The BEST Chalk Paint Picture Frame Tutorial

A chalk paint picture frame is the easiest project you can accomplish in just a few hours if you are a beginner to painting. I'm going to show you how!

In the past few weeks, the hubs and I have started on our home DIY projects again! Typically, when spring starts rolling around, we're dusting off our DIY list from years previous, adding to it, and crossing projects off!

One of these projects included this large frame that I purchased from a craft store.

What Not To Do: Spray Paint a Picture Frame Outside Under a Tree

Here's the short story about my first spray-painting experience: When I got this 40-by-30-inch frame, it was a dark black color. It's totally not my style at all. I loved the curves though. I just needed a splash of color.

Initially, I wanted to paint it a glittery silver color for Ansley's room. So I purchased some spray paint (first fail), decided against sanding (second fail), went outside underneath a tree (third fail), and left it outside to dry (fourth fail). It ended up being a total disaster.

When I came back to put on the second coat, there were leaves that dried on top of the paint and little specks of dirt. I was so upset, I just took the frame down to the basement, where it has been sitting for the past two years.

This year, Mother Nature has given us some pretty warm days in February, so we've been able to work in the garage without having to be bundled up! I decided to try my hand at this frame again - but indoors and controlled.

Chalk Painting Can Be Done Indoors

Using chalk paint for a picture frame is the easiest way to paint a frame because you can just do it indoors and not have to worry about leaves falling all over your hard work. Now, you don't have to worry about mother nature's temperament!

Supplies for a Chalk Paint Picture Frame Project

chalk paint (use my fail proof recipe for chalk paint here)
sponge brushes
empty paint bucket
unfinished picture frame (or any frame really)

Instructions for Painting a Picture Frame with Chalk Paint

Step 1 // Sand your picture frame until smooth.

This is important. I know people say that you don't have to sand if you are mixing your own chalk paint. But those are experienced folks who know what surface is "good enough" to paint on. Sand it. Trust me.

Step 2 // Prep Your Picture Frame

Use an air blower AND a moist towel to wipe off the sanding dust.

Step 3 // Find Your Painting Location

Move it into a garage space or basement space - anywhere but outside. The goal is avoiding any bugs or flying air pollutants that could land on your wet paint.

Step 4 // Prepare Your Chalk Paint

Check out my absolute favorite chalk paint recipe here to make your own chalk paint with latex paint!

Step 5 // Sponge Brush the Chalk Paint to Your Picture Frame

Using the sponge brush, paint a light layer onto the surface. After each coat, wait about 45 to 60 minutes. Keep the bucket of paint covered while waiting between coats. It should only take two or three coats.

Step 6 // Recoat and Let Your Picture Frame Dry

After the last coat, let the paint dry for 24 hours so that it cures.

I told you chalk painting a picture frame is easy! 

It is literally one of the easiest ways to upcycle a picture frame you thought you were going to throw away, and now you can use it to refresh and revamp that room with a piece of decor you were going to potentially donate!