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    Home » Furniture Makeover » T.V. Tray Table Makeover

    T.V. Tray Table Makeover

    Published by Gail | Published August 12, 2020 | Updated January 13, 2023
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This quick and easy t.v. tray table makeover is a great way to update any old wooden furniture. Tips for painting, distressing & stenciling. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #tvtray #table #allinonepaint #chalkcouture #chalkpaste #transfer #enjoythelittlethings via @repurposedlife

    Don’t throw that table away! That’s right, do a t.v. tray table makeover when it’s old and scarred. This isn’t my first tv tray table makeover, I’ll share the others in this post.

    By the way, this easy project is my contribution to this month’s Thrift Store Decor Team! Be sure to check out the other projects below.

    My niece Missy gave me some tables, including a nice coffee table, end table, and two tv tray tables.

     

    T.V. Tray Table Makeover

    tv tray table makeover

    So, this is the table that’s going to get a makeover. I recently ordered some Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint. I also go some deglosser. I’ve use HTP off and on for years, but I’m not sure I’ve blogged about the All in One Paint. It’s basically what it sounds like, little or no prep, and no waxing. A lot of people use it for their kitchen cabinets.

    tv tray table makeover

    I have never really seen black tv tables. Mine have always been wood toned. I still had one of mine left, but I wanted this table makeover to have a black base for distressing. The top has seen better days.

    Clean & Degloss Project

    paint deglosser Heirloom Traditions

    The entire table was coated with the deglosser. It’s recommended to scrub with a scrubbing pad, but since I didn’t have one, I simply applied it, let it set, and wiped it off.

    wipe off deglosser

    I could tell that the table was really clean and prepped, ready for paint. Not shown: I did do a light sanding on the rough places of the table top.

    All In One Paint

    amalfi HTP all in one paint

    The color I’m using is Amalfi—it looks a little green in this picture, but I think it’s more blue. As always, I begin by painting the underneath of the project first.

    all in one paint first coat t.v. tray table makeover

    For the first coat, I worked pretty quickly not worrying about a full coverage. The paint dries pretty fast on a beautiful morning.

    Blue T.V. Tray Table Makeover

    aqua blue tv tray table makeover resized

    See the black showing through? That’s the look I’m going for, but not quite so much.

    second coat tv tray table

    You can see that the coverage is perfect—just what I wanted on the second coat on the tv tray table brace.

    No Waxing Needed

    after two coats all in one paint

    I’m loving the new look of the old tv tray table!

    How to Use an Emery Board for Distressing Paint

    easy distressing with emery board

    Did you know you can do a light distressing with an emery board? I buy them by the box and use them often. Typically, they are a one and done thing. But with this small tv tray table project, I could probably save this emery board and use it again.

    First, use the finer grit side of the emery board to see if that is enough distressing. If it's not enough, switch to the heavier grit side of the emery board.

    Small T.V. Tray Table for Camper

    tv tray table makeover for camper

    Why do I distress? Because I tend to be tough on items in the camper/truck. They can get bumped and stacked and abused. By distressing it, I won’t have to be so careful not to let it get scratched!

    Do you have an old tv tray table? Get that puppy out and give it a fresh new look!

    Stenciling a Transfer with Chalk Paste

    stenciling or chalking on a table

    I was waiting on a new Chalk Couture order for this project, but it wasn’t here yet, so I had these two favorite sayings (transfers) that I was looking at. I decided to go with the horizontal Enjoy the Little Things. (on a side note—my order came right after I finished taking the final pics of this tv tray table)

    Enjoy The Little Things

    table with chalk couture transfer enjoy the little things

    Because it turned so hot here, I was working in the kitchen. I love this phrase, and have used it on t-shirts for me and others.

    Sanding Painted and Chalked Table

    enjoy the little things tv tray table makeover

    The chalk paste was a little heavy/thick, so I knocked it down a little with some brown craft paper. I wish you could feel this paint. You can see by the lighting in the kitchen that it has a bit of a shine to it. It seems like a great sheen without ANY waxing or sealing. The brown paper (from shipping boxes) is a perfect ultra-light sandpaper. And the best part? It’s FREE!

    Blue T.V. Tray Table Makeover

    aqua tray table makeover MyRepurposedLife

    The small table is perfect for the dinette area of the camper, and I can easily take it outside if needed.

    t.v. tray table makeover Enjoy the little Things MyRepurposedLife

    Do you love the t.v. tray table makeover as much as I do? What do you think about the transfer? During this trying time, I think we all need to remember to enjoy the little things. Camping is so much fun for me, it’s the perfect way to getaway and recharge!

    The other tables I did? I made a tv table TALLER, sort of a standing desk for my computer. Two tv tables got my favorite glaze, and have been used in the camper since I started camping. However, I have realized that two tables are not necessary, so I’m replacing the glazed tv tables for this new pretty blue one.

    Before you dash of, won't you save & share my table on Pinterest? Thanks!!!

    Now, it’s time to take a look at all the wonderful projects from the rest of the Thrift Store Decor Team!

    Thrift Store (1)

    Burlap Gift Bags
    T.V. Tray Table Makeover  (you are here)
    Badminton Racket Repurpose
    Upcycling a Clam Hod as a Pumpkin Basket
    Carved Tray Makeover
    Mirror Makeover Using Chalky Paint
    Octopus Shell Art

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Ann Butler

      August 19, 2020 at 8:27 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing! Your project is absolutely darling!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        August 23, 2020 at 1:09 pm

        Thank you Ann! It's fun and handy to have in the camper. 🙂

        gail

    2. Meg Daves

      August 19, 2020 at 8:27 pm

      What a great addition to our linky party! We are so happy to have you!

      Reply
    3. Beth Watson

      August 19, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      Thank you for participating in our linky party!

      Reply
    4. petticoatjunktion

      August 15, 2020 at 9:05 pm

      I love the color of your TV Tray and I distress furniture because of the same reason. I feel my customers probably are rough on furniture too!!

      Reply
    5. creativelybeth

      August 15, 2020 at 10:01 am

      I've used emory boards to sand craft projects but never knew about brown kraft paper trick - BRILLIANT! I'd love for you to share over at our Creative Crafts Linky Party https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-2-join-in-the-fun/
      Have a great weekend!
      Creatively, Beth

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        August 15, 2020 at 5:11 pm

        Beth,

        So happy to teach you a new trick for light sanding! I have tons of that stuff around here, I buy way to much stuff on Amazon!

        Heading over to link up right now. Thanks!

        gail

    6. Domestically Speaking

      August 13, 2020 at 4:53 pm

      Love the blue and love the emery board tip!

      Reply
    7. Sarah Ramberg

      August 12, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      Brown paper as fine sand paper? MIND. BLOWN. That is so dang smart, Gail!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        August 13, 2020 at 2:14 pm

        hahaha

        Sarah,

        I use it all the time, especially with the DIY chalk paint. It really gives any paint a really smooth finish. And, like I said it's free and plentiful around here.

        gail

    8. kristinsalazar597020196

      August 12, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      Its the perfect shade of blue with a beautiful quote! Love this project!

      Reply

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