Aging Picture Frames

A few weeks ago, I refreshed my mantel for Valentine’s day, Easter and Spring. One of the main components was a mini open frame gallery.

These frames were mismatched frames that were originally black, brown, gold and silver. Instead of just painting these all white, I decided to try to distress and age them. As with most of my projects, I’m on a crunched time frame (usually nap time on a weekend and nap time is getting shorter and shorter). I rushed this process a bit.

Supplies: Frames, paint, paint brushes and sandpaper.

1. I started by painting the frames. I didn’t prime the frames because I wanted the original coat to show through and give it a whitewash appeal. Using quick, long strokes, I applied two coats to the frame using a foam brush.
2. Once the paint was dry, I used sandpaper to sand the paint off the frame in random spots. I sanded the raised edges which would receive the most wear in normal aging and I sanded in asymmetrical spots (for example, top left side and lower right corner).

That was it!! There are more professional ways to do this where you apply a coat of different paint to achieve more depth and natural looking aged frame (like the process in this you-tube series) but I feel this quick and easy process achieved what I was looking for.

{heart ornament tutorial available here}

Have you aged frames? What process did you use? I’d love to hear what worked for you! I plan to do this again with a few more frames so I’d love your tips and tricks!

Linking to: Thrifty Decor Chick Before and After Party