Thrifted Mid Century Wooden Desk Tray Upcycle

December 06, 2021

Photo of a thrifted vintage wooden in box/desk tray.

I found this vintage wooden Mid Century Modern style in box/desk tray at Goodwill recently. It has older felt on the bottom, and dovetailing on the corners.

I gave it an easy upcycle!

(When you click on the bold Amazon, Old Sign Stencils or Dixie Belle Paint Company affiliate links you will be taken to the products I use for this project. If you order it does not change the price or service at all. As an Amazon Affiliate, Old Sign Stencils Affiliate or Dixie Belle Paint Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Photo of a tropical leaf stencil from Hobby Lobby.

I recently found this little tropical leaf stencil at Hobby Lobby.

Photo of a tropical leaf stencil being stenciled on a wooden tray.

I centered the stencil in the tray (measured with a ruler), taped it down with blue painter's tape, and began pouncing on the stencil using Dixie Belle Chalk Finish Paint in Kudzu.

Halfway through the process, I changed paint colors and used Dixie Belle Paint in Juniper. (Juniper was a fall limited edition paint color) I guess I am a more muted color paint girl.

It is definitely more difficult to swirl on the paint with these cheaper ($3.49) stencils from Hobby Lobby, so I pounce on the paint. If you want more solid coverage, pounce on a second coat of paint, don't use a brush that is too wet.

Photo of scratches in the finish on a vintage desk tray.

Since this is a vintage tray, there are scratches and water marks on the tray in spots.

Photo of wood stain markers used to touch up scratches on furniture.

I pulled out my Varathane Wood Stain Repair Marker Kit.

I covered the scratches with the pen, and wiped off the excess with a paper towel, almost immediately. I ran the pen down the tray edges, and also onto a water spot on the tray bottom.

Photo of a stenciled and upcycled vintage mid century modern/boho desk tray.

As you can see the tray scratches are covered, and the stenciling is complete. I then wiped down the wood and stencil using Big Mama's Butta.

Big Mama's Butta restored the wood's richness, and deepened the stencil paint color. I think the wood is Maple. The Maple stain pen was the closest match.