Silver Tray Christmas Makeover
![](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Silver-Tray-Christmas-Makeover.jpg)
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/11/05492/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Another close up.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/11/05507/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Once everything was totally dry I took sandpaper to distress the edges and bring out all that beautiful detail.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/11/05511/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Now you can really see all the prettiness!
Next step- seal it in with a liquid finish like Polycrylic. I need the chalk paint to stay put.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/11/05513/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
So here is my idea. I have this wonderfully beautiful Iron Orchid Design (IOD) transfer. Transfers are a really neat way to elevate any thrift flip. IOD transfers are particularly beautiful.
To balance out the design I came up with the wording “Oh Christmas Tree”. I designed it on my computer and then used my cutting machine to make my own stencil. I use cheap shelf liner as my stencil material.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/13/06071/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Transfers have a bottom sheet. The image is actually stuck to the top carrier sheet. I just peel of the bottom sheet. Place the image where I want it and use a stick over the top page and start rubbing the image onto the tray. Once I remove the carrier sheet I use it to burnish the image on by rubbing over it.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/11/05512/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I push down the stencil using a tennis ball. Then I usually put mod podge over my stencil before the paint. This way if any seeps under the stencil it will be clear and not the black paint. I pounce on the paint with a somewhat dry sponge brush. A very wet brush is asking for trouble. I peel up the stencil while the paint is still wet. Now I’ll wait a few minutes for the rest to dry before removing the inside pieces.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/11/05514/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I use a sandpaper block to lightly distress the image and wording. Then I dry brush on a very very light layer of white paint using a chip brush.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/14/06591/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I seal the entire piece with my go to liquid finish Polycrylic.
And there you have it. How pretty will this look in your home this holiday season.
![silver tray christmas makeover](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2022/11/14/06592/silver-tray-christmas-makeover.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
I love adding Christmas bows to anything with handles. It’s an extra little touch that can make all the difference.