Chalk Painted Metal Trays with Antiqued Finish

Those metal trays you find at the thrift or dollar store can be painted and antiqued so they look like family heirlooms! This fast and easy tutorial is a great way to elevate inexpensive items. See the tutorial below.

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Hi friend, aren't you excited it's Friday? We're expecting some beautiful, sunny weather and I'm hoping to spend some time outside this weekend. In big news, our home is going on the market this weekend (find out more here) and we have an open house planned, so there will be lots of cleaning and tidying happening inside!

Antique inexpensive metal trays

One of my favorite ways to update an old piece of furniture or decor...or make something new look antique, is by using chalk paint and paste wax. You can click here to see all the things I've painted with chalk paint!

Several years ago when I first heard about chalk paint, I decided to try to antique some trays I found at my local thrift store. They were cheap trays (one was likely from the dollar store) and while I liked the shape and size, I didn't like the faux silver color.

I transformed these inexpensive trays into the look of antique family heirlooms just by using chalk paint and wax! I have used these repurposed trays all over my home, including hanging them on the wall!

stack of antiqued trays, ironstone pitcher, woven tray, flowers, ironstone escargot cups

The antiqued trays work beautifully with my vintage dishes and ironstone collections. You can never underestimate the value of a tray to corral all kinds of things! A tray with a decorative edge also makes a wonderful chalkboard using chalkboard paint (a great addition to the kitchen - think 'menu' or shopping list!) To see how I made over these trays, please click over to How to Antique a Tray Using Chalk Paint.

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I'm sharing my chalk painted trays as part of Home & Decor Encore, a team of seasoned home bloggers who share some of our older posts from our archives that you may have missed. We bring you these updated posts every Friday. Doreen from Hymns and Verses keeps us on track and organized.

I know you'll be inspired to check out all the posts below for tips and decor for your home, as well as some crafts and DIY!