How to Paint Inside a Boxed Frame

Painting the frame is easier than deciding where to hang it.

Boxed frames are special wall display frames used to house three-dimensional objects or give a unique look to a painting or picture. You place the items inside the box through the back, and you can remove the back if you need to take out or replace the artwork. Leave the glass inside the frame and simply mask it off with masking tape. Spray-paint the frame with an aerosol paint formulated for the frame's particular material, whether it's wood, metal, plastic or glass.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch low-adhesive masking tape (blue)
• Utility knife
• Painter's plastic
• Wood block
• Spray paint, aerosol
• Paint respirator
• Eye goggles
• Screwdriver, hex or flat (optional)

Instructions

1. Locate the locking latches that hold the back of the box frame in place. Open the latches according to their design. Remove the back from the frame. Remove the frame's art contents. Tipping the frame right-side up often allows the contents to fall out. Catch the artwork with one of your hands.

2. Cover both sides of the glass inside the frame with low-adhesive masking tape. Make sure the edges where the tape meets with the boxed frame are tightly sealed. Press these edges down tightly with your fingertips. Tear or cut the tape with a utility knife until the glass is masked and no tape is overhanging the frame itself. Cover the outer surfaces of the boxed frame with masking tape as well if you're not going to paint them.

3. Take the frame to an outdoor location and lay a piece of painter's plastic on the ground. Set on the ground a wood block that is small enough to rest the glass on without touching the boxed frame. Set the frame down on the block so the backside of the frame is face up, with only the glass touching the block.

4. Shake a can of spray paint until the mixing ball rattles freely for a few minutes. Put on a paint respirator and eye goggles. Hold the can of paint 15 inches away from the frame and then spray the inside of the frame all over until it's completely covered. Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry, and then flip it over (if you're painting the outer frame) and spray-paint the outside. You may have to change the angle and distance of the can several times to ensure proper coverage. Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry, and then remove the masking tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold the paint can upside down after use and squeeze the spray nozzle until paint stops coming out and is replaced by compressed air. This cleans the nozzle between uses.

• Avoid spraying in one area too long, or paint drips, runs or sags may occur.

• You may need to use a screwdriver to remove the backside of the box frame.

• Make sure there is adequate cross-ventilation when you're using aerosol paints.

• Don't use spray paint near open flames, as aerosol paint is highly flammable.

• Do not breathe in aerosol paint vapors, as they are toxic.