The rich and warm tones of red, orange, and gold paint a mesmerizing portrait that captures the essence of change. It’s no wonder that this transformative season sparks a surge of creativity, leading many to embark on DIY painting projects. The colors of fall, with their earthy palette, serve as a muse for those seeking to infuse their surroundings with a touch of warmth and coziness. The amber glow of falling leaves and the deep, comforting shades of autumn skies inspire individuals to bring these captivating hues indoors.

Embrace the cozy charm of fall by transforming a simple serving tray into a personalized masterpiece, ready to showcase your favorite hot beverages in style. Crafting a DIY painted serving tray not only adds a touch of warmth to your autumn gatherings but also allows you to infuse your unique creativity into a functional piece.

Materials Needed:

1. Wooden serving tray
2. Favorite Country Chic Paint Colors
3. Country Chic Paint Clear Coat
4. Painter’s tape
5. Artist Paintbrushes
6. Stencil (optional)
7. Clean, lint-free cloth
8. Drop cloth or newspaper

Lets get started!

Before you start your serving tray project, cover your workspace with a drop cloth or newspaper to protect it from paint spills. Ensure good ventilation, and if working indoors, consider opening windows. Take a damp cloth and wash the tray to ensure the tray is free on any dust.

Once the tray is clean, begin painting with your color of choice, we choose to use the color Licorice. Due to the material of most common retail sold serving trays, there should no need to apply a primer before head. Country Chic paint as primer built in to the paint color, making the process that much easier! Apply a even, thin layer of paint using a oval paintbrush.

Allow the first coat of paint to dry before applying a second coat. By applying a second coat, this will ensure the tray receives full coverage. Allow the second coat to dry for a least 1 hour before moving on to the stencil.

Once the second coat is completely dry, place your desired stencil onto your tray. You can use painters tape to make sure the stencil stays in place. Once the stencil is secure, use an artist brush to paint on your top color. In this example, we used the paint color Happy Hour. Apply a even layer over the stencil, be sure to be careful and only paint over the sections you want.

Once you have painted over the stencil with your chosen color, gently and very carefully remove the stencil. Use a slow, steady motion to ensure the design below does not smudge. Once the stencil has been removed, you can go back in with an artist brush and apply any touch ups as needed. Allow the painted design to dry completely before adding a clear coat to protect the surface before using as a serving tray.

Your Country Chic Paint fall-inspired serving tray is now ready to impress! Whether serving hot beverages or displaying autumn decor, this DIY project adds a personalized touch to your fall festivities.