Refurbishing Ornate Gilt Frames into Chic Wall Decor

I just love the look of old ornate gilt frames. This Victorian style has been popular throughout the ages, making them readily available at your local thrift or antique shops for purchase. These can range in material from cast iron to wood and are usually a bright gold or silver metallic color.

For this project, you will need:

- One large ornate gilt frame in any size or material

- Medium grit sandpaper

- Tack cloth or other type of soft cloth

- Krylon Indoor Outdoor Primer in All-Purpose White *

- Krylon Indoor Outdoor Paint in Gloss Black *

- Masking tape

- Newspaper or a large drop cloth to protect your work area.

Before starting this wall art project, remove any mirror glass or backing if possible. You will want to work with just the frame during the painting process. Also, cover the space in which you will be working with a large drop cloth or several sheets of old newspaper.

Sand any rough or cracked areas of the ornate gilt frame with a sheet of medium grit sandpaper. Depending on the age and worn areas on the frame, this could take several sheets to complete. Wipe away any sanding dust or chipped paint using a tack cloth or other similar style of soft cloth.

Spray the entire ornate frame with a layer of Krylon Indoor Outdoor Primer in All-Purpose White. This will allow the metallic paint to disappear and not show through any final painting you do. Allow the primer to dry for a couple hours before continuing with the project.

Paint the entire frame using a few thick coats of Krylon Indoor Outdoor Paint in Gloss Black. Be sure to hold the paint canister several inches above the frame's surface to keep the paint coat even and from pooling. Take special care to any detailed areas. (You can also use a sponge brush to fill in if the spray paint isn't quite covering the ornate detailing.)

Let the frame dry fully. Insert a favorite photo, mirror glass, or anything else you wish to frame inside the painted piece. Hang, as desired.

* Other paint type can be used, such as brush-on. However, spray paint usually gives the easiest use with the most maximum coverage result.

TIP: Decorating a brightly colored room and think black is a bit too drab? Consider bright pinks, sunny yellows, and lime greens all alternative paint color choices.