How to Finish Your Frames!

There are many styles of finishes when it comes to frames. And that's not including types of products to finish frames with! When looking for the perfect picture frame to fit your style, it's important to understand all the possible finishes that could add to your home. Whether that be a metallic finish, a wax finish, a crackle finish, a painted finish, or an antique finish. This article will help break down what each finish is and how to accomplish it. 

A Metallic Finish has a slightly glossy, pearl-like appearance. It is best to use this finish on smaller frames as the effect can be overwhelming on a large frame, thus taking away from the image it holds. To achieve this look, first prep the surface of the frame rather by sanding or wiping down any dust with a rag, depending on the material of the frame. Then apply two coats of any special metallic paint. Let dry and viola a metallic frame!

Metallic Finish

A Wax Finish is the most subtle of finishes as well as the most luxurious. This polished appearch is easy to achieve. Begin with staining your frame to the desired colour, or leaving it as is if the colour is one you like but want to elevate. Once the frame is dry, apply a clear coat of wax using a rag or brush, and let dry. Then sand with a steel wool pad and apply the wax again. Repeat with sanding and one more final coat of wax, and finally buff out with a cloth.

Wax Finish

A Crackle Finish showcases a multidimensional use of paints in a crackling effect as its layers create depth. This finish is more difficult to achieve due to its unpredictable nature. This is also determined by the thickness of your layers. To achieve a crackle finish; you must add a layer of crackling paint, then a crackling gel, and then a final layer of crackling paint. Another option to get a crackling effect is to apply a coat of glycerophtalic paint and before it completely dries, add a layer of acrylic paint. Then after it's dried, apply a thin layer of furniture polish and it should naturally crackle.

Crackle Finish

A Painted Finish is the most common of finishes due to its easy application and endless colour options. It is also the best option for durability and longevity, however a painted finish adds a completely solid colour thus hiding the wood grain which can be undesirable for some people. Before painting, it is important to prep the surface of your frame by sanding and filling in any unwanted holes or defects with wood filler paste. Sand again after allowing the paste to dry and wipe any dust away with a cloth or a sponge. Then add 1-2 coats of paint, sanding in between layers and allowing 24 hours to dry for each. You can also apply a varnish or lacquer on top for a glossy finish!

Painted Finish

An Antique Finish creates a beautifully distressed-vintage appearance. There are multiple methods that can be used to achieve this look. The simplest way to attempt this look is to paint your frame with a lighter colour and allow it to dry. Then using a cloth, soak it in a darker paint and sporadically dust your frame with it to create an aged-bespeckled appearance. The next method is to apply a dark coloured paint to your frame and allow it to dry. Then apply two coats of a lighter coloured paint on top and allow to dry. Then use sandpaper to remove any areas of the lighter paint that you want the darker paint to peek through for a worn effect. Using sandpaper is effective in removing the paint however, attempt lightly as it can also remove any intricate details of the frame itself. The last method is to paint your frame with a dark chalk paint and allow it to dry. Once dry, rub the frame all over with a beeswax candlestick. Then paint over with a lighter chalk paint and allow it to dry. The wax creates a barrier so the paint will not be able to stick in certain areas. Finally use strips of clear packing tape and stick to sections of the frame that you want paint to be removed from for a distressed look. 

Antique Finish

After reviewing all of these finishes; Metallic, Wax, Crackle, Painted, and Antique, we hope at least one of these helped determine how you would like to finish your frames. All of these methods can be achieved with a few simple steps as long as you have the right materials. Don’t forget to always prep your surfaces, whether it be sanding or wiping away any dust as it'll make it harder for the finishes to stick. Overall, these finishes are perfect for those of you who enjoy DIY-ing your projects and creating unique, low cost home decor!