Do you want to make a DIY chalkboard? Why not change an old wooden TV tray into more than just a place for food.
You can see all of the Thrifty Style Team’s posts following this tutorial.
I found this old TV tray at a garage sale for $1. I grabbed it fast because I knew just how to up-cycle it as a gift for my brother using Dixie Belle Paint, sports stickers, & stencils!

Here is the before picture.

Here are the materials you’ll need to make a chalkboard tray
Dixie Belle Bunker Hill Blue
Dixie Belle Florida Orange
Dixie Belle Gator Hide
Chip Brush
Easy DIY Chalkboard TV Tray Video

Optional stickers of your choice

Here are the instructions for making your own chalkboard
Let’s get started…

You’re going to add 3 layers of Dixie Belle Paint and let it dry after each layer. I’ll be using the Dixie Belle Bunker Hill Blue for this portion. You will put one coat on horizontal, the second coat you’ll put on vertically, and the last coat you’ll put on horizontally again. Let this dry completely.

Next you’ll add your optional stickers/decals.

Finally, you’ll add the optional stenciling. You can either stencil on the team name, or personalize it by adding their name. I will be using Dixie Belle Florida Orange for this part.
When the stenciling is dry, you will add 3 coats of Dixie Belle Gator Hide over the stickers and stenciled name/team only. Follow the directions that come with the gator hide and let dry completely.

Lastly, take a piece of chalk and season the rest of the tray. To season the tray – lay a piece of chalk on it’s side and rub the whole tv tray both vertically and horizontally. After this is done, wipe off with an eraser or paper towel.

This step allows the chalk to erase after you are done using it. If you skip this step and use the chalk, it is likely that your writings will stay on the paint and will not remove all the way.
You can skip this step if you want as well and instead coat the entire tray with the Dixie Belle Gator Hide.

I made this for my brother’s birthday, I hope he likes it π

Besides eating on this tray, you can play games like tic tac toe, hang man, keep score, doodle, etc. If the tray needs to be cleaned off – use a damp rag to wipe it clean, and you will need to season the tray with chalk again.

Easy DIY Chalkboard TV Tray Video
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Chasβ Crazy Creations – Easy DIY Chalkboard TV Tray
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Easy DIY Chalkboard TV Tray
Do you want to make a DIY chalkboard?Β Why not change an old wooden TV tray into more than just a place for food.
Materials
- A TV Tray
- Dixie Belle Bunker Hill Blue
- Dixie Belle Florida Orange
- Dixie Belle Gator Hide
- Chip Brush
- Stickers
- Stencil
Tools
- None
Instructions
- You’re going to add 3 layers of Dixie Belle Paint and let it dry after each layer. I’ll be using the Dixie Belle Bunker Hill Blue for this portion. You will put one coat on horizontal, the second coat you’ll put on vertically, and the last coat you’ll put on horizontally again. Let this dry completely.
- Next you’ll add your optional stickers/decals.
- Finally, you’ll add the optional stenciling. You can either stencil on the team name, or personalize it by adding their name. I will be using Dixie Belle Florida Orange for this part.
- When the stenciling is dry, you will add 3 coats of Dixie Belle Gator Hide over the stickers and stenciled name/team only. Follow the directions that come with the gator hide and let dry completely.
- Lastly, take a piece of chalk and season the rest of the tray. To season the tray – lay a piece of chalk on it’s side and rub the whole tv tray both vertically and horizontally. After this is done, wipe off with an eraser or paper towel.
This is a really cute idea. We often eat in the LR and my hubby uses a TV tray similar to the one you did. I think he’d get a kick out of having a table like this.
Thank you Linda, and knowing the sports fanatic he is I’ll bet you’re right π
What a great little project. This is a brilliant gift idea.
Thank you Elise, I can hardly wait to give it to my brother. I made one for his daughter for Christmas with a mermaid decal and her name. She loved it. π
I’m sure he’ll love it. Sometimes practical presents like this are the best!
Thank you Julie, and I definitely love useful gifts myself.
Such a fun update! I bet your brother will love it!
Thank you so much Angie
This turned out great!
Thank you so much
What a thoughtful gift for you brother. I know he will love it!
Thank you Paula, and can’t wait to see you at Haven
This is such a great way to upcycle a TV tray. Your brother is going to love it!
Thank you so much π
What a great idea and awesome gift!
Thank you so much
This is the perfect update for a tv tray. Right about now we are kicking ourselves – as we donated a set just a few months ago!
Thank you so much, oh no, I’m so sorry!
Your brother is going to love this Chas! Great idea.
Thank you so much Kim
This is such a thoughtful gift for your brother and such a wonderful idea!
Thank you so much
Super cute idea Chas…but I think I would opt for the NE Patriots stickers!!!
Thank you Jennifer and lol, I totally get it π
This new look is perfect for my husband. I bet your brother loved it. Thanks for the fresh idea!
Thank you so much Meegan π