Empty Picture-Frame Wall Grouping

Who needs art? Make a bold statement with empty, colorful picture frames.
Picture Frame Wall Art

Empty Picture Frames Against Striped Wall

Create empty pictures frames by shopping at garage sales and thrift stores to gather an assortment of picture frames varying in size, shape and texture. Remove any artwork or photos, then cut and remove picture wire using screwdriver and wire cutters.

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • assorted picture frames
  • painter's tape
  • drop cloth
  • roll of contractor paper
  • pencil or marker
  • hammer
  • nails
  • tape measure
  • notepad and pencil
  • spray primer
  • high-gloss spray paint
  • wire cutters
  • screwdriver
  • damp cloth
  • clip-on spray paint handle

Empty Frames and Remove Picture Wire

To ensure a well-collected look, shop garage sales and thrift stores to gather an assortment of picture frames varying in size, shape and texture. Remove any artwork or photos, then cut and remove picture wire using screwdriver and wire cutters. Cover work area with drop cloth.

Measure Wall

Use tape measure to determine height and width of wall on which frames will be hung. Jot measurements down on notepad using pencil.

Create Layout Template

Roll contractor paper out on a long, flat surface. Play with the frames' layout until you have decided on the placement. Trace each frame's dimensions onto paper using pencil or marker. Identify each frame by adding a piece of numbered painter's tape to the back. Tip: For uniformity, leave approximately the same amount of space between each frame.

Update With Color

Before painting, remove dust with damp cloth. Attach spray handle to spray paint can and add a light coat of spray primer. Once primer is dry to the touch, attach spray handle to high-gloss finish color, giving each frame two smooth coats. Tip: For an even finish, maintain a distance of eight inches between frame and spray paint nozzle.

Paint Empty Frames For Wall Grouping

Spray Paint the Frames

Before painting, remove dust with damp cloth. Attach spray handle to spray paint can and add a light coat of spray primer. Once primer is dry to the touch, attach spray handle to high-gloss finish color, giving each frame two smooth coats. Tip: For an even finish, maintain a distance of eight inches between frame and spray paint nozzle.

Hang Template

Once frames are dry, hang paper layout template on wall using painter's tape. Hold each numbered frame up to its corresponding area on template. Determine proper placement of nails using tape measure. Mark the nail hole through the template by gently tapping the tip of a nail through paper.

Hang Frames

Remove template, hammer picture nails fully into marked holes and hang frames.

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