Serving Tray

My latest project involves another goodwill item.  Ever since we inherited a couch and loveseat from the in-laws, I have been wanting a serving tray to use to corral remotes and other items that tend to be scattered around the living room.  After not finding something I liked in stores (at least not for a price I wanted to pay), I turned to goodwill.

I decided to craft my own to get the look I wanted for less.  I found a bamboo tray at Goodwill for a couple of dollars.  The bamboo was put together in a circular pattern and had started to separate in some places on the bottom of the tray, but for the price, I was okay with that.  The outside of the tray was stained a medium brown that had seen better days, and a quick sanding with my mouse using 120 grit sandpaper striped it right off.

I used wood putty to fill the gaps on the inside of the tray.  Then I used my mahogany stain on the bottom and sides of the tray (I wasn’t as worried about the gaps on the bottom, because well it is on the bottom – who’s gonna see it?)  Once I had done about three coats of stain, it was the color I wanted.  Next I taped off the sides and used some green spray paint I had for the interior.  It became obvious that I had not gotten the gaps 100% filled, so I did another round of putty and lightly sanded it with my 0000 steel wool.

Ummm…can you tell I like green?

I finished up my green paint and removed the painter’s tape from the sides.  I did a light sand of the edges with my steel wool to ensure a smooth finish, then moved on to some spray lacquer.  I have discovered that polyurethane works for stained items and lacquer is best for painted items, because polyurethane is golden and dries with a yellow tint on painted items.  Live and learn and get it right the next time!

I am very happy with the way it turned out – it is exactly what I had in my head when I started out.  Just one more great accessory to add a pop of color and help break up the sea of dark stained tables and cabinets and dark upholstery.

Published by Leslie

I think Habitual Rearranger fits me well because I am never settled on designs, colors, or placement of items in our home. I drive Bradley crazy sometimes, but I keep figuring out new and better ways of doing things! I am not striving to be profound or an expert on anything in this blog. It is simply a way to keep a record of all of my adventures - home and life - for me to reference and also for my loved ones to follow along. I am a born and raised Georgia girl. I don't think I would enjoy living anywhere except the south. Bradley and I spent six and a half years in our starter home and are now in our forever home, a 1970s traditional two story brick house. I love getting into all kinds of projects around our house, and I try to document all the dirty details here if for no one else than for me.

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6 Comments

  1. Thanks Mary! I used Minwax Red Mahogany stain. The bamboo was not soaking it in as much as I wanted, so I had to apply a coat, let it dry, lightly sand, then repeat…two more times:)

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