How to create a keepsake photo tray

Create with paint! Projects from habitat by Resene

Paint an old tray to use as an unusual photo or art frame.

Turn a tray into an arty frame for photos or art
A keepsake photo tray

You will need

Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
Resene testpots in Resene Black White, Resene Romantic, Resene Midnight Express and Resene Half Hammerhead
An old tray
Low tack masking tape
Ruler
Resene testpot brush
Washi tape to attach the photo or art

Instructions

Coat the tray with Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat.
Apply masking tape on a diagonal through the tray, and paint one side in Resene Black White.
Paint the other side in Resene Midnight Express. Leave to almost dry then remove the masking tape. Top tip: don’t let the paint fully dry or the tape may lift the paint.
Measure and mask the tray as shown.
Paint one of the triangles in Resene Romantic, and the other in Resene Half Hammerhead. Remove the masking tape. Attach your photo or artwork to the tray with washi tape and lean against the wall on top of your dresser or mantelpiece.

Supplies you will need

Step 1

Step 2a

Step 2b

Step 3a

Step 3b

Step 4

Step 5a

Step 5b

Top tip: If you’d like a more natural look on a wooden tray, use Resene Colorwood natural wood stains in a range of colours, then finish in Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane.