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Painting a gold frame

14 years ago

I bought a huge mirror the other day. It has a gold frame. I want to give it a worn, brushed off look to match the iron scroll decorations I have. I haven't decided if I want a flat black color or a very dark brown. What would be the best technique for achieving my look. Any recomendations on products?

Thanks,

Adella

Comments (4)

kraftymom
14 years ago
I would just antique/stain over the gold paint with a waterbased acrylic. There is a color of Patio Paint (found at any craft store) called 'wrought iron black' which is a shade between a true black and a true brown. It would probably be perfect for your project.

All you need to do is brush on your paint(be generous), let it sit for about a minute, then with a soft rag rub the excess off. You might have to thin the paint a little to a stain consistency for a smoother application. Let it dry and if you need it darker repeat the process again. It is best to do several light coats instead of one heavy one because you will have more control over the end result. Repeat the process until you achieve the look you want.

*It's always best to do a small test area first before diving in to your project.
Adella Bedella
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks! I looked at Michaels and barely found any paints. I'll check at Hobby Lobby.
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You have a very pretty space, and have created a warm and inviting look. I think perhaps there's too much happening on the TV wall though. I would remove the bookcase to the left (as you're facing it) of the TV and bring the armoire more to the center of that piece of the wall. I would use the bookcase that has the trim around it (looks like the bookcases don't quite match), and also move it to the center of the bit of wall that it's on. It's hard to tell from the photo, but if it's not needed and is crowding the space to the right of the TV, I'd consider removing it completely. The eye needs some "breathing room" that it's not getting in the current configuration. I think the gold ornate frames do look a bit dated, but they are what they are and there's nothing wrong with them. Since your photos are precious to you, I would say continue to display them there, but you might consider painting the frames (I'd go with black) or replacing the frames if it's in the budget. I would remove the small shelf on the stairway wall, as it adds visual clutter, and would space the frames out more on the wall. My brother is a professional art handler and has taught me a lot about hanging artwork/photos. This is our staircase wall. These are pretty big framed photos, and as you can see, they are spaced sufficiently to allow the eye a bit of a "breather" before taking in the next one.
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jessie21
14 years ago
I lightly brushed a gold frame with a reddish paint, using a small foam brush, not worrying about coverage at all. After it was dry, which was pretty quick, I used a sponge to apply a rich dark paint, covering it mostly, with bare hints of the red coming thru. Worked great. I used little bottles of acrylic craft paint, purchased at michaels. I thought I might have to spray it with something but it's fine as is.
grandmathyme
14 years ago
There are those rub-on metallic paste type paints that come in gold, silver, pewter, etc. If it fits the look you're going for, you might use your finger and rub some of that onto the painted frame to give it highlights. Then, buff it with a soft cloth (like and old t-shirt).

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