Chalk & Milk Paint Tips & Techniques. Helpful How-to’s & DIYs

Wood TV Trays Become TRES-Chic & Warehouse-worthy with Fusion Mineral Paint & a Raised Stencil

6/9/2017

I've been on the hunt for a set of these babies for awhile.

The before

I had to drive 35 minutes and pay $25 but...worth it!

This is one of those can't-wait-projects that magically jumps to the front of the painting line because you're just dying to get started. Do you know the kind?

I knew Fusion Mineral Paint would rock the mid-century industrial warehouse look that I wanted—is this even possible with dowdy timber TV trays?

A light sand — always a good idea!

Time for a light sand to cut that super-shiny factory varnish, I used 100- and 150-grit because that's what I found first.

Nothing says industrial chic better than Coal Black for the legs, right?

And let me tell you, my trusty Cling On R18 knocked the job out quickly and easily grabbing onto the edges of the legs and cutting in like a champ.

Honestly if you don't have a Cling On Paint Brush yet, GET ONE! They make life easy. Minimising brush strokes, store in water and even self-cleaning.

Here's a full blog post on them if you need more information.

We love the brushstroke-free finish we get with Cling On Brushes

Tray legs painted with one coat of Fusion Mineral Paint Coal Black

I may be biased, but I think they already look AMAZING just with this change?!

Here is where I was tempted to go away from my vision. I mean, how cool would a dark timber top look? Or maybe a driftwood finish? There are so many options. In the end I held tight to my vintage warehouse vibe.

TV tray tops can take a beating, so adding the extra step of Ultra Grip makes them even more kid-proof and abusable.

Fusion's Ultra Grip goes the extra mile

Time for a little ode to Ultra Grip. This is the product to use when you need your paint to grab onto tricky surfaces.

For this project considering it's a high-gloss finish, although I swiped it with sandpaper, I want an insurance policy and Ultra Grip is worth every penny. It's a water-based emulsion (fancy word for glue) that increases the adhesion of Fusion Mineral Paint to glossy, hard to grip surfaces.

It's milky when wet and dries translucent. I wouldn't say it replaces sanding, but would recommend sanding lightly to roughen the surface and then applying Ultra Grip. This helps Fusion to grip on for a lifetime.

Apply one very thin coat. Allow to dry for 12-24 hours before painting. Another reason I personally love Ultra Grip is that it can hold more texture. If you apply it heavily with a brush, you will see brush marks, which I want in this case so I will lay it on a bit thicker.

However, if you are wanting a nice, smooth finish, apply thin and sparingly.

Ultra Grip going on with my "antique" Fusion Mineral Paint Brush! Still going strong!

This is when the real fun starts, right?

Once the Ultra Grip has dried, Fusion Concealer gives a nice, neutral surface for the next step — Fusion Metallic Paint.

Fusion's Concealer does a great job at cutting colour from coming through, so fewer coats are needed

Fusion Metallic Paint is Ideal for larger painting projects as they go far and have a self-levelling finish that minimises brush strokes. Even better is that it comes in six gorgeous colours.

Going industrial, Brushed Steel was the obvious choice!

Brushed Steel — Fusion Mineral Paint's Metallics are self-levelling and gorgeous

The trick with Fusion Metallic Paint is not to overwork the paint. I like that the brush strokes add a bit of texture and extra sparkle, but that's me! Keep your strokes light, even and long to prevent brushstrokes.

And then see what I did here? By adding just a hint of Coal Black to Tough Coat Sealer it aged the metallic just the right amount. I used a stiffer paint brush to create additional texture.

industrial-warehouse-furniture-brushed-steel

Top: Fusion Metallic Paint in Brushed Steel. Bottom: Tough Coat Sealer with hint of Coal Black over Brushed Steel

You know when you work on a project and keep staring at it because you cannot believe how far it's come?

This is one of THOSE projects!

Most would stop here, right?

Well, it's me so....out comes Fusion Fresco, Fusion Metallic Paint in Pale Gold and these oh-so-fabulous, specially imported Mid Century Modern stencils (limited numbers while in stock).

We're going to have a bit of fun with a slightly raised and weathered stencil!

MCM vintage stencils exclusive to For The Love Creations

Put Fresco into a small dish or plate and add the Fusion Mineral Paint colour of your choice. Mix until blended (powder isn't visible) but not smooth. Those chunky bits are what do the hard work to create a weathered and textured feel. Paint or "drag" on with spatula or similar. Lift stencil. It's that easy!

Fusion Fresco with Fusion's Metallic Gold to create this gorgeousness

Here's the reveal...oh yes...I'm in looovveeee...

Fusion Fresco to create a weathered, textured metallic gold design

I'm not sure, but I think the addition of the raised gold stencil in that awesome vintage font may be my favouritest thing ever!

Hope you love them like I do.