Decor and Craft

Vintage Picture Frames

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Three pale pink picture frames.

Painting vintage picture frames can give them a whole new look. If you're looking for an elegant, antiqued or distressed look, Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint is for you. Plus, it comes in a tintable base, allowing you to achieve the exact shade you want. Here's how we used it to paint our wood and metal picture frames.

  1. PREPARE: For wooden frames, lightly sand the surface and remove any dust with a tack cloth. On metal frames, if the existing paint is chipping or peeling, lightly sand those areas to remove the paint and smooth the surface. Then, wipe the frame down with a tack cloth.
  2. PRIME: To prime the frames with Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer spray, first shake the can for 1 minute after the ball begins to rattle. Then, hold the can 10-16" from the frames and spray in a steady, back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Apply 2-3 light coats a few minutes apart, and let the primer dry completely for 1 hour.
  3. PAINT: To apply your first coat of paint on the frame, shake your can of Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint in Gloss White for 1 minute after the mixing ball begins to rattle. Hold the can upright 10-16” from surface and spray in a steady, back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Apply two or more light coats a few minutes apart to avoid drips.
  4. Let the paint dry for about 15 minutes. Next, you'll apply your Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint paint in Blush Pink. To apply the chalked paint, first stir your can thoroughly with a stir stick. Then, use a drybrush technique to paint an even coat over the entire frame. After 30 minutes, apply a second coat using the same technique. Let the frame dry for 2 hours.
  5. DISTRESS: Once the paint is dry, you can distress it for a worn vintage look. If you choose to do so, use a fine to medium sandpaper and lightly sand, focusing on the edges and curves of the frame.
  6. FINISH: Once the frame has been dry for at least 8 hours, wipe it clean with a tack cloth and apply 1-2 even coats of Rust-Oleum Chalked Protective Topcoat for added durability. Let the frame dry completely for 24 hours before use. Now you’re ready to hang your painted frames on the wall or display them on a table.

Other Materials:

  • Wood and/or Metal Picture Frames
  • Sandpaper
  • Paintbrush
  • Tack Cloth

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