Picking up old trays or mirrors or frames from thrift stores or flea markets are great candidates for making a chalkboard. I’ve showed at least one of these that I made from a vintage mirror I found while out thrifting years ago. That project goes back to 2009 and I still have that chalkboard hanging in my kitchen. It’s fun to write little seasonal sayings on there.
My friend, Vicki, found this silver tray while out thrifting, probably at the Goodwill and she asked me to make it over into a chalkboard based on this pretty piece she saw in Country Living magazine. It’s so cute!
Old silver tray made into a chalkboard.
Vicki’s tray find was a perfect candidate for this project. One handle was missing which didn’t matter a bit. There are also feet on the bottom, which is fine too, it can still hang on the wall with a long nail or screw.
First, I taped it off with my Frogtape pressing the tape down around the edge of the tray to create a crisp line. Then I added some plastic grocery bags and used the tape to hold it in place so that I didn’t spray the silver edge.
Using Rustoleum chalkboard spray in a can, I then sprayed the middle of the tray in 2 or 3 light coats letting it dry in between.
Take your projects outdoors so you have plenty of ventilation. This is a quick and easy project!
Peel off the tape and the tray is ready to use. Be sure and season your new chalkboard by rubbing regular chalk over the whole board and then wipe it off.
I used a couple of spring ribbons and chalk markers I had to write a spring message on this one. You can really have fun with small chalkboards and use them for parties.
My kitchen chalkboard made it out to the patio for this photo shoot and makes a fun display for a party.
So, have you got something that you can turn into a chalkboard? I’ll have to be on the lookout now for a silver tray I can turn into a chalkboard, since I have to give this one back to Vicki! 🙂
What a great idea! I have a very old silver tray that belonged to my grandparents and it’s in pretty bad condition but I never wanted to get rid of it. Now I know what I’m going to do with it.
I’ve done the same thing to cheap “silver” platters from the dollar store. They are lightweight so I can hang with Command strips, and they are magnetic so I can use my pretty little magnets.
That’s really cute and the tray is perfect for that project.
Have you tried wiping the chalk marker off? I have some and have used them on my chalkboards. It’s pretty hard to make it go away completely.
Stacey, you are right, they do leave a little imprint behind. I think curing the chalkboard well helps in that, but regular chalk definitely comes off better. But the markers sure are bright and fun!
These trays are my new go to for menu’s and anything else I want people to notice. You are such a nice friend to make that for Vicki.
Lovely, but I think the handle is prettier than the bow. I would turn it the other way and let the handle be at the bottom and hot glue the bow to the edge of the tray on top or move the bow to the bottom or off the handle. That’s just me.
How pretty! I have a few of these trays that I just can’t let go of, even though the silver plating is pitted and scratched. The embossed designs on them are so beautiful!!! You just don’t see that kind of detail today. Spray-on blackboard paint – brilliant solution! I am definitely going to do this.
Thanks so much, Rhoda! Hugs, cat