HOW TO TRANSFORM OLD PICTURE FRAMES

Learn how to transform old picture frames in this quick and easy tutorial! This project is for anyone and the frames can help add a little bit of texture and warmth to any wall in your home.

When we moved into our current home, we didn’t have any furniture or décor to bring except whatever our parents wanted to give us. Filling a new home can be quite expensive, so I was looking for ways to save money on different areas.

I love photos and memories, but I also love a cohesive, refreshing look. Photos should act as décor when they are on display, so they still look nice with everything in your home. 

I decided I wanted 3 photo frames on each side of our fireplace. One large frame and two smaller ones. 

Frames can be expensive, so I remembered my grandma had a few old frames, and I thought about painting them. The largest frames she had were 8x10s, so I also went to a thrift store and ended up finding 2 larger matching wooden frames. (Not all the frames I had were wood.)

I gave all the frames a coat of paint, added homemade mats, and 5×7 photos to all of them. I think the whole projet cost me under $15.

WHAT PAINT TO USE TO TRANSFORM PICTURE FRAMES

I used white chalk paint on my frames because I already had it. It gave a soft look to them. The coats were not perfect, but I wanted that worn look.

You really could use any type of paint, even spray paint, to update old picture frames and make them all the same color. 

TIPS FOR TRANSFORMING PICTURE FRAMES

• Use a paint brush over a roller for this project
• Choose a color that compliments the rest of your decor
• If you are going for a rustic or farmhouse look, know that the paint job does not have to be perfect
• Make sure to choose a photo size before cutting the mat

WHAT ABOUT PICTURE FRAMES WITH MORE DETAIL

Having more detail on your frames just gives a little more texture. You can even make them look a little more antique looking by wiping the wet paint gently with a rag on the raised areas of the frame. The color underneath will peak through, giving it a worn look.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR TRANSFORMING PICTURE FRAMES

• Frames
• Paint
• Paint Brush
• White Posterboard
• Exacto Knife
• Pictures
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Tape

HOW TO GIVE OLD PICTURE FRAMES A MAKEOVER

Start by cleaning your frame. Make sure all the dust and dirt are wiped off.

Stir your paint, and start applying. Brush on as many coats as desired.

While the frame or frames are drying, lay out your poster board.

Once you cut your poster board to the frame size, use your ruler to find the middle of the poster. (Noting that you don’t have to use the center, but that is what I chose to do.)

Once you mark the center of where you want your photo to be, use your pencil and ruler to draw the lines where you are going to cut. *Make sure the rectangle is SMALLER than the actual photo.

Make sure your poster is on a surface such as a cutting board, and use your exacto knife and ruler to cut along the lines you just drew. (Try not to go past the corners. You can always go further if needed, but can’t take it back.)

After you cut your rectangle out, place your photo inside the opening, and use tape to secure photo into place.

Transfer mat and photo into frame, and secure backing.

PICTURE TIP

Remember that your photos don’t have to be in color. You can try black and white, sepia, or even an evergreen. There are a lot of photo apps out there that can help you adjust the color.

PIN IT FOR LATER

CHECK OUT MORE WAYS TO TRANSFORM WITH PAINT

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