Customize Your Outdated Tray Tables

Do you own tray tables?  Or what our parents called tv tray stands (at least that is what my mom called them, we got to eat at them in front of the tv on their weekly bowling league night) 

Did you ever just look at them and think "Gosh, those are ugly? Boring?  Dull?"  

Seriously, when you think about it, they are kind of just Blah!  At least mine were.  And since it is now just me and hubby in the nest (our son has moved into his own place so we are going through the empty nest phase) we use ours quite often.  Especially on movie night.  That's our big night of take out and renting movies to curl up in our family room.

So I took my plain, boring tray tables and transformed them into something fun and something I don't mind visitors seeing if their left out, now.

So here's what I did.  It is really quite easy and you can get the materials at almost any craft shop.  At the end of this blog, I'll share my resources and links to where I purchased my materials for my transformation.

First Step:   Clean them really well, make sure there is no grease or grime on them.

Second Step:  I lightly sanded the tops with a fine grit sanding sponge and wiped them down again.

Third Step:  I painted a thin coat of chalk mineral base paint.  (you could probably use a flat base paint but since I usually work with chalk paints, I have a lot in my inventory)  For this project I used Amy Howard At Home One Step Chalk Mineral Paint in Windsor (silky chocolate brown)

Fourth Step:  Once the paint was dry, I used one coat of Mod Podge Matte Finish, I used a chip brush and painted a coat across the entire top of the tray table. (I allowed the mod podge to come to tact, which is not wet and not dry; it's the in between stage)  So, give the mod podge a few seconds before the next step

Fifth Step:  I placed my design, my paper slowly down starting along the edge first.  For this project I used tissue paper art by Rocycled Treasures. (Royce makes some beautiful tissue papers, make sure to click the link at the end of this tutorial and follow her on Facebook for more great ideas)  Now, starting along the edge place your paper/print down slowly and begin to gently smooth out the paper, do small sections at a time until you have the entire table top covered.  Gently smooth out with your finger tip any smalls bubbles or creases.  Then let it dry completely.  Don't over work it, you'll get rips and tears.  And don't worry too much if you get a few little creases.

Note:  If you have overlap or excess paper that hangs off the table top and you don't want to cover the sides; once dried, take a sanding sponge (fine grit) and gently sand along the edge to remove excess paper.  You will get a smooth lined cut just from sanding.  No need for cutting.

Sixth Step:  Once your top is dry, check for creases/air bubbles etc... Now we two ways we can correct this.
               The first is:  take a blow dryer, set on hot heat, high and blow over the crease or bubbled area and lightly/gently rub the crease/bubble out with your finger.
                The second way is:  get out your iron (yes that thing in the back of the closet that we all hate to use, the one for clothes.)  Place is on a non steam setting (each iron is different, for me is on dry heat setting 4); just remember no steam.  Place a piece of wax paper over your piece and lightly iron over it.  
The heat from either source will reactivate the glue and help to eliminate the crease/bubble. In the same theory as to why we iron clothes to get rid of wrinkles.

Seventh Step:  Once you are satisfied with the look, the wrinkles, creases bubbles are gone; you need to seal it.  Now there are a couple of products you can use for sealing it but I used Mod Podge Hard Coat for the top.  I did two coats.  I applied one coat and allowed to dry and then I did another coat and allowed to dry.

Note:  You can use another sealant such as Wise Owl Matte Varnish or if you want a little shine, Wise Owl Satin Varnish.

I left the legs of my table the natural wood finish but you can paint and seal those if you so choose to do so.  Our family room is more natural and has an earthy rustic feel to it so it made sense to leave the legs as is.

As I mentioned I used tissue paper art from Rocycled Treasures.  She has many prints and styles available. There is a list of stockist on her page that carry them.  And on her facebook, Royce does many videos on other fabulous ways to use her papers.  She is so creative. I also used Amy Howard's one step chalk mineral paint, her link is also included.  I do a lot of my projects with her products so you will be seeing me reference her and sharing affiliate links often. (Please note with any affiliate link I share I get a small percentage if you use it to purchase products)  And I mentioned Wise Owl, I like their products as well, their link is also listed. They have wood salve in scents that will blow your mind.  Oh My Gosh!

If you have any questions or need help please feel free to message me, or text me or video chat even.  I will be happy to help and answer questions (if I'm able)

Hope you enjoyed this little how to blog and I can't wait to see what you created.  Share your pics on our Facebook Page or tag me on Instagram.    https://www.facebook.com/cpsshabbychiccreations

Until Next Time, Hugs -n- Kisses 

https://roycycled.com/
https://www.facebook.com/roycycled
https://www.amyhowardhome.com/
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https://wiseowlpaint.com/product/varnish-water-based-topcoat/