How to Make a Photo-Covered Tray
With just a few tools and some of your favourite photos, we'll show you how to easily create this photo-covered tray in our how-to guide. Get started on your new living room centrepiece today.
Skill
Beginner
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $500
What You Need for This Project
Materials
Turn Photos into a Tray
- 1
Prep the Photos
Steps:
Photocopy family photos in black and white or colour in sizes from 3 inches to 9 inches wide or tall. Cut them to rough size.
Tip: You'll later apply Polycrylic to the surface of the photos, so test them now with a coat of finish to make sure the ink won't smear. If it does, use a different printer or paper.
- 2
Sand the Pine Round
Sand the faces and edges of the pine round until it's smooth, then wipe clean. Lay the photos on the pine round until all of the bare wood is covered on the top and sides. Carefully lift the photos off the pine round while keeping them in order.
Tip: Take a picture of all the photos laid out on the pine round so you can re-lay them in the same order. Steps:
- 3
Apply the Polycrylic
Beginning with the bottom images, brush a coat of Polycrylic on the pine round where the photo will go. Lay the image on the finish, force out any bubbles by hand, and coat the top of the paper with more finish. Repeat for the remaining bottom images and begin filling gaps with photos.
Tip: To help the paper bend around the edges of the wood, first cut notches in the overhanging paper and press the strips into the Polycrylic finish brushed around the edge. Steps:
- 4
Add the Finishing Touches
After the finish on the paper dries, add a second coat of finish for added protection. If desired, add felt or plastic pads to the bottom of the tray to hold it off the table surface. Steps:
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