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:

Katherine's Corner, French Country Cottage, Imparting Grace,   

  My Romantic Home, The Shabby Art Boutique, Nancherrow, Ivy and Elephants,   

A Delightsome Life, From My Front Porch To Yours, How Sweet the Sound, Nifty Thrifty Things    Posed Perfection, Rooted in Thyme,  Pierced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive, It's Overflowing, Create With Joy, Dear Creatives,  By Stephanie Lynn, Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home    Between Naps on the Porch, Yesterfood, A Stroll Thru Life, Common Ground, DIY Vintage Chic, Across the Boulevard, Lou Lou Girls,  An Extraordinary Day, Sew Crafty Angel, Fine Craft Guild, The Charm of Home, Cozy Little House, 21 Rosemary Lane, The Dedicated House, Kathe With an E

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