Have you ever thought about spray painting your picture frames? It’s so easy and fast to spray paint metal and wood frames.
Since I am truly a serial re-decorator, I need to find inexpensive ways to make changes. Paint and spray paint are the best options for quick and dramatic results! The frame project started with my bedroom makeover a few months ago.
I was able to paint 16 frames for under $40! Without priming, you can repaint just about any picture frame. Really!
What My Frames Looked Like Before
In trying to lighten up the overall look of my bedroom, I used paint very effectively to change the entire look of the room.
This gallery wall is one of my favorite projects, but I could see that spray painting the picture frames would not only make the artwork look better but brighten the entire space.
Dark Walnut Frames Before
Originally, I looked at replacing the frames with new gold one but after adding up that expense it was going to be hundreds of dollars! That was definitely not in my makeover budget!
Spray paint is such and affordable way to change anything and I’ve had success with it in the past. It was time to find the “right” gold spray paint to work with the room.
Frames Spray Painted Champagne Gold
The frames I wanted to spray paint were both metal and wood – stained and painted. I was hopeful that spray paint was going to cover all of the materials. Guess what? It did!
After updating the frames, I ended up changing a few pieces of artwork. I’m so happy with the entire makeover of these frames and the gallery wall.
Champagne Gold trades up the entire look of the gallery wall.
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How-To Spray Paint Picture Frames
Here is my go to list for spray painting just about anything! In total I used 6 cans of spray paint for reference, so around $36 for all of those frames.
I included the scraper because it really is a handy tool around the house and is great for scraping any overspray on the glass.
Supplies for Spray Painting Frames
- Rustoleum Spray Gun
- Krylon Color Master Champagne Nouveau or color of your choice!
- Frog Tape
- Paint scraper
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Tape measure
- Cardboard
Plus I know we all shop on Amazon and have leftover cardboard, so that part is easy! If you don’t have a prime membership, trust me it’s worth it. Free shipping, free original TV series, and music make it worth it to me!
Krylon Spray Paint is a MUST!
This is a little hard for me to admit because I worked for Valspar for over 5 years, but I don’t love their spray paint when fast dry time is important. It covers beautifully, but dries EXTREMELY slowly which means letting it dry overnight between each coat.
The reason I am recommending Krylon spray paint for this project is because it dries to the touch in a half hour, which is perfect for a project like this.
Spray Gun on Spray Paint Can
If you’ve never owned a “spray gun”, it is SO much easier to use, your finger tip doesn’t go numb, and you get a more even spray pattern. A great investment that can be used over and over again – you can see mine is well loved 🙂
Step-By Step Spray Paint Instructions
- Test the color first! I just sprayed a little on a piece of paper to see if I liked it first.
- If you can, remove the artwork and glass to just spray the frame.
- Professionally frame artwork likely can’t be removed. To spray the frame cover the glass with wrapping paper and tape.
- Lay the frames on cardboard. I find a hard surface vs. a drop cloth insures a clean edge.
- Apply the 1st coat of spray paint on the face and the sides staying about 8 inches above and away from the frame.
- Let the 1st coat dry 1 hour.
- Apply the 2nd coat and let dry AT LEAST 3 hours before hanging.
Don’t worry if you get a little of the paint on the glass just scrape it off
Tips for Better Spray Paint Results!
- When taping it’s better to get spray paint on the glass vs. missing some of the frame. You can easily scrape off the paint from the glass versus touching up the paint on the frame.
- Invest in a spray gun, so you don’t get a tired finger and get EVEN coverage. It applies even pressure to the nozzle for a smoother finish.
- When using a spray gun, make sure the nozzle is centered before you spray. If you don’t, the paint will go into the side of the gun and drip on your project. Yes, I’ve had this happen and it’s not fun!
- Please make sure the cardboard extends about 2 feet beyond the frames. Spray paint floats and you don’t want to get any on the adjacent ground.
- Bend down and make sure the sides are as evenly coated as the face of the frame.
- Don’t worry if you miss any spots. Days later I took down some of the frames and applied one more coat.
- When spraying a large number of frames, spray paint up to 3 of the smaller frames and 2 of the larger frames at a time to make the project easier and go more quickly.
Pin It for Later!
Stop by and read all about how I spray painted drapery/curtain rods to match these frames! Another easy, fast, and inexpensive update.
Good luck on your next project and know any color you choose will work well and look beautiful!
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Until next time…
Porch Daydreamer
Tracey
Do you think this would also work on plastic frames? I’m looking for a way to update some larger inexpensive frames.
For plastic, I would buy spray primer and do that first before the color. Good luck!
Thank you!
Can you also tell me how you put the whole frame back together,( I have some frames that are missing the backing?
Love your idea, thanks
Glad you like this idea! The frames are all solid and most of the backs were held down by metal tabs. So I just had to remove and replace the glass and the backing. Not sure if that answers your question?