Chalkboard Activity Tray Thrift Store Makeover

My daughter uses this plastic activity tray that has now officially been through the ringer.  Not only does she use it to color on or eat snacks on, she steps on it, leans on it, and sits on it. It’s now warped and slouchy in the middle. When I went on a hunt on my last thrift store shopping outing, needless to say I was so happy I found this durable wooden activity tray for $6.00. I thought there was a chalkboard on top, bought when I brought it home it didn’t work. So, I decided to give it a mini thrift store makeover.

Materials I used:

• Light Pink craft paint
• Pink iridescent pearl craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Painter’s tape
• Chalkboard paint

Here is the tray BEFORE. As you can see it has the green chalkboard look, but when I tried two different type of chalk, it didn’t work.

I taped it off with painter’s tape, because I planned on hand painting it and let’s just say I do not have a steady hand.

When I asked Mia what color, of course she shouted “pink!” I used a light pink coat on the bottom (two coats).

Then I used one coat of Martha Stewart’s pink pearl craft paint on top, with an extra coat of touch up.

Once the pink paint trim dried, I painted the top with chalkboard paint.  I ended up doing four coats… yes four, with one hour drying time in between.  On the final coat I waited 24 hours to allow it to cure before drawing on it.

It turned out great and works well! My daughter loves it and now we can safely replace the plastic one!

Here are some more DIY Trays I have made!

• Trash to Treasure DIY Serving Tray How To
• DIY Thrift Store Pedestal Trays
• DIY Serving Tray: A Mirror Makeover
• TV Tray Table Upcycle