Materials Needed:

• wood serving tray
• acrylic craft paint in 3 coordinating colors
• graphic patterned stencil
• stencil brush
• painter's tape
• pencil
• computer and printer

• scissors
• graphite transfer paper
• 1.0 liner brush
• 1/2" flat brush
• 2" sash brush
• spray polyurethane

Paint Tray

Using a 2-inch angled sash brush, apply one to two coats of acrylic paint to tray. Note: Most acrylic paints have good adhesion, so a primer is not required, but when painting a slick surface a primer and/or sanding may be necessary to prep tray for painting. Allow paint to fully dry.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-

Stencil Design

Tape off inside border of tray with painter's tape. Also tape off a square or rectangle in the tray's center for the monogram or use a piece of card stock or paper to mask it off (Image 1). Make sure pieces of tape are firmly pressed down to avoid bleed under. Place stencil in top corner of tray and apply paint with a stencil brush using a straight up-and-down pouncing action. Tip: Don't overload the brush with paint, and wipe off excess to prevent bleeding under the stencil (Images 2 and 3). While the freshly stenciled design dries, clean any errant paint off the front side of the stencil to prevent smears. Working in sections, line up the pattern, then repeat the stencil until entire tray is covered with the design. If stencil pattern smears, go over design with an artist's brush to sharpen them up.

Paint Borders

Allow stenciled design to fully dry, preferably overnight. Tape off a 1/4-inch stripe around the stenciled design and the center box (Image 1). With a 1/2-inch flat brush, paint a border between taped lines (Image 2).