Fabulously Shabby
- Oct 17, 2020
- 3 min read

How-To Refurbish A Serving Tray

Updated: Nov 8, 2020

Skill Level: Easy

Estimated Time: 1 hr (the actual touch time)

Project ID: 20-0003

** Please note this serving tray is intended for light use or decoration, it is not meant to withstand being immersed in water.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Equipment & Supplies

Serving Tray –-> I had a serving tray around the house that no longer matched the home decor and instead of throwing it out, I decided that a facelift was in order. –-> I forgot to take a before picture (I usually do forget to take one), so I created this one to give you an idea of what it looked like.

Paint –-> This link will provide information about Fusion Paint, one of my favorite paints. https://fusionmineralpaint.com/products/paint/ Here are some of the reasons why I love this paint.
- Zero VOC
- Minimal prep work
- Easy application
- Exceptional coverage
- Gorgeous matte finish
- No top coat required
- Easy clean up

Paint Brush –->Staalmeester brushes are my favorite. This link provides information about these brushes. https://fusionmineralpaint.myshopify.com/collections/staalmeester-premium-brushes/products/staalmeester-flat-brushes

Cutting machine such as Silhouette, Cricut or ScanNCut –-> I own a Cameo Silhouette 4 and 2, Cameo is the only brand I have owed. I have heard great things about the other brands on the market, so if you are looking to buy a cutting machine do your research and find the one that best fits your needs.

Permanent vinyl –-> Used this vinyl package in this tutorial, comes with a sheet of transfer tape. https://www.joann.com/cricut-3-pk-permanent-matte-premium-vinyl-true-brushed-samplers-classic/16330110.html –-> Amazon also sells an individual roll of the Cricut Premium Vinyl - Permanent, 12” x 48” Adhesive Decal Roll - Brushed Copper.

Cutting file (SVG) to use with Silhouette Cameo, ScanNCut, Cricut –- In this project I used the cut file from the Etsy link below. https://www.etsy.com/listing/727520422/alcohol-because-adulting-is-hard-svg?ga_search_query=alcohol&ref=shop_items_search_1&pro=1
Weeding tool (for vinyl)

Transfer tape

Caulking tool

Picture hanging hardware for the back (optional) –-> I prefer using Beehive Picture Hangers, they can be found on Amazon, they are easy to attach to the frame and breeze to hang.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the serving tray for painting. Lightly sand (optional) and clean with mild soap and water. Let the tray dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Paint the serving tray using your favorite paint, you can use any paint that will provide coverage and durability. Based on the type of paint you use, you may need to apply multiple coats, follow the directions and recommendations provided from the manufacturer.

Chalk or mineral paints are my favorite paints to use.

–-> In this project I used Black Coal Fusion Paint, 2 coats and let it cure for 2 weeks before applying the vinyl.

Quality brushes are also important for good coverage and even strokes.

–-> In this project I used a Staalmeester Paint Brush Series 2010 #10

Step 3: Design or locate a cut design (SVG) online and cut the permanent vinyl.

Step 4: Weed the vinyl design using a weeding tool.

Step 5: Apply transfer tape to the vinyl design. I use a caulking tool to smooth the transfer tape on to the vinyl, the tool is very pliable and doesn't damage the tape or vinyl.

Step 6: Apply weeded vinyl design to the front of the serving tray with the transfer tape.

Step 7: (Optional) Attach the picture hanging hardware to the back of the tray and hang it for all to see. Hanging trays on the wall can spruce up a bar or game rooms.