Do you have a folding tray table in storage? Well, get that puppy out and get busy giving it a makeover.
Does your tv tray table look as bad as this one? At least it's solid wood, right? These small folding tables come in handy when you have guests. How many tv dinners do you think have been eaten on this one?
This project is my monthly Thrift Store Decor Project. Be sure to check out all the great projects at the end of this post.
Clean Folding Tray Table
Because it had been in storage, it needed a good cleaning. I used a hand brush to wipe away all the surface dirt.
Since the folding tray table was very shiny and dirty, I used my deglosser, a chip brush and a scrubby pad. Then I wiped away the deglosser with a rag.
Sand Rough Spots
The top had some blemishes that needed to be sanded. How do you know if you've sanded enough? Run your bare hand over the surface. Your hands will feel what your eyes don't see.
I used a True Applicator Sponge, a small sponge roller (not shown) and Irish Garden. You may remember I recently used this sample jar on the Bar Stool Makeover.
Paint Several Light Coats
Don't worry that the first coat may not look perfect. It's best to use light coats, especially when the original finish was so slick. I chose to paint the entire folding tray table, including the underside.
Touch Up with Small Paint Brush
In order to get into the tight spaces, I love using this very soft small paint brush. Can you see how much better the table looks after the second coat?
Using Wax Paper When Painting Furniture
Do you know about the wax paper trick? I often use it when I am waiting for paint to cure. Maybe you have had a cable box or some similar item stick to a piece of furniture? I use small pieces of wax paper to keep that from happening.
Because the table folds, the legs need to move smoothly. I didn't want them to stick when the paint dried.
After the table was dry thoroughly, I used the small brush to touch up the underside some more.
Folding Tray Table Makeover
Do you love the color as much as I do? Seriously, it is so easy to give a new look to an old piece of furniture. I love this paint, and the finish it has. I did roll on the final coat on the top with a small sponge roller.
What do you think about maybe adding a stencil or transfer image to the top of the table? I thought I would add polka dots to the bar stools, but I never did.
Now, let's take a look at my friends projects.
Autumn Leaf Dishes for Fall Decor
Small Hanging Christmas Display
Tray Makeover Using Peel And Stick Tiles
DIY Outdoor Two Tone Furniture Finish
Easy Layered Chippy Paint Finish
Related Content (more folding tray table ideas)
I seriously have 4 of those tables in my basement I was just getting ready to take to Goodwill. I think I'll give them a new look instead! And BTW, I had never heard of the wax paper thing. Great idea!
I didn't know the wax paper trick - so clever! The blue is so pretty!
Thanks so much. That wax paper thing has really helped me so much for so many years!
gail
Fabulous makeover, I love that color! I learned something new today, thanks for the tip on using the wax paper! pinned
hahah, it's funny that I've mentioned that trick so many times, but everyone picked up on it this time. 🙂
thanks for pinning!
gail
I didn't know about the wax paper trick either! I will have to try it. Great makeover!
You'll love the wax paper trick, especially helpful when you're impatient and want to style your table before the paint has time to fully cure.
gail
Gail, thanks for the tip about wax paper! That's a new one to me that I am sure I will use 😊 Pinning!
Thanks for pinning! I'm so happy you learned a new trick today.
gail
Gail, this is a great project! Who doesn't need a small folding table to keep nearby for quick access? I love the stencil idea too!
So far, I haven't stenciled. it. It needs to go to the booth ASAP. I need the space in the guest room for Thanksgiving. 🙂
gail