How to Paint Picture Frames With Metallic Glaze

Freshen up your boring picture frames with metallic paint.

After awhile, your picture frames and other decorations get boring. Instead of throwing everything away and buying all new decorations, recycle the ones you already have. Picture frames are ideal canvases for novice crafters and experienced crafters. Sprucing your picture frames up with a metallic glaze brings an entirely new look to your decorating scheme.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Fine-tipped artists' brush
• Thick artists' brush
• Metallic paint
• Newspaper
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Lay down newspaper on a flat surface such as a kitchen table or counter. This keeps the table safe from paint spills.

2. Remove the back of the frame and set aside. Apply a base coat on the picture frame. Whether you have a metal or a wooden frame, you must apply a base coat, such as a primer.

3. Dip your fine-pointed paint brush in the primer. Wipe off any excess primer on the edge of the paint can or paint tray. Start with the inner edges of the frame, closest to the glass. Turn the frame sideways and hold it in one hand. Apply the primer to the inner edges of the frame. Wipe off any primer that gets on the glass with a paper towel.

4. Dip your thicker brush in the primer. Paint the front of the frame and the outer edges. Let the primer dry for at least 30 minutes.

5. Turn the frame over and paint the back of the frame with the primer.

6. Wash out the brushes with warm, soapy water. Gently dry the brushes with a paper towel.

7. Dip the fine-pointed paint brush in the metallic glaze. Hold the frame sideways and paint the inner edges of the frame. Wipe off excess glaze on the glass with a clean paper towel.

8. Turn the frame over. Dip the thicker brush in the metallic glaze and paint the back of the frame. Let the back dry for 24 hours.

9. Dip the thicker brush in the metallic glaze and paint the front of the frame, as well as the outer edges. Let the paint dry for 24 hours.

10. Repeat until you achieve the color you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Use primer or base coats designed for the type of surface you are painting. Use a metal primer for metal frames and all purpose primer for wood or plastic.

• Get creative and use sponges instead of brushes. This creates a different decorative effect on the frame.

• For touch ups on already-painted frames, apply a small amount of metallic paint to your fine tipped brush. Gently dab the paint on the desired area.

• Never add another coat of paint onto a still tacky surface.

References

• Valspar Global: Metallic Techniques

Resources

• Elder One Stop: Picture Frame Crafts