Beginner DIY: Red Chalk Paint Wooden Frame Makeover

Wooden picture frames are a great home decor accessory, but they can be pricey.

Update a bargain priced one from a thrift shop with some red chalk paint to add a pop of color to your home. It's an easy DIY that any beginner can handle.

Happy first Saturday of spring, friends! Woo hoo!

I can't tell you how excited I am that the seasons have changed. That the sun sets an hour later.

That the birds are chirping outside my window.

That the forsythias and daffodils are blooming.

There's a bounce in my step and whole lot of spring crafting and decorating around here.

I've been collecting thrift items and craft supplies for months in anticipation of the warmer weather and today I'm sharing one of my favorites.

It's a thrift store makeover that I completed in a flash.

It was only $5.99 and now, it's red.


Easy, inexpensive and my favorite color.

It's literally the perfect Exquisitely Unremarkable DIY.

Plus, it's ready just in time for another installment of the Do It Over Designers hop, hosted by my good friend, Ann from The Apple Street Cottage.

Before we get to that though, let's talk about this frame and why I chose to share such a basic makeover.


When I stumbled upon it, it was in great condition and, as I said the price and size were right.

The only thing wrong with it, was the color.

Which is always an easy fix.

So easy, as a matter of fact, that I almost wasn't going to feature the process. I mean it's just paint.

However.

Once I thought about it, I realized that while I do share a lot of relatively simple makeovers, I still hear from people, on a daily basis, "that they could never do...that".

Even when it is just paint.

So today, I'm here to say, oh yes you could. 

Trust me, I don't possess any special skills and I'm not an expert on any one particular crafting technique. I just figure, what's the worst that could happen? And then I dive in. 

It's an adventure.

And you don't need to have furniture transfers, decoupage, a sewing machine or even a glue gun to completely transform an item. 

Sometimes all you need is paint.

So that is why I chose to share this very basic craft.

To demonstrate the process and encourage you to give it a try if you've never done it before...and with a wood frame, since they're inexpensive, readily available at thrift shops, yard sales and in clearance aisles.

And you can never have too many.

How To Paint A Wooden Frame 

Here's where I started. 

Blue. Lovely, but in this house it just didn't fit in my crimson kissed cottage.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

I started by gathering my supplies. Luckily I had them all on hand. 

• Chalk paint
• Paint brushes
• Satin sealer (you can also use matte or high gloss)
• Plastic or wax paper work surface
  
  

However, everything I'm using can easily be picked up at the hardware store and the chalk paint is available online or you can find it at craft stores or local specialty shops.

You could also use mineral paint. Again, no prep required, it bonds well and it has a very durable surface.

Step 2: Prep Your Work Area

I don't have a special craft area. More proof that anyone can DIY anywhere.

I use my kitchen table, but I cover it with either dollar store plastic tablecloths, or packing paper with wax paper over it.

I like the waxy/ plastic surfaces, because my wet paint won't stick to them as it dries.

There's nothing worse than having to peel dry paper away from your new paint job. Not good, trust me.

Step 3: Prep Your Frame

This is why I love chalk paint. There really isn't much prep at all.

I don't sand or prime the surface. I just use a little vinegar and water to wipe away any dirt, dust or debris that's settled on the surface and then allow the frame to dry.

This is true whether my frame is already painted, unfinished wood or I'm painting over stained wood.

Chalk paint is very forgiving and covers like a dream.

Step 4: Remove The Glass From The Frame

Easy enough, right?

It may require a screwdriver, depending on your particular frame backing, but generally there's a few brackets to slide over and the backing and glass will pop right out.

Step 5: Paint

Again, nothing complicated here. I grab my favorite red chalk paint and go.


A lot of times, I don't even pour the paint into a new container. I paint straight out of the jar.

I dip my brush in and then apply the paint in long even strokes until the entire surface is covered.

Occasionally, chalk paint can get a slightly dry.

If that happens, you can dip your brush into a tiny bit of water and keep working, or you can use a misting spray bottle to keep the paint active, like I did when I painted my red table.


On a project this size, where I'm working on a small frame, I've never needed water. However, it's good to be aware that it could happen.

Step 6: Let It Dry In Between Coats

After the first coat, I set my frame aside until it's completely dry.


I also pop my wet paintbrush into a ziploc baggie so it stays wet and ready for the next coat.

Step 7: Add A Second Coat

This step may be unnecessary based on what you're painting and the look you're trying to achieve. 

I was covering a dark blue paint with red. A second coat was a must.

However, if you're a painting a frame that has been previously painted and you want the original color to bleed through a little, one coat may be enough.

The same goes if your frame is stained with a dark wood and you want some of that rustic patina give your frame an aged look.

There are no rules here, it's basically a judgement call.

Step 8: Seal The Painted Frame

I'm not a fan of wax, I like to seal my chalk painted items with a clear, satin sealer.

I simply brush on one coat and let it dry.

Step 9: Add Your Artwork

The last step in any frame makeover project is putting it all back together and adding your artwork.

I washed the glass then popped my picture inside and secured the back.

I chose to make my own design, but there are tons of free printables online that will coordinate with your decor.

Of course, you may already have a photo or print on hand to fill your new frame.

That fabulous new piece of home decor that you madeover yourself.

See? I told you it was easy.

No special skills required.

All you need is the desire to DIY.

Well, that and an old frame.

😉

What color will you paint one?


And now let's hop!! There's tons of good stuff in store, just click on the links below.

Don't forget to say hello and tell them I sent you over.


Happy Hopping Friends!!