How to make painted TV trays – then add with glitter + resin!

Here is how to make painted TV trays. You’ll love them. They look amazing because they are also coated in glittered and sealed in resin.

These resin glittered TV trays are the MOST! I wanted something bright and sparkly and took some regular black TV folding tables and gave them a brilliant makeover! I am living my best life, don’t judge – I don’t care if it is December or July.

Life is more dramatic with glittered furniture!

The key is to achieve a dense, uniform look to the glitter and there are a few tricks for that (you’ll need two-part resin).

SUPPLIES for glittered TV trays:

Wood TV trays

Sandpaper

2-part resin and supplies

Gold spray paint

White craft glue

Gold micro glitter and chunky glitter

Mask and protective gloves

RELATED: How to prep and mix two-part resin

 

Preparation:

Clean the Tray: Ensure the wood TV tray is clean and free from any dust or dirt. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
Sand the Surface: Lightly sand the surface of the tray with medium-grit sandpaper to roughen it up for better adhesion. Wipe away the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Optional: Coat the whole thing in spray paint. Let dry completely. Wipe off any dust or debris after it dries. NOTE: You want to match the color of the table top with the color of the glitter. This will create an even look and finish. Trust me on this!

Use a small cup and mix a variety of glitters together. Chunky, microfine, holographic, etc. This will give your tabletop more personality!

Tape Off Edges: Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you do not want to get glitter or epoxy on.

Apply Adhesive and Glitter: Spray a thin, even layer of spray adhesive over the surface of the tray. Alternatively, you can use Mod Podge or white craft glue, apply a thin, but even and solid layer with a foam brush.

While the adhesive is still tacky, generously sprinkle loose glitter over the entire surface. Ensure even coverage by gently shaking the tray to spread the glitter. You can also use a piece of paper to help guide the glitter.

Set the Glitter: Gently press down on the glitter with a piece of wax paper or your hands (wear gloves) to help it adhere better. Let the adhesive dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply Sealant: Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or a clear spray sealant over the glitter to lock it in place. This step is crucial to prevent the glitter from floating when you pour the epoxy. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Mixing and Applying Epoxy Resin

Prepare the Workspace: Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper to protect your work area. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated.

Mix Epoxy Resin: Following the instructions on the epoxy resin kit, mix the resin and hardener in a disposable cup. Stir thoroughly but slowly to avoid creating bubbles.

Pour Epoxy: Pour the mixed epoxy resin over the glitter-covered surface, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Use a plastic spreader or foam brush to evenly distribute the epoxy over the surface.

Remove Bubbles: Use a heat gun or a small torch to gently heat the surface of the epoxy and remove any bubbles. Be careful not to overheat the epoxy.

Cure: Place the tray on a level surface and let the epoxy cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep checking on it to remove and drips or to look for any bald sections. It usually takes 24-48 hours to fully cure, and you’ll have about an hour after pouring to clean up any drips. Ensure the tray is in a dust-free environment during this time – I do mine in the garage so bugs can’t land on it, and so it won’t stink up the house.

Finishing it up!

Remove Tape: Once the epoxy is fully cured, carefully remove the painter’s tape.

Final Sanding: If necessary, sand any rough edges (or drips under the table area) or drips with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.

Tips:

– Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling fumes from the adhesive and epoxy.
– Wear gloves to protect your hands from the adhesive and epoxy.
– Ensure the tray is on a level surface to prevent the epoxy from pooling unevenly.

Thanks for reading! Happy glittering!

 

Thanks for checking out my post about how to make painted TV trays! I hope you like it!

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