Creating a French Country antique paint finish on a Picture Frame is an easy project that can be accomplished in one weekend. To start this French Country antique Picture Frame project you will need a few different materials from your local home improvement store as well as some time.
Those cheap plain fake wood Picture Frames are perfect for French Country antiquing. If you have old or outdated Picture Frames and just want to change the color or look this French Country antique paint process is also good.
Here is a list of supplies you will need to start French Country antiquing and resurfacing your old Picture Frames:
Primer
Bright or Royal Blue Paint & Sunny Yellow Paint or Terra Cotta and Blue Paint
Roller paint brushes
a variety of 2″, 3″, or 4″ paintbrushes
Wood stain
Glaze
Sandpaper
Drop clothes
Cheap, outdated, or plain Bookcases
Now, start sanding the surface of your plain Picture Frame. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here.
Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Picture Frame this is a very important step. Your resurfacing and French Country antique paint technique will not stick to your surface if you don’t sand and then prime your Picture Frame.
If you want a rough more rustic French Country look try putting the primer on with one of the 4″ brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface.
Allow your primer to dry completely.
Put on a coat of your base paint, which can be one of two colors. You can use yellow as your base and blue as your topcoat or blue as your base and terra cotta as your topcoat. This first paint should not be the actual color you want your French Country Picture Frame to end up, but the color you want to show through when you antique the Picture Frame.
Now you are ready to paint your French Country Picture Frame with the real color you wish them to be, so blue or terra cotta, whichever applies to you.
Don’t be scared to choose a bright color because the antiquing process will tone down the appearance of the French Country Picture Frames considerably.
Once your French Country Picture Frame color has dried you are ready to start antiquing it. Start by using the sand paper to rough up edges and other areas that would typically be used over time.
This will allow your sunny yellow to show through the bright blue or your blue to show through the terra cotta color.
Once you have finished sanding the French Country Picture Frame wipe the surface down with a clean dry cloth. That old white t-shirt will work well here again. You can stop at this point, but if you want to go the extra mile you can use a mixture of ½ wood stain and ½ glaze to darken your piece.
Start by mixing your wood stain and glaze in a plastic container. Use a white rag or another old t-shirt to rub the stain onto the French Country Picture Frame.
You can do this process until you achieve the antique look you want for your French Country Picture Frame.
Tips:
For additional French Country antique inspired embellishments to a very plain Cheap Picture Frame try attaching some pre cut wood embellishments. You can find them at any home improvement store.
This will completely change the look of your inexpensive Picture Frames and instantly give a French Country antique feel.
You can also add some picture and ceiling molding as well.
Check out more of Rebecca’s Vintage Crafts.
