How To Antique a Picture Frame

This method of antiquing uses glaze to create that aged look. I like it because it's hard to screw up. It also adds a lot of dimension to the picture frame and is good for toning down colors that may be a little too bold on their own. You can find antiquing glaze at Lowe's and other hardware stores for about $8-$9.


For this project I used:

Wood picture frame (thrift store)
Primer--(Valspar Red Oxide)
Paint (Rust-Oleum Satin Spray Paint in Heritage Red)
Antiquing glaze (Valspar in Asphaltum)
Clear coat* (Valspar Clear Sealer Gloss)
Paint brush
Rag or paper towels, slightly damp

*Use if desired. I didn't end up using it for this frame.

Directions

Prepare the frame by wiping off any dirt and debris.

Apply primer. Once dry, apply spray paint. It's better to do 2-3 thin coats than to make the first coat too thick. Allow the frame to dry completely.

Once the frame is dry, you're ready to glaze! Pour a couple of tablespoons of glaze into a bowl or cup.

Dip paint brush into the glaze and apply to the picture frame.



Once a small area is covered, go back and wipe away excess with a rag before it dries. Glaze has a very thin coinsistency, like really watered down paint, so it will wipe away easily. If you wipe away too much, just apply more.

Let the picture frame dry. You can seal with clear coat or just leave it as is, depending on the finish you want.

That's it! Wasn't that easy?

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