Maya Ellison
Plastic picture frames can be decorated in a variety of ways to give them a new look. Whether it's a simple paint job or a more intricate design, decorating a plastic picture frame is a fun and cost-effective craft project. For instance, you can use chalk paint or spray paint to achieve a distressed or shiny finish. You can also use gold leaf for a glamorous update, although this may not adhere well to plastic. Another option is to create a DIY chalkboard with your favourite quote or a beautiful piece of art. Additionally, you can attach plastic film to the front of the frame as a creative way to upcycle plastic packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting | Use acrylic paint, plant-oil-based paint, or spray paint |
| Chalk paint or milk paint for a distressed effect | |
| Metallic paint for a shiny finish | |
| Use a darker base coat and lighter subsequent coats for a distressed look | |
| Krylon makes a spray paint specifically for plastic | |
| Use a primer before spray painting | |
| Use a few light coats of paint instead of a few heavy coats | |
| Paint the whole frame dark brown, then add three coats of white paint for a distressed wood look | |
| Use Vaseline or petroleum jelly to distress the paint | |
| Attaching plastic film | Use plastic wrap as the clear front on picture frames |
| Add a second layer of cardboard to prevent the frame from warping | |
| Use hot glue to secure the second frame over the first | |
| Tape the edges | |
| Decorating | Use gold leaf for a glamorous update |
| Attach buttons, sequins, or other decorations that match your household design style |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use spray paint
Spray paint is a great option to consider when sprucing up your plastic picture frames. It is a quick and easy method to give your frames a fresh new look. Here are some steps and tips to help you achieve the best results:
First, it is important to prepare the frame surface. Remove any glass or backing from the frame, if possible. If the frame has an attached mirror, it is recommended to tape around the edges of the mirror with painter's tape to protect it from paint. You can also cover the mirror with paper to prevent paint from getting on it. Then, sand the frame lightly to create a rough surface, making it easier for the paint to adhere. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any dust or residue left on the frame.
Next, choose a spray paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. Krylon, for example, offers a range of spray paints formulated for plastic. Select a colour that complements your décor or the picture itself. You can opt for a modern look with black, a playful vibe with bright colours, or choose a shade that emphasizes a particular detail in the picture.
When you are ready to paint, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area. Apply light and even coats of spray paint to the frame. It is better to apply several light coats rather than a few heavy coats to avoid drips and runs. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Depending on the desired finish, you may need to apply a primer first. Additionally, if you want a distressed look, you can use petroleum jelly or Vaseline on the edges and details of the frame before painting.
Finally, once the paint is dry, carefully remove any tape or covering from the glass or mirror. Reassemble the frame by placing the glass or backing into the frame. Now you have a beautifully transformed plastic picture frame!
Rehabbing ATV Plastics: Sanding for a Smooth Finish
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Create a distressed look
To create a distressed look on a plastic picture frame, start by removing any old backing and giving the frame a good clean. Once the frame is dry, paint the whole thing with a coat of dark brown paint.
Next, use your finger to rub petroleum jelly or Vaseline onto the parts of the frame you want to look distressed, such as the edges and details. Then, paint three coats of white paint over the frame and let it dry.
Finally, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe down the frame. This will distress the white paint in the areas where the petroleum jelly was applied, leaving a weathered finish.
For an even more distressed look, you can use sandpaper to roughen up any glossy areas and create an uneven finish. Start with coarse sandpaper and work off the waxed areas, then switch to fine sandpaper to remove any really rough edges and borders. You can also create a distressed look by using a darker colour as your base coat and a lighter colour for the subsequent coats.
Easy Skirting Board Covers: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Add decorative accents
Adding decorative accents to a plastic picture frame is a fun and easy way to spruce it up. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Paint the Frame
Choose a colour that complements the theme of your photo or the decor of the room where the frame will be displayed. You can use regular paint or spray paint, but if you want to create a distressed or chalkboard effect, consider using chalk paint. If you're using regular paint, tape off any areas of the frame that you don't want to get paint on, such as the glass. Let the paint dry completely before handling.
Create a Distressed Look
To achieve a distressed or weathered finish, start by painting the frame with a dark base coat, such as dark brown. Then, use your finger to rub petroleum jelly or Vaseline onto the parts of the frame you want to look distressed, such as the edges and raised details. Paint over the frame with a lighter colour, such as white, and let it dry. Finally, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe away the paint in the areas where you applied the petroleum jelly, revealing the darker base coat underneath.
Attach Embellishments
Embellishments such as gold leaf, sequins, buttons, or natural elements like sand, shells, or pressed flowers can add a unique touch to your frame. For example, if you have a beach-themed photo, you could glue on some sand and seashells. Just be sure to clean and dry the frame before attaching any embellishments.
Transform It into a Chalkboard
Turn your plastic picture frame into a functional piece of art by creating a chalkboard surface. First, remove the backing of the frame and give it a good cleaning. Paint the frame with your desired colour, making sure to cover the entire surface. Once dry, you can add a chalkboard coating or paint, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Use Plastic Film
Upcycle plastic packaging by using plastic wrap or film as the clear front of your picture frame. Lay a piece of plastic wrap slightly larger than the opening of the frame behind it. You can secure the plastic wrap by creating a second frame out of cardboard and gluing or taping it over the first frame, sandwiching the plastic wrap in between.
Hemp vs Plastic: A Strength Comparison
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Choose a colour that complements the picture
Choosing a colour that complements the picture is an important step in sprucing up a plastic picture frame. The colour you choose for the frame can either accentuate certain details in the picture or set a tone that matches the picture's theme.
If you want to emphasise a specific detail in the picture, you can choose a colour from the picture itself and use that for the frame. For example, if there's a particular bright-coloured object in the picture, you can paint the frame in that colour to draw attention to it. Alternatively, you can opt for a modern look with a black frame or a playful feel with a bright colour.
You can also consider the overall theme of the picture and choose a colour that aligns with it. For instance, if the picture is from a springtime photoshoot, a bright floral theme could be chosen, or if it's a New Year's party snapshot, sparkles and glitter could be used. If the picture is of a beach, you could use colours like blue and green, reminiscent of the sea, or if it's a camping trip photo, earthy tones like browns and greens could be used.
Additionally, you can take into account the design style of your household and choose a colour that complements it. This could be done by matching the frame to specific colours in your home, such as curtain colours or throw pillow shades.
Remember, the colour you choose is entirely up to your personal preference, and you can have fun with it! You can use any paint you already have on hand, or if you're buying paint, acrylic, plant-oil-based, or spray paint are good options.
Are Zero-Turn Mower Transmissions Plastic?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transform it into a chalkboard
If you want to transform your plastic picture frame into a chalkboard, you'll need to start by removing the old backing and giving the frame a good clean. Once it's dry, you can paint the frame with a coat of dark brown paint.
Next, use your finger to rub petroleum jelly onto the parts of the frame you want to look distressed—focus on the edges and details. Paint three coats of white paint and let it dry. Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe down the frame, removing the white paint from the areas with petroleum jelly, leaving a distressed finish.
For the chalkboard, cut a piece of hardboard to the same size as the original cardboard backing. You can buy huge sheets of hardboard anywhere that sells lumber, and it's pretty inexpensive. Paint the hardboard with several coats of chalkboard paint. You can use chalkboard paint in black slate or ultra-matte interior chalked paint.
Once the chalkboard paint is dry, you can add a fun quote or design with chalk markers. You can even tape your design onto the chalkboard and trace it with a pencil to transfer the design.
Bending Plastic Number Plates: Easy DIY Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
First, remove the frame from the mirror or glass if possible. Sand the frame and wipe it down. Apply a primer, then spray paint the frame with a colour of your choice. You can use chalk paint, or spray paint. Remember that several light coats are better than a few heavy coats.
After painting the frame with a darker base coat, use your finger to rub petroleum jelly or Vaseline on the parts of the frame you want to look distressed, such as the edges and details. Paint a lighter colour over the top and let it dry. Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe the frame down, which will distress the paint in the areas where the petroleum jelly was applied.
Choose a design that goes with the theme of your photo. For instance, if the picture is of a beach, you could use sand, shells, and plastic seahorses. Alternatively, you could match the frame to your household design style, such as adding buttons or gluing on sequins.
