This tray looks like it has been handed down for generations. Choose the image from gift wrap, wallpaper, cards or posters.
Materials:
Tray (you can use an old tray but if it has been varnished you will need to sand it first to remove all varnish)
Picture for the bottom of the tray
Glue
Paint for the sides of the tray
Paint for the area around the picture (try to choose a color similar to the picture)
Crackle paint medium
Paint for the top of the tray
If this is the first time you are using crackle paint then please see our article on How to Create a Faux Crackle Paint Effect
Method:
Clean the project surface so it is free of dirt and grease.
Paint the tray with the basecoat.
Glue the picture to the tray. Make sure that it is securely fixed.
Mix the product thoroughly. Apply paint in the color of your choice (use a different color than the base) to the top of the tray frame or the handles.
In order to achieve an antique look we will now apply a crackle finish.
Apply step 1 onto the project (with a brush) in one horizontal direction (for example from left to right).
Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.
If you want very large cracks you can apply a second layer of step 1.
If you have applied a second layer allow 30 – 40 minutes drying time between each step and before proceeding to the next step.
Apply step 2 vertically (such as from top to bottom). Make sure that you are not applying in the same direction as step 1 (i.e. one of the layers will be horizontal and the other vertical).
Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.
After these two steps cracks should have formed but at this stage the cracks are transparent and often difficult to see. You need to apply color in between the cracks to make them more visible. For this step there are many products you can use such as acrylic or oil paint, water-based stains and waxes depending on the effect your desire. You can use the color of your choice – such as brown, antique gold, copper, etc. If you used a light colored basecoat, choose a dark color (such as dark brown) and if you used a dark colored basecoat then use a light color (such as beige, cream or white).
Apply the color to the surface with a rag and then wipe off (with the clean side of the rag) making sure that you can see the color between the cracks in the areas that you want to highlight. You can wipe off as much or as little of the color as you want according to the desired effect.
Seal the tray by applying a clear topcoat (such as a varnish or spray acrylic) to finish and protect your work.
Tip:
Don’t overdo the crackle or the color in between the cracks. Apply smal quantities to different areas of the tray.
- Mix the product thoroughly. Apply paint in the color of your choice (use a different color than the base) to the top of the tray frame or the handles.
In order to achieve an antique look we will now apply a crackle finish.
- Apply step 1 onto the project (with a brush) in one horizontal direction (for example from left to right).
- Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.
- If you want very large cracks you can apply a second layer of step 1.
- If you have applied a second layer allow 30 – 40 minutes drying time between each step and before proceeding to the next step.
- Apply step 2 vertically (such as from top to bottom). Make sure that you are not applying in the same direction as step 1 (i.e. one of the layers will be horizontal and the other vertical).
- Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.
- After these two steps cracks should have formed but at this stage the cracks are transparent and often difficult to see. You need to apply color in between the cracks to make them more visible. For this step there are many products you can use such as acrylic or oil paint, water-based stains and waxes depending on the effect your desire. You can use the color of your choice – such as brown, antique gold, copper, etc. If you used a light colored basecoat, choose a dark color (such as dark brown) and if you used a dark colored basecoat then use a light color (such as beige, cream or white).
- Apply the color to the surface with a rag and then wipe off (with the clean side of the rag) making sure that you can see the color between the cracks in the areas that you want to highlight. You can wipe off as much or as little of the color as you want according to the desired effect.
- Seal the tray by applying a clear topcoat (such as a varnish or spray acrylic) to finish and protect your work.
Tip:
Don’t overdo the crackle or the color in between the cracks. Apply smal quantities to different areas of the tray.