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.
How many coats of the stain did you have to use?? What stain was this! I love goodwill myself and I love your tray!
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:)
I love that! The tray looks great, good work. This makes me want to go to Goodwill immediately and take on some DIY projects.
Very cute!
Wow, looks great! I, too, adore that color green. It looks really classic with the dark stain contrasting with color.