Transform a Home Goods find into a sophisticated and modern mirrored tray.

I love the look of mirrored trays. They add a little glamor and sophistication. They’re practical too.

This one came from Home Goods. It’s nice, but I wanted something a bit more sophisticated and interesting. This is “faux” decoupage. Why not real decoupage? So that’s what I did. Read how.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Bookbinding Paper (or other material suitable for gluing that won’t bleed)

PVA glue (or Modge Podge)

Package of Foam Brushes

2 ply Bristol Board

Xacto Knife

Burnishing Tool (a cleaned leftover popsicle stick, or a piece of cardboard will do)

#0000 Steel Wool

Blue painters tape

Paper Source has beautiful fine papers that are perfect for decoupage.

Instructions

1. Cut the 2 ply bristol board to the exact size of the interior of the tray.

2. Use a foam brush and spread glue on one side of the 2 ply bristol board. Glue the bookbinding paper to the 2 ply bristol board. Carefully burnish the paper starting in the middle working towards the edges to release any air between the board and paper.

3. Using the Xacto knife, trim the excess paper to the size of the 2 ply bristol board.

4. Tape the inside walls of the mirror tray with blue painters’ tape. This will protect them from any excess glue.

5. Apply glue with the foam brush to the inside of the tray. Glue the 2 ply bristol board and paper to the tray. Again, carefully burnish the paper and board starting in the middle working towards the edges to release any air. Let dry completely.

6. Apply at least 5 coats of PVA glue to the surface of the paper. The end result should be a strong lacquer finish. Any bumps can be lightly sanded with 0000 steel wool. Let dry completely between coats.

7. Remove blue painters’ tape.