Thrifted or forgotten frames is the ultimate budget-friendly DIY project.

Here is your step-by-step guide to mastering the art of painting old frames!

1. Prep Like a Pro

Before reaching for the paintbrush, you need to prep.

• Disassemble: Remove the hanging hardware, backing, and glass/art so you are left with just the wooden frame shell.
• Clean: Wipe it down thoroughly with a damp cloth or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove decades of grime.
• Sand: Use coarse 60-grit sandpaper to strip away old, peeling paint, then smooth it out with 120-grit.
• Wipe Clean: Use a tack cloth to remove every last speck of dust.

2. Choose Your Paint

The type of paint you select will set the mood for your finished frame.

• Chalk Paint: Perfect for that beloved farmhouse look. The best part? It rarely requires a primer.
• Acrylic Wall or Trim Paint: Great for a clean, sleek finish. Just make sure to apply a good oil-based primer first so it properly adheres to the old wood.
• Metallic Spray Paint: The fastest, most budget-friendly way to make a frame look classically vintage without a ton of brushwork.

3. Apply the Paint

If you are using a brush, apply light, even strokes, making sure to push the paint into all the little crevices of ornate molding. If spray-painting, do so outdoors and apply 2-3 thin coats to avoid drips. Let the frame dry for at least 8 to 24 hours depending on the product instructions.

4. Distress and Add Character

This is where the magic happens! To make a frame look genuinely time-worn and vintage, you can easily distress it.

• Sandpaper Method: Lightly sand the edges and raised details where natural wear and tear would occur over the years.
• Dry Brushing: Take a small, stiff brush, dip it fully in paint, and then wipe almost all of it off on a paper plate. Lightly brush the raised areas of the frame to add gorgeous depth and highlight the details.
• Waxing: Smoosh a clear or colored gilding wax into both the high and low parts of the frame using a brush or your finger to give it an antique luster.

5. Reassemble and Hang

Once completely dry, clean the glass with a lint-free cloth and secure your artwork or mirror into the mount. Reinforce the back with fresh flat tacks and consider adding heavy-duty D-ring hangers with braided hanging wire to ensure a professional, secure hold on your wall.