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Vintage oval decoupage tray with blue birds, faded script, soft florals, antiqued cream paint, gold detailing, and trailing ivy.

A Touch of Old-World Charm: Floral Decoupage Tray Tutorial

Can a simple silver tray from the dollar store really become a polished vintage-style décor piece?

In this tutorial, Donna from Mason Creations etc. combines floral rice paper, Polyvine finishes, antiquing medium, bronze chain, and metallic wax to give an inexpensive tray a completely new look.

The finished design features delicate flowers, charming birds, softly aged details, and a glossy surface that looks far more expensive than the original tray.

Watch the video below to see Donna complete the full makeover, then follow the steps to create your own vintage decoupage tray.

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Materials You Can Shop Here

You can shop the featured finishes and supplies below, then use the tutorial steps to bring the project together.

            Also Needed

            Silver tray, bronze ball chain.

            Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Tray

            Use an alcohol wipe to remove dust, grease, and fingerprints from the tray.

            This step is especially important when working with metal or other smooth surfaces because residue can prevent paint and finishes from bonding properly.

            Allow the tray to dry completely.

            Step 2: Apply a Gripping Layer

            Brush Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer in Dead Flat over the entire tray.

            The lacquer creates a durable gripping layer on the slick, nonporous surface, helping the paint and rice paper adhere more effectively.

            Let the lacquer dry overnight before continuing.

            Step 3: Size the Rice Paper

            Place the rice paper inside the tray and position the design exactly where you want it.

            Use your fingernail to gently mark the inside edge of the tray. Trace the marked line with a water brush to soften the paper fibers.

            Carefully tear away small sections until the paper fits the tray.

            Tearing creates a soft, feathered edge that blends more naturally into the painted surface than a sharp scissor-cut edge.

            Step 4: Paint the Tray’s Center White

            Paint the flat center of the tray with white chalk paint.

            A light background helps the printed image remain bright and vibrant. Dark paint beneath rice paper or napkins can make the design look dull or discolored.

            Allow the paint to dry for approximately 30 minutes.

            Step 5: Paint the Raised Sides

            Choose a paint color that closely matches the background of the rice paper.

            Donna uses a soft cream shade on the sides and upper edge of the tray. This helps the paper blend into the surrounding painted areas and creates a more unified appearance.

            Let the paint dry before decoupaging.

            Step 6: Adhere the Rice Paper

            Apply Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin to a small section of the tray.

            Position the rice paper, then lift one section at a time and brush varnish beneath it. Press the paper gently into place with the brush.

            Continue working in sections until the entire sheet is adhered.

            Polyvine varnish can serve as both the decoupage adhesive and the protective topcoat.

            Step 7: Smooth the Paper

            Cut open a clean plastic storage bag and mist it generously with water.

            Lay the damp plastic over the rice paper and press gently with a paper towel. Work from the center outward to move wrinkles and air bubbles toward the edges.

            Carefully lift the plastic so it does not pull the paper away from the tray.

            Allow the rice paper to dry for a couple of hours.

            Step 8: Clean Up the Edges

            Some feathered fibers from the torn rice paper may extend onto the painted sides.

            Use the coordinating cream paint to cover these fibers and create a neat line between the paper and the raised portion of the tray.

            Allow the touch-up paint to dry.

            Step 9: Apply the First Protective Coat

            Brush a coat of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish over the entire tray.

            Allow it to dry for approximately one hour.

            This coat seals the rice paper and prepares the tray for the additional finishing techniques.

            Step 10: Build a Smooth, Glossy Finish

            Lightly sand the dry varnish with fine-grit sandpaper.

            Wipe away all sanding dust, then apply another coat of varnish. Let each coat dry for a full hour before sanding or recoating.

            Repeat the process until you reach the desired depth and smoothness.

            Donna repeats the sanding and varnishing process three times to create a deep, polished shine.

            Step 11: Antique the Decorative Edges

            Place a small amount of antiquing medium in a cup and add a little water to create a thinner consistency.

            Brush the antique over the sides and raised edge of the tray, working in small sections. Wipe it away immediately with a soft, dry cloth.

            The antique will wipe away from the glossy surface while remaining inside the recessed details.

            Be sure to work some of the antiquing medium into the crevice between the tray’s center and raised sides. This adds depth and strengthens the vintage appearance.

            Step 12: Add a Bronze Chain Border

            Apply a thin line of tacky glue inside the crevice surrounding the flat center of the tray.

            Press bronze ball chain into the glue to create a defined border between the decoupaged image and the painted sides.

            Use a damp brush to remove any excess glue that seeps out beneath the chain.

            Let the glue dry for several hours.

            Step 13: Apply the Final Varnish

            Brush one final coat of varnish over the entire tray, including the decoupaged center and bronze chain.

            Allow the varnish to dry for at least one hour.

            The final coat helps protect the design and unifies the different decorative elements.

            Step 14: Highlight the Details with Gold Wax

            Place a very small amount of Redesign with Prima Décor Wax in Eternal on your fingertip.

            Rub your finger and thumb together to distribute the wax before lightly sweeping it across the raised details.

            Keep the wax on the highest points of the design and avoid pushing it into the recessed areas. This allows the darker antiquing to remain visible while the gold emphasizes the tray’s decorative pattern.

            Let the wax dry for several hours, then buff it gently with a soft cloth to bring out the shine.

            A Simple Tray with Vintage Character

            This project is a wonderful example of how paint, rice paper, and a few finishing details can transform an inexpensive object.

            The delicate floral paper creates the focal point, while the antiquing medium, bronze chain, and gold wax give the tray depth and character. Multiple coats of Polyvine varnish create the smooth, polished finish that brings the entire piece together.

            A special thank-you to Donna from Mason Creations etc. for sharing this creative tutorial and demonstrating each step.

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            Posted on July 09, 2026
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