How to Make a Distressed Copper Leaf Frame

Every person wants their house to look unique. From the curtains to the furniture you have in your home, you want it to reflect a sense of personal artistic taste and style. Take a simple picture frame and turn it into a work of art. Paints and dyes can create fascinating distressed finishes on wood.

Things You'll Need

• newspaper, Empty Wooden Frame, painter's tape, Latex Paint, gloves, lead adhesive, small artist brush, 8 to 10 copper leaf squares 4 x 4 inch. Soft cloth, heavy duty chemical solution, water, sodium sulfate, craft stick, small sea sponge, plastic trash bag, paper towels, water based polyurethane finish, soft bristle brush

Instructions

Preparing your frame

1. Remove the glass from the the picture frame and set it aside. Lay down several layers of newspaper to work on and make sure that the room you are working in is well ventilated.

2. Wearing your disposable gloves take the artist brush and brush on the leaf adhesive onto the whole frame in even strokes. Allow the mixture to set for around 45 minutes

3. Apply the copper leaf by laying them onto the surface of the frame. Leave small areas uncovered by the copper leaf so that the base color of the frame shows through.

4. Brush over the leaf with a soft bristle brush. Then smooth the surface with a soft rag.

5. Remove any excess leaf from the frame

Working with the Chemicals

1. Put on your chemical resistant gloves. Take an old glass dish dissolve 1 tablespoon of sodium sulfate in a small amount of water

2. Dissolve the granules, work in a well ventilated area there will be a sulfuric smell.

3. Take a small sea sponge and take small dabs to apply to the frame, Leave some of the area untouched. If the chemical reaction becomes over powering, rinse the piece with water and pat it dry. Use a garden hose outside.

4. Allow the solution to set overnight.

5. Finishing up dispose of all chemicals properly. Dispose of the bowl, the sponge and any remaining solution. Wrap them in newspaper, then put them into the plastic trash bag.

6. Replace your glass and your favorite picture and set the frame up on a mantle for everyone to see.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pour the leftover solution down your sink. Dispose of all material in a safe manner. Work in a well ventilated area.