Step-by-Step Guide: Frame Painting Ideas for a Fresh New Look
Do you have old photo frames or wall art frames stored in your house? Let’s give them a little makeover with some fun and easy frame painting ideas.
These projects are perfect for transforming your old frames into unique pieces that can be part of a stunning gallery wall.
In this guide, I will walk you through three different frame DIY projects that will help you refresh your home decor.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
Table of contents
Tools and Materials:
- Old photo frames or wall art frames
- Small paintbrushes
- Craft paint
- Spray paint
- Peel and stick wallpaper
- Plastic cup and water
- Foam brush
- Paint pens
- Pen or pencil
- Scrap of wallpaper or any artwork
- Painter’s tape
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Refreshing an Old Frame with Craft Paint
1. Prepare the Frame
For your first frame, start by removing the mat from the frame. Use painter’s tape to tape off sections of the frame. You can be symmetrical or asymmetrical with the taped-off sections.
With a small paintbrush, brush craft paint onto the exposed areas of the frame.
Don’t forget to paint the sides of the frame as well.
Apply a couple of coats for a solid finish or leave it with just one coat to let some of the original frame color show through.
2. Add Detail to the Mat
Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape.
If needed, touch up any areas with your brush and then reinsert the mat into the frame.
Using the painted blocks on the frame as a guide, lightly paint a broken line onto the mat extending from the painted blocks.
3. Add Artwork
Take some artwork or a scrap of wallpaper in a coordinating color and tape it to the backside of the frame with painter’s tape.
Enjoy the unique patterns you’ve created on this frame.
Creating a Neutral Frame with a Pattern
1. Spray the Frame
For your second frame, start by spray-painting the frame in a neutral color. I chose bright white for this makeover.
2. Draw the Pattern
Use a quarter to draw a pattern on the outer edge of the frame. Lay half the quarter on the edge of the frame and trace around it with a pen or pencil.
Repeat this around the entire perimeter.
2. Paint the Pattern
With a small paintbrush and craft paint, outline the curvy pattern and fill in the space on the frame. Be sure to paint over your pen or pencil tracing lines.
3. Add Wallpaper
For this frame, I used a sheet of peel and stick wallpaper from the dollar store. Since this photo frame didn’t have a mat, I simply opened the frame, peeled the wallpaper, and stuck it to the inside of the frame.
Next, I cut off the remainder of the wallpaper.
Close up the frame and you are left with instant wall art!
Creating a Watercolor Effect on a Gold Frame
1. Spray the Frame
For the last frame, start by giving an old gold frame a dusting of spray paint.
2. Create the Watercolor Mat
Pour some craft paint into a plastic cup, add water, and mix thoroughly.
With a foam brush, use the watered-down paint to paint the mat.
Variation of color is encouraged to achieve a watercolor effect.
3. Assemble the Frame
Once the mat is dry, put it back into the frame.
Tape a piece of bold wallpaper to the back of the frame.
Flip the frame over.
With a paint pen, draw a pattern on the mat that reflects the artwork.
And that's our final painted frame finished!
Need More Frame Makeover Ideas?
Frame Painting Ideas
Now that your frames are complete, display them as part of a gallery wall.
These frame ideas will surely add a personalized touch to your home decor.
Give it a try and see how you can transform your frames with just a bit of paint and creativity.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?