Thrift Store TV Trays Makeover

2 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy

While on one of my thrifting adventures, I spotted this set of television trays at my local Goodwill.

Goodwill TV Trays

All but one tray was on the stand. The other four were leaning up against the shelf. Each was individually marked with a $5.99 price tag. I decided before I loaded them in my cart to ask the Associate to verify the price was for the SET and not per piece. They were $5.99 for the set, so I snagged them up!  

$5.99 for Set of Four

Two of the trays had seen better days. Stickers and markers everywhere!  

Stickers and Markers

Supply List:


Windex


Cricut Machine or Stencil


Waverly Chalk Paint in White


Polycrylic


Wooster Silvertip Paintbrush


Car Sponge


220-grit Sandpaper


Shop Towels




I started by cleaning the trays and the stand with Windex window cleaner. I sprayed each sticker with the Windex and allowed it to soak for about 15 minutes. This allowed the soap to dissolve the adhesive, which made it easier to remove the sticker.

The trays would be used for my family get-togethers. My family all live within 25 miles of each other. Since the family is rather large, we have birthday dinners and include everyone who has a birthday that falls within the month. For example, I have a grandbaby that has a birthday in August as well as my mother. We get together in August and celebrate those birthdays. We have such a great time, laughing and just enjoying each other’s company. The Hubs and I have been enjoying the trays while watching our Georgia Bulldogs!

The Hubs Enjoying TV Tray

Back to the makeover. I asked the Hubs to create four words using our Cricut machine. I chose the words “Eat,” “Drink,” “Enjoy,” and “Gather.” Keep in mind if you do not have a vinyl machine, you could also use a stencil or even a self-adhesive transfer. 

My paint color choice for the trays was white. This would allow the quote to really stand out! 


I gave the trays and the stand three coats of the white chalk paint, allowing about 20 minutes of drying time in between coats.

Two Coats of Paint

I used my 220-grit sandpaper and lightly distressed around the edges and the legs.


I applied one coat of Polycrylic to all the trays and the stand. It is imperative to apply your Poly before you attach your vinyl. The transfer tape can peel up the paint if it is not sealed, trust me. I learned the hard way!


After the Poly had dried overnight, the Hubs was kind enough to apply the words to the trays.   

Measuring for Center

I then applied a second coat of Poly to protect the vinyl.

Here are the trays after the makeover. I think they look so much better! 

I would love to have you visit my blog! I am always sharing DIY tutorials and thrift store adventure post. Come on over!


Christina

"It's not about what it is. It's about what it will be."

Resources for this project:
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  3 questions
  • Camilledrinan Camilledrinan on Oct 12, 2019

    Why add a distressed look? Through usage that will happen naturally.

  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 15, 2019

    Love these! What font did you use?

  • BG. (Bonus Grandmother) BG. (Bonus Grandmother) on Nov 16, 2019

    I purchased some TV trays at one of our thrift stores because they matched our existing ones. After I got home with them we realized the legs where they cross was loose and wobbly. They have brads (not sure that’s what it is called) at that intersection. Do you have a solution for fixing the wobble? Thought about trying to remove the brads and replace s screws and a washer between the legsdo u think this would work? Haven’t been brave enough go try it yet!!! Lol

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  • Cynthia Cynthia on Aug 06, 2020

    Yes I will, you’re directions are so easy to follow what a great way to go to a yard sale or thrift store first and get some great deals. The directions are so clear can you use his control and make them look brand new nobody Did a outstanding job I am going to try it myself

  • Shirley Shirley on Dec 02, 2020

    I have an old set that needs a makeover. Thanks for the inspiration and great directions!

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