How To Create an Antique French Country Picture Frame

Creating a French Country antique paint finish on a Picture Frame is an easy project that can be accomplished in one weekend. To start this French Country antique Picture Frame project you will need a few different materials from your local home improvement store as well as some time.

Those cheap plain fake wood Picture Frames are perfect for French Country antiquing. If you have old or outdated Picture Frames and just want to change the color or look this French Country antique paint process is also good.

Here is a list of supplies you will need to start French Country antiquing and resurfacing your old Picture Frames:

Primer
Bright or Royal Blue Paint & Sunny Yellow Paint or Terra Cotta and Blue Paint
Roller paint brushes
a variety of 2", 3", or 4" paintbrushes
Wood stain
Glaze
Sandpaper
Drop clothes
Cheap, outdated, or plain Bookcases

Now, start sanding the surface of your plain Picture Frame. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here.

Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Picture Frame this is a very important step. Your resurfacing and French Country antique paint technique will not stick to your surface if you don't sand and then prime your Picture Frame.

If you want a rough more rustic French Country look try putting the primer on with one of the 4" brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface.

Allow your primer to dry completely.

Put on a coat of your base paint, which can be one of two colors. You can use yellow as your base and blue as your topcoat or blue as your base and terra cotta as your topcoat. This first paint should not be the actual color you want your French Country Picture Frame to end up, but the color you want to show through when you antique the Picture Frame.

Now you are ready to paint your French Country Picture Frame with the real color you wish them to be, so blue or terra cotta, whichever applies to you.