$1.00 Flea Market Tray Makeover

Chalk paint has changed the way I look at flea market finds. No longer is the flea market a barren wasteland of tacky and outdated stuff; it is now a bounty of items just waiting to be given new life simply by slapping on a coat or two of chalk paint!
This tray with an outdated Tuscan cafe scene was just screaming for a makeover, and for only $1.00 it was a flea market find I simply couldn’t pass up! Today I’m going to share with you how I turned this tray from outdated ewww to farmhouse fresh!
Paint and supplies I used for this project:
  • FolkArt Home Decor chalk paint in White Adironack
  • FolkArt Home Decor chalk paint in Rich Black
  • FolkArt Home Decor crackle medium 
  • FolkArt Home Decor wax, clear
  • FolkArt Home Decor wax, antiquing
  • FolkArt Home Decor chalk and wax brushes 
  • Jute twine
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Painter’s tape
Flip the try upside down and tape off the tray bottom if you don’t want to paint it. I decided not to paint the tray bottom because it was made of chipboard, and I was afraid it would warp if I painted it.


Flip the try upside down and paint the sides of the tray with the black paint and allow it to dry thoroughly.


Flip tray right side up and paint with the black paint and allow to dry thoroughly.
Flip the tray upside down and paint over the black paint with the crackle medium and allow to dry thoroughly. If you want a small, thin crackle effect, paint on a thin coat of crackle paint. If you want a more pronounced crackle, paint on a thicker coat. I “hodged podged” my tray, using lighter and thicker coats and brush strokes in different areas for a variety of effects.
Flip the tray right side up and paint over the black paint with the crackle medium and allow to dry thoroughly.
Flip the tray upside down and paint with the white paint and allow to dry thoroughly. 
Flip the tray right side up and paint with the white paint and allow to dry thoroughly. You should now have something similar to the picture above.
Distress the tray corners with a damp cloth if desired.


Flip the tray upside down and paint with the antiquing wax and allow to dry thoroughly. 


Flip the tray right side up and paint with the antiquing wax and allow to dry thoroughly.


Flip the tray upside down and paint with the clear wax and allow to dry thoroughly. 


Flip the tray right side up and paint with the clear wax and allow to dry thoroughly.


Wrap the tray handles with jute twine, securing with a dab of hot glue every few wraps.
I hope you enjoyed my $1.00 flea market tray makeover!


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The Painted Hinge
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Carol Walker Uzon Carol Walker Uzon on Mar 13, 2017
    My hd tv is stuck to the top of my painted cabinet. How can i unstick it
  • Superbee Superbee on Mar 14, 2017
    Does the crackle effect just look that way or does it chip off?
Comments
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2 of 24 comments
  • Teresa Teresa on Apr 05, 2017

     you did nice job

  • Pat - Australia Pat - Australia on May 08, 2017

    I LOVE the Chalk paint look and twine handles, you really made it look 2017, I did not like the 'before' ~ that look died years ago. Anyway it's your's to do with however you like :) I would have done it the very same as you. Funny how people say what they 'like' but you have to live with it! LOL

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