How to Upcycle an Old Serving Tray | Boho Medallion Stenciled Serving Tray Project

How to Upcycle an Old Serving Tray | Boho Medallion Stenciled Serving Tray Project

Serve up some style with this Boho Medallion Serving Tray Project from Designer Stencils!

What are the types of stencils?

At Designer Stencils, we make stencils for a variety of purposes, from interior design to home décor to personalizing unique gifts!

What to use for stenciling?

We have everything you need to for your stenciling project, including an incredible selection of stencils for all occasions and tastes, brushes, rollers, paints, adhesives, etc.

What paint to use for stenciling?

The type of paint you need depends on the application. We offer acrylic paints for indoor projects and patio paints for outdoor use. For fabrics, just mix a little Fabric Medium (available on our website) with the acrylic paint. Acrylic paint can also be for glass and whiteboards by mixing it with household dish soap.

Do you pull stencil off wet or dry?

It’s best to remove your stencil while the paint is wet. This will prevent dry, peeling paint from ruining the crisp, clean lines created by utilizing proper stenciling techniques.

How do you keep paint from bleeding under stencils?

It’s easy to prevent paint from bleeding underneath your stencil. Simply ensure that your brush or roller is barely wet with paint. This is achieved, after soaking the foam or bristles, by repeatedly swirling or rolling it onto a stack of paper towels prior to applying the paint through the stencil. Layer the color using numerous light coats.

Here's what you'll need:

What you'll need

Repositionable Spray Adhesive

Take your stencilRepositionable Spray AdhesiveSpray one side of stencil

On a protected surface, spray the underside of your stencil with Repositionable Spray Adhesive.

Positioning the Stencil

Mark the center side to sideMark the center top to bottomLine up the center of the stencilPress for good adhesionErase the pencil markBrush away eraser shavings


Next, use a tape measure to locate the center of your tray and mark it lightly with a pencil.

Position your stencil, tacky side down, with the center aligned to the center of the tray.

Press all around to ensure good adhesion.

Now you can erase the pencil mark, making sure to brush away any eraser shavings.

Prepping the paint

Light Buttermilk Americana Acrylic PaintA small amount on a paper plateStack of paper towels


Shake your bottle of Light Buttermilk Americana Acrylic Paint prior to pouring out a small amount onto a paper plate.

Stenciling

High density foam rollerSoak the foamRemove excess paintRoll paint through stencilFrog TapeTape edges to help keep stencil in place


Next, evenly load your High Density Roller by rolling it repeatedly into the edge of the paint puddle, each time picking up more and more paint.

Remove excess paint by rolling it on a stack of paper towels.

Too much paint on the roller will result in "bleeding" underneath the stencil.

If desired, add some Frog Tape to the edges to add extra stability to the the stencil.

Add more paint as neededRe-soak the rollerToo much paint may bleed under stencil

Reload the roller with paint as needed.

Numerous light coatsTouch up divots or grooves with stencil brushContinue until color is full and even


If you do accidentally apply too much paint to an area causing it to blotch, simply take a stencil brush and stipple the paint to even it out.

The big reveal

Remove the tapePeel stencil straight upStenciling complete


When finished, carefully remove the tape and peel away the stencil.

Americana Acrylic Sealer

Once dry, place on protected surfaceAcrylic SealerSpray a couple of coats


To protect your tray from moisture damage, add a couple coats of Americana Acrylic Gloss Sealer.

At your service!


Your new Boho Medallion Serving Tray is complete and dressed to impress your next house guests!

For more tips and ideas, visit DesignerStencils.com today.