Flea markets and thrift stores are great places to find good frames. But sometimes you have to look closely to see their potential. With a few paint techniques and some fun decorating ideas, you can make an old frame an elegant part of your home.
Materials:
wooden frame
paint or spray paint (your choice of colors)
painter's tape
old towel
paintbrushes
chalk paint (optional)
sandpaper (optional)
Steps:
- Choose a frame that is wooden with some kind of detail in the trim. Avoid plastic and metal frames which are usually cheaply constructed. Clean it well to remove any grease and grime.
- Paint the entire frame and let it dry. Tape off any areas that you want to remain the base coat with painter's tape.
- Apply various topcoats of colors you like and then immediately rub some off with a towel so several colors show through.
- Let the frame dry and see what you think.
- You can add more paint or use sandpaper to rub off some color and even get down to the raw wood.
- To bring out the natural highlights and texture of the frame, apply chalk paint.
Fun decorating ideas for frames:
- You may also want to accent the frame with gold paint. Use a dry brush and lightly brush on color with long sweeping strokes. Another trick is to splatter some color onto the frame. Use a stiff brush or even an old toothbrush.
- If you don't have a picture the frame size, use a frame to "frame" another picture on the wall. The frames should have the same proportion. If the wall is painted a color, it will look like a mat around the picture.
- Nail the frames flat against a wall and then paint them the same color as the wall. They'll look like interesting wall trim. Be sure to remove the hardware in the back so the frame lies flat.
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