Distressed Picture Frames are a shabby chic must have. They are the perfect decorative accent complimenting both contemporary and traditional decorating styles. The downside to buying a distressed picture frame from retailers such as pottery barn and home decorators is the price tag that comes with it, so I’m going to show you a quick and easy tutorial to transform an inexpensive picture frame into a pottery barn look alike.
Here is what you need
- Picture Frame
- Paint (I prefer using spray paint)
- Sandpaper, fine grit
- Candle
- Clear Coat
If your frame has a glossy finish you’ll want to sand it a little to ensure the paint will stick. My picture frame didn’t need to be sanded so the first step for me was to rub candle wax on the frame in the areas that I would like to expose. This allows the paint to come off easier when sanding.
Next you will paint the picture frame. I used spray paint because it is easy and drys quick. After you paint your picture frame you will need to let it completely dry before moving to the next step (if you check on the paint can it should say the drying time).
Take your sandpaper and cut it into 4 squares, then fold one of the squares in half making a sharp point. Then start sanding in the areas that you put the candle wax. If you want your frame to look more distressed keep sanding until you get the amount of exposure that you want.
Once you have the perfect look apply a semi-gloss clear coat to seal in the paint.
Very cool! I love how the distressed frame turned out.
Love this-great instruction!
Jamie, thank you for checking out my blog! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the instructions! Let me know if you try it, I’d love to see pics of how it turns out!!
Where did you get the lovely picture in the frame? love it
Hi Bec, The picture I used is actually a note card. I bought a decorative box at TJ Maxx that came with note cards and I thought it was cute so I decided to frame it 🙂
Hi Jessica,
Love your blog. My question is, could I use the spray clear coat instead
of the can of polycrylic ? thanks
Hi Darleen, thank you so much!! I apologize for the delay, I just had my first child so i’ve been a little pre-occupied the past few weeks. With regards to your question, it depends on the type of paint you use, if you use spray paint to paint your frame then you can use a spray clear coat, but make sure that the spray paint is the same type of paint (both should be either acrylic or enamel) you can’t mix acrylic paint with enamel paint or it will cause the paint to peel off. I hope this helps 🙂 Thanks again for visiting my blog!! ~Jessica
My question is if you cover with the clear coat, will this not turn yellow over time? Was just wondering, like your site. Lot’s of good ideas. Thanks,
Evelyn
HI Evelyn, The clear coat hasn’t turned my picture frame yellow. It still looks exactly as it did when I first made it. It’s actually not necessary to put a clear coat on it, I have several pieces that i’ve distressed and left as is. It gives it a more “worn” look, if that makes sense! I hope this helps! ~Jessica
Hey Jessica! This is so cool and will help me a lot in decorating my new apartment! I’m wondering what color you used for your frame – is it gray? Thanks!
when and how do you put the wax’s on?
Hi Noy I put the wax on after I sanded the frame. I put it on with a candle. I just rubbed the candle against the frame in the places I wanted to distress. Basically the corners and then just randomly across the frame.
Do you have to use wax or can you just sand?
Hi Kayla, you can sand it. The wax just makes it easier to sand b/c the paint will come right off in the areas you apply the wax too, but it’s def. not a must! 🙂
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