Hi All! Another month gone, and a new one starting. Did you do anything fun for Halloween? Same ole thing for us, go to bed early, and up early for work. I guess I better get on with today’s project before this month is gone as well. LOL. Today I want to share a quick project on Repurposing a Metal Tray into a Sign – Gather.
I had found this large rectangular metal tray with a raised floral design at a yard sale several years back. Don’t even remember what color it was. I spray painted it with Rust-oleum hammered bronze. But didn’t like how it turned out, so it’s been sitting in the garage ever since we moved.
Now that I am trying to clear out some of my yard sale/thrifty finds, I decided to pull it out give it a quick coat of chalk paint and stencil the word Gather on it. Then send it to the crat booth.
Well I got as far as the chalk paint when the hubby seen it, and claimed it. He bought me a different letter stencil font than what I had to use on the metal tray sign.
It still surprises me when he wants to keep one of my projects that I’ve made. My ex never said I want that, or I’m keeping that myself. He would say that’s nice work, but that’s about it.
I am sorry that I don’t have photos of each step, but I can walk you through the steps of this easy project.
[tweetthis display_mode=”box”]Gather Sign made out of a repurposed metal tray.[/tweetthis]
Repurposing a Metal Tray
First, I gave the large rectangular metal tray two coats of white chalk paint, letting each coat dry thoroughly.
Next, I laid out my letter stencils, spacing them evenly, then used black paint for stenciling in the word Gather.
Once the wording was dry I distressed it using sandpaper, bringing some of the hammered bronze that was underneath.
Lastly, I used my antiquing medium to give the metal tray even more of an aged appearance. The chalk paint seems to absorb the antiquing medium pretty quick, so I watered it down quite a bit. Then worked in small sections quickly wiping of any excess. Leaving it heavier in the crevices.
That’s all there is to repurposing a metal tray into a sign. What have you repurposed lately?
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Supplies Needed for Repurposing a Metal Tray
Large metal tray
White, black chalk paint
Paint brushes
Letter stencils
Stencil brush
Antiquing medium
Sandpaper
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What a useful makeover! I can think of lots of pretty ways to use your metal tray. Love the aged paint with the style of the stencil. Good job and pinned:)
Thank you Wendi, and thanks for pinning!
Linda I could love that antiquing medium. It is similar to the creme wax that I used recently. Anything that gives more depth is a good thing.
I use it on almost everything, love the stuff. I need to check out your creme wax, and the sealer that I read about in your last post. I need something tough for outside.
Great idea Linda. That relief (is that the right word?) on the tray comes through so beautifully after you sanded it down a bit and adds so much interest to the whole look
Thank you Michelle! I do love how the old paint shows through once I sanded it.
That’s cute Linda! And it’s a really loooonnng tray! Never seen one that long, but don’t you love it when a tray has a bit of raised detail so you can bring it out? I do. Love how it looks now. Funny that your man wants it. Men don’t usually want stuff like that, but to each his own. Glad he can appreciate your hard work.
Thank you Florence! Yes it really is a long tray, don’t know what it was used for. The hubby loves to decorate the house, He is always finding something else to hang on the wall, so I tease him about pretty soon you won’t be able to see the walls. LOL Not that bad yet, but if he keeps it up it will be.
Linda, the hammered bronze had a part to play, it just didn’t realize it was to be a supporting player. LOL The bronze really makes the design looked aged. Love it. And of course your aging stain, it works so well with so many different projects. I’m going to be on the lookout for a long tray like this, your husband was right, it’s a keeper!
I think the bronze probably did help with the aged look as much as the aging medium. I first thought of spray painting it black, but just wanted to do the least amount of work as possible. 😉
Wow that’s a great idea. I like how you used sandpaper to bring through the bronze! I have a feel metal trays I think I can use for signs now. Looks like I have a new project for this weekend! 😀
Thanks Austin! It was a fun project. Thanks for stopping by, and have fun with your new project. 😉