How To: Colorful Picture Frame Makeover Project

Colorful Picture Frame Makeover Project styled above a pink desk

Colorful home decor doesn’t have to break the budget. Like with this colorful picture frame makeover project, sometimes all you need is a bit of DIY magic to make something fit your design style.

I thrifted this art for $10, but the black frame just wasn’t a fit for my home. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, I just tend to gravitate toward colorful decor. So I decided to change it!

Here’s how you can makeover any frame with a bit of paint:

Head on over to my YouTube channel to see the full frame makeover project!

Reasons to Makeover a Frame From the Thrift Store

Affordability! Most frames at the thrift store are sold for a fraction of something new.
Sustainability. Why buy new when we can use what’s already out there? Sometimes pieces just need a bit of love.
Customization. With a thrifted frame, you can change it over however you’d like. Take a risk and go bold!

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Materials

I thought I would need to use my chop saw to make the cuts, but it turns out that miter shears are perfect for this project. This was my first time using this tool, and it won’t be my last!

How to Cut Moulding

For the measurements, I used the existing frame as a guide. I lined the moulding up with the frame, and marked the joints with a pencil.

I set my miter shears to a 45 degree angel, aligned the moulding, and cut. Depending on where the pieces would fit on the frame, I changed the direction of the angel on the shears, making sure it was still at 45 degrees.

The best part of using the shears to cut this type of trim is that if I was a fraction of a bit off, I could go back in and make smaller cuts. Keep in mind, the moulding I used was 1/4 in. x 1/2 in.

Any rough imperfections on the ends can be sanded out with 120 grit sandpaper.

sanding and glueing trim onto a picture frame

Adding Moulding to a Frame

Once my pieces were all cut to size, it was time to glue them in place.

I applied a thin layer of super glue made for wood to the frame, and then placed the moulding on top. If you already have regular super glue at home, that should work just fine.

When everything was in place, I let dry overnight on a flat surface. This will ensure that the moulding stays in place for the next steps.

Filling Gaps with Wood Filler

Because this is a DIY project, there’s bound to be imperfections. But that’s why there’s wood filler! If you should have any gaps where the pieces of trim meet, just add in a bit of wood filler.

Apply a thin layer with your finger and then wipe of excess with a paper towel. Let dry and repeat if necessary (wood filler tends to sink in when dry).

Once the wood filler was completely dry, I sanded the entire frame with the same 120 grit sandpaper block I used on the ends. I gave the trim a sand, but I also sanded the original frame to remove a bit of the finish so the paint would stick better.

I wiped everything with a cloth and then it was time to paint!

How to Paint a Frame

Whether you added moulding detail to your frame or not, the process for painting will be the same.

Make sure your surfaces has been sanded and cleaned. Sanding will help give your paint something to stick to.
Apply a primer to the entire frame. Let dry overnight.
Now it’s time to add color. Working in short burst, use spray paint to apply color. Let dry in between coats. I ended up using 3 coats total for full coverage. Again, let dry over night.
To finish your work, apply a coat of clear sealer and let cure overnight before adding your art and hanging.

This project is a lot waiting and of letting things dry overnight. It’s best not to rush this process if you want the best results. You want your frame to last as long as possible, so take your time!