Table Makeover
I’ll be back with this swivel mirror on Thursday:
Then, I think one more round of smalls will finish this haul off woohoo!!!
UPDATE: See how I updated this mirror HERE now!
See ya Thursday!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh it turned out so beautiful! I love the transfers on this one, and you knocked it out of the park! It is so sweet with the feet on it. You better get shopping for more things to make beautiful! I love it, and thanks for always sharing how you acheive the beauty!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Mary! I’m always excited when I find one with feet! And yes…I need a new haul!! XOXO
Leah says
This is a beautiful refresh that makes the tray usable and display worthy! Love the neutrals.
Just a note…
The two links today are flip flopped
Christy says
Thank you, Leah! Yeah… I have no idea how I did that lol! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, simple, fresh and lovely! And look at you whipping through this haul…..woohoo!!
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I can’t believe I’m almost done with this haul! XOXO
Cyndi says
BIG change! So pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Simply beautiful, Christy. Love when you do trays like this.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Marcie! XOXO
Janice Holt says
You have gone through this haul so quickly. Another beautiful tray. You’ll have to start shopping soon.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I can’t believe it’s time to shop again! XOXO
Jane P says
So cute! Is this tray food safe? I have a bunch of trays from my mom/aunts/etc and am trying to figure out what to do with them.
Love your posts. Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Jane! The only sealer that is food safe is the hemp oil which can really only be used over dark colors since it tends to yellow. I like to use these trays throughout the house as decor. XOXO
Kathy says
Christy, thank you!!! I have to say trays are one of my favorite things you do!!!! I have to say, I did not think you would be putting a transfer on the tray. However, without it, I think it would have been a little plain. Love that the transfer is offset. Beautiful, as usual!!!
Thanks again!!!
Kathy
Christy says
I’m so glad to hear you enjoy them, Kathy! Thank you!! XOXO
Michele M. says
I absolutely love this tray!!!!! WOW! It’s so beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I’m so glad I decided to dig through my leftover transfers! XOXO
Linda Hickey says
Absolutely love the silver tray idea you did. Painting it white then decoupage it. It is so lovely.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Linda! XOXO
Nana Diana says
Very sweet! Nice and bright and summery looking. Have a wonderful rest of the week. xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! Enjoy the rest of your week also, my friend! XOXO
Jackie C says
I’m playing catch-up this week so I’m looking at the last two posts you’ve done. This turned out fantastic! Such great details on this tray. I had to rush right over to your Etsy shop this morning and pick up this transfer and a couple of blue sponges.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! This is such a fantastic neutral transfer, and your order is shipping today woohoo! XOXO