Omar Khalid
Refinishing plastic picture frames is a fun and simple DIY project that can transform your old frames into beautiful pieces of art. It is a quick process that requires just a few materials and lets you explore your creativity. Whether you want to give your frame a distressed look, a pop of colour, or a unique finish, there are various techniques to refinish plastic frames and make them look brand new.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the frame with a damp cloth
To refinish a plastic picture frame, you must first clean the frame with a damp cloth. This is an important step as it ensures that the frame is free of dirt, dust, and other debris before you begin the refinishing process.
When cleaning the frame, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to avoid scratching the surface of the plastic. Dampen the cloth with warm water, and gently wipe down all surfaces of the frame, including the front, back, and sides. If the frame is particularly dirty, you may need to change out your cloth or rinse it with warm water to avoid spreading dirt around.
Take care not to get the frame too wet, as excess water can seep into the frame and cause damage. Gently wipe down the frame until it is free of dust and debris. If there are any stubborn spots or stains, you can use a mild soap or detergent mixed with warm water to help lift them. Be sure to rinse the frame with a damp cloth afterward to remove any soap residue.
Once you have thoroughly cleaned the frame, dry it with a soft, absorbent cloth. Make sure that the frame is completely dry before moving on to the next step of the refinishing process, which may include sanding, painting, or adding a decorative finish.
Cleaning the frame with a damp cloth is a simple but crucial step in the refinishing process, ensuring that your plastic picture frame has a smooth and clean surface to work with.
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Fill in scratches with wood putty
Filling in scratches with wood putty is a great way to refinish a plastic picture frame. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a smooth and seamless finish:
Prepare the Frame
Start by giving your plastic picture frame a thorough cleaning. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame, removing any dust, dirt, or grime that has accumulated. Pay extra attention to the scratched areas, ensuring they are free of debris.
Inspect for Scratches
Once the frame is clean, carefully inspect it for scratches, nicks, and dings. Even tiny imperfections can become more noticeable after refinishing, so it's important to address them all.
Apply Wood Putty
Using a small amount of wood putty on your finger, gently fill in each scratch or imperfection. Work the putty into the scratch, ensuring it is filled to the surface level. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid leaving excess putty on the surrounding areas.
Smooth the Putty
Allow the wood putty to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the filled areas. Gently sand the putty until it blends seamlessly with the surrounding plastic surface. Wipe away any dust created during the sanding process.
Prime and Paint
After sanding, apply a thin coat of primer to the filled and sanded areas. Let it dry completely, and then apply a second coat if needed. Finally, choose a paint colour that matches your frame and apply a thin coat of paint over the primed areas. Allow it to dry, and add additional coats as necessary to achieve a consistent finish.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using wood putty, primer, and paint. With careful application and attention to detail, you can easily fill in scratches with wood putty to give your plastic picture frame a refreshed and refined look.
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Use latex or chalk paint
If you want to refinish a plastic picture frame using latex or chalk paint, there are a few steps you should follow. First, clean the frame with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Once the frame is dry, inspect it closely and fill in any scratches or dings with wood putty.
Next, choose your desired paint colour and apply a layer of primer to the frame. Primer will ensure that your paint adheres better and that the colour is more durable. Be sure to cover all surfaces of the frame, including the front, back, and sides, and let the primer dry completely.
Now, you can open your paint can and gently stir the paint to mix it. If you're using latex paint, sand the frame before painting it at least twice to achieve a high-quality finish. Cover the frame before applying the latex paint. If you're using chalk paint, you can simply paint over the primer.
If you want to create a distressed look, you can use the petroleum jelly technique. Rub petroleum jelly on the parts of the frame you want to look distressed, such as the edges and details. Then, paint over the frame with your chosen colour. Once the paint is dry, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe down the frame. The paint will wipe away easily from the areas with petroleum jelly, creating a distressed effect.
Finally, if you used chalk paint, seal the frame with wax. If you used latex paint, you may want to consider a matte polyurethane spray to protect the finish. And that's it! You've successfully refinished your plastic picture frame with latex or chalk paint.
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Create a distressed look with petroleum jelly
Refinishing Plastic Picture Frames: Creating a Distressed Look with Petroleum Jelly
To create a distressed look on a plastic picture frame, you can use a simple technique with petroleum jelly. This method is a cheap and easy way to transform your frame into a unique, shabby chic masterpiece.
First, wipe down the frame with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Once the frame is clean and dry, you can begin the distressing process.
Take a small amount of petroleum jelly and apply it to the areas of the frame where you want to create a distressed look. You can use your finger or a brush for this step. Focus on areas that would typically show wear and tear, such as the corners, edges, and any decorative details.
Once you have applied the petroleum jelly, it's time to paint. You can use any type of paint you prefer, such as chalk paint or spray paint. Paint over the entire frame, including the areas with petroleum jelly. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
After the paint is dry, take a clean cloth and gently rub the areas where you applied the petroleum jelly. The paint will easily wipe away from these spots, revealing the underlying frame and creating a distressed look.
You can adjust the amount of distressing to your liking. If you want a more subtle effect, simply apply less petroleum jelly and paint. For a more heavily distressed look, add more petroleum jelly and paint, and feel free to rub away more paint to create deeper wear.
By using petroleum jelly, you can easily create a unique, one-of-a-kind picture frame that adds character and charm to your home decor.
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Add a fabric backing
Refinishing a plastic picture frame with a fabric backing is a fun and creative project that can give new life to old frames. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding a fabric backing to your plastic picture frame:
Prepare the Frame
Start by giving your plastic picture frame a good wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. If your frame has any scratches or dents, fill them with a small dab of wood putty, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
Choose Your Fabric
The fabric you choose will depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve. Consider the colour, pattern, and texture of the fabric and how it will complement your picture and frame. Choose a piece of fabric that is about an inch wider than the cardboard backing on all sides. Play around with different fabrics and patterns to find the perfect match for your frame and the artwork or photo you plan to display.
Create a Fabric-Covered Backing
If the frame already has a cardboard backing, you can use that as a base for your fabric. If not, you can create a new one by cutting a piece of sturdy cardboard to fit the frame. Wrap the fabric around this cardboard backing, playing around with different fabrics and placements until you achieve the desired look.
Assemble the Picture
Centre your picture on the front of the fabric-covered backing. Use a ruler to ensure it is perfectly positioned. To secure the picture to the backing, use small pieces of acid-free, double-sided tape. Check that no dust or stray fibres have made their way onto the tape, and then carefully assemble all the pieces of the frame.
Final Checks
Before securing your frame shut, take a step back and examine your work. Ensure that the picture is centred and that no dust or stray fibres have made their way into the frame. If you're happy with how it looks, secure the frame shut.
With these steps, you can add a unique and personalised fabric backing to your refinished plastic picture frame. Enjoy your newly transformed frame and the creative way it showcases your favourite artwork or memories!
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Frequently asked questions
First, give the frame a good clean with a damp cloth. Then, use wood putty to fill in any scratches or dings. If the frame has glass, clean it with vinegar or Goo Gone.
First, paint the frame with a coat of dark brown paint. Then, rub petroleum jelly onto the parts of the frame you want to look distressed, such as the edges and details. Next, paint three coats of white paint and let it dry. Finally, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe the frame down, removing the paint from the areas with petroleum jelly.
You can use latex or chalk paint, or spray paint. Spray paint is unpredictable due to its messiness and dependence on weather conditions, but it is a good option if you want to avoid brush strokes.
