How to Make Rolling Trays: DIY Guide for Custom Rolling Trays at Home

How to Make Rolling Trays: Complete DIY Guide

Making your own custom rolling trays is a rewarding DIY project that lets you create personalized pieces for yourself or as gifts. Whether you want to make rolling trays with pictures, use epoxy resin, or create simple painted designs, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

What You Need to Make Rolling Trays

Before starting your DIY rolling tray project, gather these essential materials:

Basic Materials

Base tray: Small metal or wooden trays (5x7" to 7x11")
Sandpaper: 220-400 grit for surface prep
Primer: Metal or wood primer depending on base
Paint: Acrylic or spray paint
Sealer: Clear coat or epoxy resin

For Picture Rolling Trays

High-resolution printed images
Mod Podge or decoupage medium
Transfer paper (optional)
Clear epoxy resin for sealing

For Epoxy Rolling Trays

Two-part epoxy resin kit
Mixing cups and stir sticks
Gloves and protective gear
Heat gun or torch for bubbles
Pigments or dyes (optional)

You can find blank metal trays at craft stores or through wholesale suppliers. For professional results, consider ordering blank rolling trays in bulk.

How to Make Custom Rolling Trays: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Painted Rolling Trays (Easiest)

Perfect for beginners who want to make rolling trays at home without epoxy:

Prepare the Surface
- Clean the tray thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol
- Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper
- Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth
Apply Primer
- Use metal primer for metal trays
- Apply thin, even coats
- Let dry completely (2-4 hours)
Paint Your Design
- Use acrylic paint or spray paint
- Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat
- Let each coat dry 30 minutes
- Use stencils for precise designs
Seal the Surface
- Apply 2-3 coats of clear polyurethane
- Allow 24 hours for full curing
- Buff with fine steel wool for smooth finish

Method 2: How to Make Rolling Trays with Pictures

Create personalized rolling trays with custom photos or artwork:

Print Your Images
- Use high-quality photo paper
- Print at actual tray size
- Consider waterproof ink if available
Prepare the Tray
- Clean and sand as in Method 1
- Apply white primer for better image visibility
- Let dry completely
Apply the Image
- Brush thin layer of Mod Podge on tray
- Carefully place image face-down
- Smooth out all air bubbles
- Let dry overnight
Seal with Resin (recommended)
- Mix two-part epoxy according to instructions
- Pour thin layer over entire tray
- Use heat gun to remove air bubbles
- Let cure 24-48 hours

For professional photo printing on rolling trays, MunchMakers offers full-color UV printing services.

How to Make Rolling Trays with Epoxy

Epoxy resin creates a glass-like finish that's durable and professional:

Preparing for Epoxy Work

Safety First:

Work in well-ventilated area
Wear nitrile gloves
Protect work surface with plastic
Keep away from heat sources

Step-by-Step Epoxy Process

Prepare Your Base
- Prime and paint tray if desired
- Ensure surface is completely dry
- Level your work surface (use bubble level)
Mix Epoxy Resin
- Follow manufacturer's ratios exactly (usually 1:1)
- Mix slowly to avoid bubbles
- Stir for 3-5 minutes minimum
- Let sit 5 minutes to release trapped air
Pour the Resin
- Pour slowly from center of tray
- Let resin naturally spread to edges
- Use stir stick to guide to corners
- Don't over-pour - surface tension holds it in
Remove Air Bubbles
- Pass heat gun 6-8 inches above surface
- Or use torch briefly (3-4 seconds)
- Check every 10 minutes for first hour
Cure and Finish
- Cover loosely to prevent dust
- Let cure per manufacturer instructions (usually 24-72 hours)
- Sand edges smooth with 400-grit sandpaper
- Buff with polishing compound if desired

Adding Design Elements to Epoxy

Colors: Mix in resin pigments or alcohol inks
Glitter: Add in thin layers between pours
Photos: Embed between two resin layers
Objects: Seal dried flowers, stickers, etc.

How to Make Rolling Trays Without Epoxy

If you want to avoid epoxy resin:

Acrylic Sealer Method
- Paint your design
- Apply 5-6 coats of clear acrylic sealer
- Sand between coats with 400-grit paper
- Finish with paste wax
Polyurethane Method
- More durable than acrylic
- Use water-based for clarity
- Apply 3-4 coats
- Sand between coats for glass-like finish
Vinyl Decal Method
- Design graphics in Cricut or Silhouette
- Apply adhesive vinyl
- Seal with clear coat
- Easiest method for text and logos

For high-quality custom graphics, pair your DIY tray with professional custom rolling papers from MunchMakers.

How to Make Personalized Rolling Trays

Ideas for Personalization

Name or Initials
- Use vinyl letter stickers
- Hand paint with stencils
- Engrave if using wood base
Photos and Memories
- Wedding photos
- Pet pictures
- Favorite band or artist
- Travel memories
Themed Designs
- Sports teams
- Gaming characters
- Abstract art
- Nature scenes
Business Branding
- Company logo
- Product promotion
- Event giveaway

For business needs, professional custom rolling trays offer better consistency and bulk pricing.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs Custom Orders

DIY Rolling Tray Costs

Blank metal tray: $2-5
Paint and supplies: $20-30
Epoxy resin kit: $25-40
Tools (one-time): $15-25
Total per tray: $8-15 (first tray higher)
Time investment: 3-5 hours plus curing

Professional Custom Trays

Custom rolling trays (50+ units): $3-8 each
Professional printing included
Consistent quality
Time investment: Zero
Free mockups and design help

For personal projects, DIY is fun. For business or events, wholesale rolling trays save time and money.

Common DIY Rolling Tray Mistakes

Not Preparing Surface
- Always clean and sand
- Oils prevent adhesion
Rushing the Process
- Let each coat fully dry
- Rushing causes peeling
Using Too Much Resin
- Follow measurements exactly
- Too much creates drips
Skipping Sealer
- Unprotected paint wears quickly
- Always seal final product
Poor Ventilation
- Epoxy fumes are harmful
- Work outdoors or with fan

Tips for Better DIY Rolling Trays

Surface Preparation

Clean with rubbing alcohol, not water
Sand in circular motions
Remove all dust before painting

Painting Tips

Thin coats prevent runs
Use spray paint for even coverage
Tape off edges for clean lines

Epoxy Tips

Room temperature affects cure time
Level surface prevents pooling
Cover but don't seal during curing

Design Ideas

Test designs on paper first
Use reference images
Keep it simple for first projects

Scaling Up: Making Multiple Trays

If you're making several trays:

Batch Your Process
- Prep all trays at once
- Paint in batches
- Pour epoxy on multiple trays
Create Templates
- Make reusable stencils
- Standard designs save time
- Consistent sizing
Consider Going Pro
- At 20+ trays, professional production becomes cost-effective
- Better quality control
- Professional packaging available

Pairing Your DIY Tray with Smoking Accessories

Complete your custom setup with quality accessories:

Custom Grinders: Match your tray with branded grinders
Rolling Papers: Custom papers for complete branding
Lighters: Custom lighters complement your tray
Gift Sets: Create complete gift packages

When to DIY vs Order Custom

Choose DIY When:

Making 1-5 personal trays
Enjoy crafting as a hobby
Want completely unique design
Have time for the process

Order Professional When:

Need 20+ trays
Require consistent quality
Business or promotional use
Want specific features (LED, magnetic)

Get Professional Results

While DIY rolling trays are fun projects, professional custom rolling trays offer:

Consistent quality across large orders
Professional printing techniques
Specialty materials (LED, magnetic)
Bulk pricing that beats DIY costs
Zero time investment
Free design mockups

Request a free mockup to see your design professionally printed on quality rolling trays.

Ready to Create?

Whether you're making rolling trays at home for personal use or considering professional custom trays for your business, you now have everything you need to get started.

For DIY projects, gather your materials and follow our step-by-step guides. For business needs, browse our custom rolling tray collection to see what's possible with professional production.

Have questions about custom printing, minimum orders, or design options? Contact MunchMakers for expert guidance on your rolling tray project!