DIY TV Trays

Bring a boring or outdated TV tray to life with a few supplies and a little bit of time. Decoupage--decorating surfaces with paper cut-outs--is an easy way to personalize metal or wooden TV trays to make them a focal point in your living room. Whether you make it fun and whimsical or serious and striking, you can make a unique DIY TV tray in an afternoon.

Instructions

1

Prepare the TV tray for the project. Clean and dry the TV tray to ensure it is free from grease or dust. If desired, apply one or two coats of spray paint to the entire tray, including the legs.

2




Cut or tear the paper into desired shapes. Decoupage paper works best, although any paper, including wallpaper, can be used. Thinner paper is easier to work with. Another option is to measure the tray top and cut the paper into a single piece that will cover the top entirely.

3

Glue the paper onto the tray top. Using the foam brush, apply decoupage glue such as Mod Podge to the back of each piece of paper. Arrange your pieces of paper on the tray top in the desired pattern one at a time, while the glue is still wet. If the tray will be used frequently, use either Hardcoat Mod Podge or Outdoor Mod Podge.

4

Smooth the paper as much as possible to eliminate bubbles in the glue. Allow the glue to dry.

5

Cover the entire project with at least two coats of Mod Podge, allowing it to dry between coats. For a smoother finish, apply up to five coats.

6

Display the finished TV tray immediately; however wait until the glue has completely cured before using it. Projects with two coats will be cured in two to three weeks. Projects with thicker coats may take longer to cure.