02 May 2015

DIY Chalk Paint Tray With Transfer: MY Failure & Victory!

This post is way overdue. I have, actually, had this tray for almost two years. It has gone through quite a few changes, before I finally got back to business and settled on this as my final tray. And, I have to say I am truly enjoying it now!


Here is the graphic for better viewing. This was not my original choice, though.


Okay, so, here is the true story:  I bought this rather old, water-stained tray at the goodwill for $1.99 awhile back. At that time french transfers on Chalk Paint were all the rage. (well, they still are to some extent) And, since I'm Canadian French, by birth, I really wanted to try and make one for myself and my home.  Karen from the Graphics Fairy has all kinds of gorgeous graphics that you can print out for free! She even has them in reverse, just perfect for transfers!
Here is the Before!

I was super excited to paint my tray and get started at it! I used Behr's "Chalk" paint to completely cover the old tray. Two coats were perfect!  Then, I took my sandpaper ( I used an 80 grit piece)  and distressed it, where normal wear and tear would have taken place, paying close attention to the corners, edges and handles. Then, I carefully applied one of Karen's graphics, that I love, seen (kinda) here, below.  The graphic, actually turned out beautiful, it was just a little lighter than I had wanted it to be.  Here is where I made my major error! I took a nice black marker, fine point, pen and just added some extra black to the outer edges, for a little more crisp look. Now, I realize that makes the graphic "wet", so I left it to dry overnight, before finishing it off,  by brushing on my clear coat sealer.  It WASN'T long enough! The outline that I  had applied smeared the extra ink all through my graphic and across my freshly painted tray! So, for the past year or so I have been using it with a white placemat over it.


As you can see, not so pretty. Why didn't I just leave it alone?!! Ughhh! 


Finally, this month, I had decided on a great (well, at least I think so) fix for it! So, I quickly sanded off my poor little french graphic and repainted my tray one more full coat.


I think it turned out quite nicely! Then, I, once again, got my sandpaper out and distressed the edges. It was easier to do with just the one coat over them.  Good tip: Make sure to look at something old to see where you should sand for proper distressing.


What was my perfect, easy fix?!  Wall decals!! ( You know the ones) Our Dollar store got several in to choose from. They were, of course, only a dollar!! How can anyone not love that?! Not only is the price right, but the placement is to, because they are removeable!! So, if you don't think you have it right where you want it pull it up and move it!!! Love it!!  The most difficult part of this entire project was deciding which one I wanted to use on this particular tray!  So many possible options!!


I wanted to show you this close up, so you could see how easily this transfer just lifts off!

Isn't that about as foolproof as you can get? I am pleased beyond words!  Just a little more distressing and some sealant and Voila!  My Chalk Paint tray with transfer for, literally under  $5, well, at least the second, and final, time, that is!
I hope by sharing this with you, you will realize we don't know all the answers and it doesn't take a great talent to have something like this in your home. You just have to be patient and be willing to learn from your mistakes!  I pray you are all having a happy and healthy weekend! Many Blessing to you all!
~Theresa


Where I party:


So excited to tell you that this little project was featured by these awesome Bloggers!
Fine Craft Guild


27 comments:

  1. I've used these kind of transfers and they can work out quite nicely. Thanks for sharing it looks lovely. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Lynn. Yes, you're right, they really do! :) Happy Saturday!

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  2. We learn through trial and error.

    Never be afraid to experiment and I love your artwork!

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  3. Anonymous1:55 PM

    Theresa, this is my first visit here. I found you thru Pink Saturday. Your tray is gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing with us. LOVE it!

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    1. Gina, I am so pleased you came to visit, I hope you'll come back! Thanks you for your kind comment!

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  4. That is gorgeous! I think the second was just meant to be... it is fabulous!

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    1. Ah, Hesther, Thank you so much. I'm really enjoying it so you may be right!
      Hugs!

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  5. Theresa, the tray really is beautiful, and I appreciate the step by step tutorial. I greatly appreciate the info on "what not to do" as well. I am the world's worst about "what didn't I just leave it alone??" :) You mentioned using "sealant" over the transfer. What did you use for that- like a modge podge something? Can you tell I don't know my crafts products very well? :) Thank you for sharing this lovely tray! ♥

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  6. Hi Joy! First of all, thank you very much! Secondly, I did use a clear coat of varnish over to seal, Matte finish. But, I have ans you certainly can use Modge Podge! Just as long as your able to use it and wash the surface off without concern. Happy Monday!
    <3 Theresa

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  7. That's a great idea, Theresa! I've had a few transfer failures, myself. Mostly from poor paint color choices, though. It's wonderful to know I'm not the only one who has failures. Ha! You tray turned out gorgeous in the end. Blessings!
    Kim @ Curtain Queen Creates

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  8. Love your tray, great job!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  9. Such a cute transformation! Love that saying!

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  10. What a fantastic result! Love those dollar store transfers. I will have to see if I can find anything like them here in the UK. Your tray looks absolutely beautiful. I've found you via Yesterfood's Treasure Box Tuesday. It's lovely to 'meet' you! Hoping to be back for your link party on Thursday or Friday :-)

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  11. It turned out pretty Teresa!

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  12. This tray is so pretty, what a wonderful transformation! Thanks for sharing at What'd You Do This Weekend? I hope you will join us again this Monday!

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  13. I'm loving this! Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to party with us. I hope to see you on Monday at 7. Happy Mother's Day! Lou Lou Girls

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  14. Just beautiful!! I find that I make lots of mistakes when I make things but I keep moving along and eventually it all works out. Hugs, Beverly

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  15. Just beautiful!! I find that I make lots of mistakes when I make things but I keep moving along and eventually it all works out. Hugs, Beverly

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  16. Theresa you did a fantastic job! Your tray turned out lovely. I've tried my hand at this a couple of times but I've never gotten it to look the way I want it to, but you've inspired me to give it another try. Thanks for sharing with us at Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party. Your VICTORY post will be Featured at this weeks party. Hope you will drop over and party with us again.

    Hugs
    Angel

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    1. Thank you so much, Angel! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I will be definitely linking up with you again! Great Party :)

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  17. Beautiful and looks so easy to do! Thanks for sharing at Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party!

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  18. I want to do this sooo bad...am scared to death our Dollar Tree doesn't have such adorable decals...sure gonna look, tho. The trays would make such fine Christmas gifts...can't wait to find vintage trays....
    Yours turned out so cute...and I thank you for explaining it all so well...sorry you had trouble the first time with the marker....sure nice of you to tell us so we won't make the same mistake. You are so sweet.
    xoxo

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  19. Hi Teresa! This is my first time here and I was so glad I visited, because I have 3 trays that are oops! trays in my closet, ready for a second try. I think you have inspired me to get them out and give them the ol' #2 try. I have a really good dollar store right down the street. I'm on my way!

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  20. Great tip! thanks for linking up! #bloggersbrag

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  21. Great idea! I love those dollar store decals for crafts!

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  22. Love your tray. You certainly turned an old piece into something beautiful. Stop by Thursday Favorite Things since you are being featured.
    Hugs,
    Bev

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I love, love your comments and I do read every single one. They totally make my day. If you have a specific question, make sure I can answer you back by adding your email to your google/blog account! Thanks so much for the visit.