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How to tile a breakfast tray

A DIY tray with mosaic tiles after a sealer has been applied.

Overview

Breakfast in bed is extra special when you serve it on a stylish tiled and painted D.I.Y. tray. We’ve kept this project simple by using a crazy-pave style of mosaics that eliminates the need to cut tiles to fit. We’re also using a ready-to-go combination adhesive-and-grout formula that saves on messy mixing.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (a mask, safety glasses and disposable gloves, for example) and follow the product or equipment instructions.

Steps

  1. 1

    Paint the tray

    Working on a drop sheet, seal an MDF serving tray using a small 38mm brush to apply two coats of water-based enamel paint, leaving to dry after each coat.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Paint the underside first, leave it to dry, and then finish the top and sides.
    A woman wearing disposable gloves paints a tray with water-based enamel paint.
  2. 2

    Plan your mosaic tiles

    Position two sheets of mosaics on the base of the tray, cutting the mesh with a utility knife to remove tiles that don’t fit and using the offcuts to fill in any gaps.

    A woman places mosaic tiles onto a tray and cuts off extra tiles.
  3. 3

    Prepare the tray for tiling

    Run 48mm-wide painters’ tape around the inside of the tray, about 12mm up from the base. This is to keep the sides clean. Spread a layer of combination adhesive-and-grout mix 10mm-deep over the base of the tray with a small notched trowel.

    A woman applies masking tape to the sides of a breakfast tray.
  4. 4

    Tile the base of the tray

    Position the tiles and press them into place. Squeeze more adhesive-and-grout mix over the surface. Working in one direction only, smooth it into the gaps and around the edges with a small rubber squeegee. Leave it to firm up for 15 minutes.

    A woman applies an adhesive-and-grout mix over the surface of a tray.
  5. 5

    Remove excess grout and leave to dry

    Remove excess grout with a damp sponge, continually rinsing it in a bucket of clean water and wringing to remove excess moisture. Remove the painters' tape and leave to dry overnight. 

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Avoid catching the grout between the gaps by wiping in one direction only with a damp sponge until the tiles are clean. If grout smudges out of the gaps, wait another 10 minutes before sponging.
    A woman removes excess grout from a tray using a damp cloth
  6. 6

    Finish the tiles with a sealer

    Polish the tiles with a clean, dry cloth to remove the grout haze that forms. Apply two even coats of grout-and-tile sealer, leaving to dry thoroughly after each coat. 

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Using an aerosol application ensures a protective finish that dries fast.
    A DIY tray with mosaic tiles after a sealer has been applied.
  7. 7

    Keep in mind:

    • Always work in a well-ventilated area and always wear the appropriate safety equipment when using aerosols.
    • When applying paint, use plastic wrap to seal the brush between coats to prevent it from drying out.
    • Do not place food directly on the sealed tiles; always use a plate.
  8. 8

    Create a table to hold your tray

    Learn how to make a colourful D.I.Y. terrazzo table to put your tray on.

     

    Photo credit: Richard Weinstein

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.