How to Update an Outdated Serving Tray

I bought the below tray over ten years ago and since it is still usable, I decided that I wanted to update it so I can use it in my updated painted living room. Here is how I transformed this tray. It's super easy to do and I hope you try it too.

Stuff you need to make an updated serving tray:

Old Wood Tray
Chalk Paint - Grey

- your favorite brand
Your favorite stencil - I found this one at A.C. Moore
Yellow, Blue and Green Acrylic Paint that works on wood

Tools (Affiliate Link) needed to make this project:

Painters Tape (Affiliate Link)
Sponge brushes (disposable)
Stippling Sponge Brush-3 (disposable)
3 Paper plates

How to update an outdated tray?

First, start with prepping the area. Then, add the tray you want to paint. Stir the chalk paint with a stirring stick. Using the sponge brushes, paint the top and sides of the tray. Wait till it is dry then paint the bottom. Let dry again and then paint the inside and top again if you need an extra coat. Let dry. I waited a day or so before doing the stencil part.

Now, add the stencils. First I cut each stencil into smaller pieces so I could easily maneuver it inside the tray area. Use painter's tape (Affiliate Link) and affix the stencils flat on the tray. Randomly place the stencil on the tray.

How to add the stencil pattern to the serving tray?

In a plate, add two tablespoons of acrylic paint. One color per tray. Using a stippling sponge brush (one for each plate) lightly add the paint to the brush. On the area of the plate that doesn't have paint, dab the brush to reduce the paint. This will help with reducing the bleeding that may happen when you add the paint to the stencil. Apply the paint to the different stencil patterns. I used three colors but you can use more. Let dry completely. Add beeswax or any type of wax you prefer. Let dry completely.

Here's the finished product. What do you think? I love it! I bought a three pack of brushed gold candleholders and a silk succulent brushed gold bowl to place inside the tray and placed it on my coffee table (Affiliate Link). It looks great!