What does a sock, a nail file and a paint brush have to do with this DIY distressed frame tutorial? Everything – because it’s what I used to create the distressed frame you see below!
I had the itch to turn this standard picture frame into a pretty distressed picture frame, but was short on supplies. Suddenly I recognized that I could probably wing it with what I had on hand. So I searched my house and found these extremely official and professional tools and figured they’d get the job done.
Supplies for DIY Distressed Frame
- Acrylic paint in a bright color
- Stain
- Nail File (to “sand”)
- Paintbrush
- A pair of socks
- Wooden Picture Frame
Cover your work surface and the inside of the picture frame with newspapers or magazine pages. Start by applying a VERY light coat of paint to the picture frame. The tip of your brush should barely have paint on it.
Wait for the first coat to dry (mine took about 30 minutes to feel dry to the touch), then apply a second light coat of paint. Try to keep your brush strokes consistently straight because it will show through the finished product.
Here’s what the frame will look like after two coats of paint. Yes, it looks bright and splotchy. But it doesn’t matter because we’re about to fix that.
Here is where that super professional nail file comes in. I used the nail file to sand down the grooves and edges of the picture frame to expose the wood beneath. It was pretty damn effective. Just place the nail file over the edge of the frame (or any area that you want to expose) and start “sanding.” You can use sanding paper if you have it on hand. But I didn’t, so mani/pedi tool it was!
Here’s what it looks like once the frame has been “sanded” down. You can get as crazy with the nail file as you want. The more it’s distressed, the better.
Now, you’re going to place the sock on your hand like any other self-respecting adult, dip your fingers into the stain and apply it to the frame. Let it sit for 30-seconds to a minute. I’m sure the waiting time varies by stain. But for the first try, I’d play it on the safe side and wipe it off after just a few seconds. When you’re ready, use the other sock to wipe it off.
If you over-stained like I did, you can just squirt a tiny amount of the paint onto a clean part of the sock and wipe it onto the areas that are too dark.
This is what the frame looked like after the painting/staining/touching up.
And here’s a closeup shot of the distressed frame.
I know painting/sanding/staining a frame isn’t rocket science. But I really like the result. Let me know if you use this DIY distressed frame tutorial to jazz up your own frame at home just like we did on the $10 DIY Food Photography Backdrop.
LOVE the frame! Great new ideas! Do you recall what the exact color of that turquoise paint was named? The paints I have tried look either too Tiffany Blue, too green or too awful! Thanks!
I actually still have it on hand! It’s (72194) Surf Blue and I bought it at Jo-Ann’s. 🙂
I just left Joann and I couldn’t find it. What is the brand? Martha, Americana, Apple Barrel, Craftsmart?
Thanks!
I wanted to thank you so much for your help. I also had no sand paper but I did have a nail file
Oh my gosh, I never thought to use a nail file for the “distressed look”. I always use sandpaper…Genius idea! I love the way the frames look! Linda
Love that frame! I’m working on a project built with new wood AND I’ve already painted it …. several times! Ugh! Just can’t come up with the right color. I’m wondering if I sand the edges and grooves back down to the wood if those areas will take the stain and be darker just as your frame is with the original stain showing through where you sanded. Hmmm… I think I’ll try that this weekend. If you get a chance, I’d sure appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks so much!
Hi Sherri,
Actual furniture is a bit above my experience level but I do think if sanded down to the original wood in some areas the stain will take. If you’re going for a distressed look it might be easier to go for a glaze. I’m not 100% certain, but I believe those are just wipe-on-wipe-off rather than having to distress by hand. Just an idea! I hope your project goes well! 🙂
Love this! thanks for sharing at Talking Tuesday Over the Fence, pinned it for later.
This looks awesome!!! We would love it if you would link up at our linky party:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/two-girls-and-a-party-link-up-31/
Live every Wednesday to Sunday.
Hosted by:
http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/ Parrish @ Life with the Crust Cut Off
http://thissillygirlslife.com/ Dana @ This Silly Girl’s Life
We hope to see you there!
I wanted to let you know that I loved this project! I’m Featuring YOU on VMG206 ~ Brag About It Tuesday’s Linky Party from last week! We go live Monday at Midnight. So please stop by and grab a Feature Button and Link Up something new.
I have also pinned your project to VMG206’s Brag About It Features Pinterest Board. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on this week!
~ Megin of VMG206
That is so awesome, Virginia! THANKS!!! 🙂
You are featured on the Favs from last week at the DIY Sunday Showcase!! Thanks for linking up your awesome project 🙂 Jen
Thanks so much, Jen!
Looks Great!!!
Thanks, Shelly!
Thanks for linking up for our first Super Summer Saturday party. Just pinned to our boards to share with our followers. Come back next Saturday to join the fun again!
Julie
http://www.thechirpingmoms.com
Awesome! I will definitely be back. 🙂
Great idea—I love the distressed look! We would love for you to share at our first Super Summer Saturday party here: http://www.thechirpingmoms.com/2013/06/super-summer-saturday-party.html!
Thanks!
Julie
Thanks, Julie! Headed over to submit my post now. 🙂
Love it! Pinned it!! ~Kelly @ Eyes on the Source
You are AWESOME!!! Thanks Kelly! 🙂
That looks so good. You are a professional 🙂 Love the color choice.
Haha thanks so much, Jenn! 🙂 <3
Your frame looks great! I should try doing this!
I’m visiting from the DIY Sunday Showcase. Hope you’re having a fun weekend!
Ritchil
http://chengand3kids.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by, Ritchil! 🙂
What a pretty frame! I love painting frames from thrift stores and I’ve done the paint and sand method before, but I’ve never added stain to it. Thanks for the tutorial!
Thanks for commenting, Elise! The staining is super easy and adds a nice little touch of character. 🙂