How to Paint a Picture Frame With Chalk Paint

1. Gather All the Materials

   It's easiest to start a project with all tools and materials at the ready. It's a bummer when you start a project, establish a good pace, and realize you're out of a material or missing a tool; it disrupts your workflow and adds a lot of time to the project as you go out to the hardware store.

2. Remove the Glass and Artwork

   If possible, carefully remove the glass and artwork from the frame. Don't rush this step. If it's too risky to remove the fragile glass or delicate contents, keep the contents or artwork inside. Use painter's tape to tape off the glass if you aren't removing the contents, and use an artist's brush or smaller paintbrush (1-inch angle brush) when painting the edge where the frame meets the glass.

   Chalk spray paint can also be used for this project by covering the glass with painter's tape to protect it from overspray.

   Warning

   Old wavy glass breaks and chips easily and can cut you if you're not careful.

3. Prepare and Clean the Frame

   If the frame has peeling paint, use a medium grit sanding block to remove the peeling sections. A light sanding all over the frame is the best way to smooth out minor scratches. Paint adheres best to a slightly roughed-up surface. If the wood has large divots or scratches, use wood filler and the putty knife to fill in those spots. Allow the putty to dry thoroughly and give the area a gentle sanding to smooth it out.

   To clean the frame, use a damp cloth to wipe down the wood, removing the sanding dust. If necessary, you can use a mild, wood-safe cleanser. Make sure the frame is completely dry before painting.

4. Apply the First Coat of Paint

   Paint on a thin, even coat of chalk paint. Let it dry completely before proceeding.

5. Look for Drips Before Applying Another Coat

   Clean up any paint drips before they dry. The edges are especially prone to dripping paint. Minimize this by painting on thinner coats and wiping any excess paint away right away. After you paint the first coat, wait a few minutes and look closely for drips. Some drips might take a few minutes before they form. If you accidentally let paint drips dry, scrape away the drip as soon as you notice it, and start again. Once you have a smooth surface, allow each coat to dry completely.

6. Distressing the Picture Frame

   If you want to distress the picture frame and give it an antique or more rustic feel, this step is essential. If you like how your picture frame looks with a solid coat of chalk paint, then skip this step.

   Use a sanding block to scuff away the top coat of chalk paint lightly. The point is to show some of the wood grain or natural wood color underneath. No two frames will look alike, but if you want the aging to look natural, sand the corners and edges.

   Tip

   The grit of the sandpaper doesn't matter as much as the technique—start lightly and add more or less pressure depending on your desired result. In this example, this is a 120-grit sanding block.

7. Use a Wax Sealant to Protect the Finish

   Chalk paint is prone to smudging and scuffing if it is not sealed with wax or some other protective finish. Since most frames hang on a wall without being touched, you could get away without a wax sealer, but it works wonders for colors, making them look more saturated, and distressing will look more defined.

   Use a clean, lint-free rag and rub some wax into the grain using circular motions to apply the wax finish. Some finishes won't require a lot of sealing wax, and some pieces will need more. Use your best judgment to make sure the entire surface is covered. Once it's dry, get another rag and buff the surface to give it a smooth satin finish. 

8. Mount the Frame

   Once the wax dries and it's been buffed, it's done. Mount the frame and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The bright, yellow hue draws your eye to the art it encases; it lightens up the room and makes a statement.

   Your chalk paint adventures don't have to stop here. You can also use chalk paint to spruce up your candlesticks, refurbish an old end table, and so much more.

How to Keep Paint Looking Fresh

To maintain the look of the chalky finish, reapply sealing wax as needed. You can age the frames even more by applying a dark sealing wax after the clear sealing wax layer. If you decide you want to change the color completely, sand down the paint to the wood and apply a new chalky finish color by repeating the steps in this tutorial.