Alexei Volkov
There are many ways to update plastic photo frames, and it can be a fun and inexpensive DIY project. Painting the frame is a simple way to transform its appearance and give it a modern touch. Spray paint is a fast and affordable option, but if you prefer to use a brush, you can choose from acrylic, oil-based, latex, or chalk paint. You can also get creative by using wallpaper samples, glueing on mini wooden beads, or adding leather strips to the frame. Updating a plastic photo frame is an easy way to make a big difference in the overall look of your space without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting | Spray paint, chalk paint, acrylic, oil-based, latex, or enamel paint |
| Preparation | Clean the frame with a damp rag, remove or cover the glass and artwork |
| Painting technique | Use a brush, or wrap the frame with wallpaper samples, glue mini half wooden beads to the frame |
| Paint colour | Choose a shade that matches your colour scheme, or a bold contrasting colour |
| Additional steps | Sand the frame, apply a new stain, add gold leaf, varnish |
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What You'll Learn
Painting the frame
Painting plastic photo frames can be an easy and inexpensive way to update their appearance. There are a few different types of paint you can use to achieve your desired look.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is durable, dries fast, is fairly inexpensive, and comes in a variety of colours. However, it is best suited for wooden frames and may not adhere well to plastic. If you opt for acrylic paint, you will need to work quickly before it dries. You can use a small brush to highlight ridges, crevices, and interesting details on your frames.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is more expensive and requires the use of a primer as well as special brushes. It also takes a long time to dry. However, it is durable and will work on all types of frames, including plastic. It provides good coverage with just one coat.
Latex Paint
Latex paint is less durable than other options and may chip over time. It requires sanding and a primer before application. On the other hand, it comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, making it a versatile choice.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is perfect for those aiming for a rustic look with a matte finish. It is easy to use and requires no prep work. However, it tends to be more expensive and may be challenging to find in stores.
Spray Paint
Spray paint is a convenient option for updating plastic photo frames. You can find spray paint in various colours, including gold and silver for a vintage look. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint and to cover the surrounding area to protect from overspray. If you are painting a plastic frame, it is recommended to use a spray primer before applying the coloured paint.
Regardless of the type of paint you choose, it is important to clean the frame before painting to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. You may also need to remove the glass and backing of the frame to avoid getting paint on them. Additionally, consider using a drop cloth or cardboard to protect your work surface.
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Replacing the matte
If you are replacing the matte of a valuable piece of art, it is recommended to keep the original frame and replace the matte with something as similar as possible, preferably in museum-grade materials. You can also opt for a fresh matte in a similar tone to the original and add a fillet.
When creating a new matte, you will need to build a book mat and insert a narrow hinge strip to allow for the thickness of the mounted art. Position the art as usual, then fill in the space around it with additional strips of mat board to level out the space between the new mount and the mat.
If you are using a pre-made matboard, the larger the piece you are framing, the larger the matting should be. Adding a lot of matting can create a more contemporary design, and some people opt for a mat larger than the art itself to create a striking display. Bottom-weighted mats are thicker along the bottom of the image, creating an evocative imbalance that draws the viewer's attention to the image in the frame.
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Using wallpaper samples
Updating plastic photo frames with wallpaper samples is an easy and inexpensive way to give your frames a new look. It is also a great way to use up wallpaper leftovers, scraps, and samples.
First, you will need to find a wallpaper sample with an interesting pattern that you love. Regular, pasted, and peel-and-stick wallpapers can all work for this project. If you don't have any scraps on hand, many wallpaper companies provide free samples in generous sizes. You can also check thrift stores or the clearance sections of home decor stores.
Once you have your wallpaper sample, cut it to fit the frame using an X-Acto knife. Play with the orientation to determine which way you want the pattern to face when framed. Some wallpapers are removable and may not need glue, but if yours requires adhesive, glue it in place.
If you want to get more creative, you can make a patchwork-type collage with different wallpaper samples or scraps. You can also layer the wallpaper over solids to create a new background colour that works better in your space. Framing wallpaper is a great way to bring some unique designs and patterns to your walls.
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Adding wooden beads
Materials:
- Wooden beads
- Plastic photo frame
- Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
- Paint (optional)
- Tweezers
Process:
- Start by removing the backing and any clear plastic from your plastic photo frame. This will give you a clean slate to work on.
- Layout your wooden beads: Before you start gluing, it's a good idea to lay out your wooden beads along the perimeter of the photo space to ensure proper spacing and composition.
- Use a hot glue gun or a strong adhesive to attach the wooden beads: Apply a small amount of glue to the back of each bead and carefully place them onto the frame, following the layout you designed.
- Let the glue dry completely: Be patient and allow the glue to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
- Remove excess glue: Once the glue is dry, use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove any visible glue strings for a neat finish.
- Paint the frame (optional): Depending on your desired aesthetic, you can choose to paint the entire frame, including the sides. You can use a playful colour like peachy pink or go for a more natural look with a wood stain.
- Let the paint dry: If you opted to paint your frame, allow the paint to dry completely before handling the frame.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different bead sizes, colours, and compositions. You can also add other decorative elements, such as lace, crystals, or a beaded hanger, to further enhance the look of your updated plastic photo frame.
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Applying gold leaf
Gold leafing is a great way to update a plastic photo frame, giving it a traditional feel and making it look elegant and expensive. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply gold leaf to a plastic photo frame:
Firstly, select the frame you want to upcycle. It is important to ensure the frame is made of plastic and not metal or wood. Once you have selected your frame, give it a good brush to remove any dust and dirt. You may need to spray it with a cleaner to ensure it is free of grime. Next, remove the glass and backing of the frame.
Now you are ready to begin the gold leafing process. Start by applying a spray paint primer to the frame. This will help the gold leaf adhere to the surface. Once the primer is dry, take your gold leaf adhesive sizing and apply it to the frame. You can use a small craft brush for this step.
Next, carefully apply the gold leaf sheets to the glued areas of the frame. The gold leaf sheets are very thin, so take care not to tear them. Press the gold leaf down into the spaces using your fingers, and use a clean, dry brush to remove any loose pieces. Continue applying the gold leaf sheets until the entire frame is covered.
Some areas of the frame may still have some white spots showing through where the gold leaf did not stick. To fix this, simply apply more adhesive sizing to these spots and let it dry for 15 minutes. Then, add more gold leaf to these areas and brush off any excess.
Finally, paint a thin coat of gold leaf all over the frame and let it dry. You can further protect the frame by applying a sealer. Your plastic photo frame is now beautifully transformed with gold leaf!
For an aged look, you can brush on a thin coat of antiquing wax and wipe off the excess after a few seconds. Alternatively, you can use stain to achieve a similar effect.
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Frequently asked questions
First, lay down a drop cloth and clean the frame with a damp rag. Remove or cover the glass and artwork. Choose your paint type: spray paint dries fast and is inexpensive, but you can also use a brush with acrylic, oil-based, latex, or chalk paint. If using a brush, apply the first coat, wait four hours, then apply a second coat.
Apply a fresh coat of paint or stain. Choose a shade that matches your existing colour scheme, or go for a bold, contrasting colour. If the frame has a thick layer of varnish or a glossy finish, sand it down first to create a smooth surface for the new colour.
You can use wallpaper samples and glue them to the frame. Alternatively, use wood burned frames, add a belt to a circle frame, or glue mini half-wooden beads to the perimeter of the photo space.
When thrifting a photo frame, look for glass and frames in good shape. Ensure the back looks easy to open for swapping out the photo/art.
