How to Create a Spooky Halloween Tray with Copycat
, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time
If you’re looking for a fun, festive project to spice up your Halloween décor, look no further!
In this DIY tutorial, Amy Howard at Home’s Copycat image transfer medium takes center stage to transform an ordinary tray into a charming vintage Halloween piece.
Follow along as we take you step by step through the process, adding a spooky design with the help of Amy Howard’s One Step Paint and other specialty products.
This project makes for a perfect decorative tray or a unique gift for a friend during the Halloween season.
What You'll Need:
- Amy Howard Copycat: A versatile image transfer medium for adding custom designs to furniture, trays, and more.
- One Step Paint in Ballet White: Chalk-based paint to create the base layer for your design.
- One Step Paint in Massey Hill: A deep, rich orange that’s perfect for the sides of your tray.
- Synthetic Paint Brush: To apply the paint evenly across your tray.
- Matte Sealer: Protects the finish and seals in your image.
- Gel Stain in Kensington Black: Adds an aged finish for a vintage effect.
- Light Wax and Dark Wax: To create an aged, weathered look on the finished tray.
- Dust of Ages: For that perfect antique touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Tray
Start by painting the inside base of your tray with One Step Paint in Ballet White. This will be the backdrop for your image transfer. Make sure to apply two even coats, allowing each to dry fully for about 20 minutes. Amy Howard’s One Step Paint is chalk-based and VOC-free, making it safe and easy to work with.
2. Prepare and Position Your Image
Find or create a Halloween image of your choice, then cut it to fit the dimensions of your tray. Be sure to reverse any text in the image, as the transfer process will flip it. Once your image is ready, apply Copycat Image Transfer to the base of your tray, ensuring an even coat.
3. Transfer the Image
Carefully place your image face down on the tray. Use a burnisher to smooth out any air bubbles, making sure the entire image adheres well to the painted surface. Let it sit for 2-12 hours to allow the image to fully transfer.
4. Reveal Your Image
Once the transfer is dry, spray the image with water and use a wet cloth to gently rub away the paper backing. As you rub, the transferred image will reveal itself on the tray. Take care not to rub too hard, as this may cause parts of the image to lift.
5. Paint the Tray’s Edges
While waiting for your image to transfer, paint the edges of the tray using One Step Paint in Massey Hill. This vibrant orange complements the spooky Halloween theme and contrasts beautifully with the transferred image.
6. Add Depth with Gel Stain
To give your tray a more aged, vintage feel, apply Kensington Black Gel Stain along the tray’s edges and wipe back the excess with a clean cloth. This adds an extra layer of depth and character to the piece.
7. Seal and Protect
Once your image and stain have dried, apply Matte Sealer over the entire tray to protect the finish. This ensures that your spooky design stays intact for years to come.
8. Age the Tray with Wax and Dust of Ages
For a final vintage touch, apply Light Wax over the tray, followed by Dark Wax on the edges to create a worn, aged look.
Finish by adding Dust of Ages to the corners and crevices of the tray for that perfectly imperfect antique finish.
This DIY Halloween tray is the perfect project for getting into the spooky spirit and creating something one-of-a-kind for your home or as a thoughtful gift.
Thanks to Amy Howard at Home, you can explore endless possibilities with Copycat and One Step Paint.
So go ahead, let your creativity run wild and transform your décor this Halloween!
