Today we are going to learn how to create a vintage picture frame using a dry brush technique. Sounds fancy, huh? In reality it came from the need to make something cute out of something U-G-L-Y!
I know I am late to the party, but I am loving my trips to the dollar store lately. When I was there today I needed a frame, so I swung by the frame section and guess what? Frames that cost a dollar look like the cost a dollar. Even worse news: I needed an 8×10 and the bigger they are the cheaper and uglier they look!
I grabbed the most promising one I could find and left resolved to make it over into something totally worthy of display.
I love vintage look items. There is something about that old, worn down, chipped up paint that just makes me giddy! It fits in perfectly with my shabby chic decor and I just can’t get enough! Â I often make signs with a chippy paint look , but today I wanted to try out using a dry brush technique to give my frame the vintage look I was going for.
SO EASY!
To do this project you will need:
1 Picture Frame
1 Bottle of Acrylic Paint in the color of your choice
1 Bottle of Acrylic Paint in dark brown
2 Paint Brushes
First take the backing and glass out of your frame. Then paint on a thin coat of your color covering all surfaces and edges. Let it dry a few minutes and add a second thin coat. Repeat until evenly covered. Mine only took 2 coats.
Let your frame dry thoroughly.
Now we will use the dry brush technique to give the picture frame the vintage look. Take your second brush and very lightly dab it into your brown paint. On a spare paper or rag brush off the paint until the brush is virtually dry.
Take the brush that now has almost no paint on it and rub it over the frame. Small specks and lines of paint will catch on the frame. The raised sections of the frame will pick up the most paint. Repeat this process using the “dry brush” on your frame until you have the desired amount of distressing for your vintage look.
You can see in the picture how little paint my brush has on it and how dry it needs to be when you brush over your color coat. Having too much paint on the brush will ruin the effect.
Well… It is as easy as that! This project basically cost $1 (2 if you count the 2 bottles of paint that you will use a fraction of,) but it looks like something that you bought at a boutique! Added bonus, it takes under an hour to complete! Â You can use the dry brush technique on anything you want to distress. Â You could make vintage signs, shabby chic furniture, or even just vintage up a knick knack to add to your decor.
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See how to create a vintage chippy paint look here!
So tell me…. what do you have in your house that could use a cute vintage frame?!
Kelly @ IdealistMom.com says
What a great look! Thank you for sharing this trick. 🙂 Pinning it now!
Kimber says
I am so glad you like it! I have been a little bit addicted to painting everything like this ever since I did this post haha! We really appreciate your comment and pin!
Jen @ PinKWhen says
This is featured today over at the Sunday Showcase Favorites!!
Kimber says
Thank you Jen! SO excited!