Paint to use on picture frames - Modern Memory Design Picture frames - NJ Frame shop Custom framing

October 10, 2022 Mike Kowalczyk

Paint Your Picture Frames: Tips & Tricks - Modern Memory Design

What kind of paint to use on picture frames?

Best Paint for Picture Frames: Tips & Tricks

October 10, 2022 by Mike Kowalczyk

Why the Right Paint Matters for Picture Frames

Picture frames do more than just hold art — they enhance your décor and tie together your visual space. Choosing the right paint for frames can transform a room affordably. But not every paint works well on frame materials like wood, metal, or plastic. In this guide, we walk through the best kinds of paint for picture frames and how to apply them properly.

Types of Paints to Use on Picture Frames

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic is a top choice for painting frames. It adheres well to wood, metal, and plastic. It comes in many colors and finishes, dries quickly, and becomes permanent once cured.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is durable and easy to clean, but requires more preparation. For best results, sand lightly, prime the surface, and apply multiple coats. Mask off surrounding areas to prevent unwanted overspray or drips.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is ideal for achieving a “shabby chic” or rustic look. It applies smoothly and dries to a velvety matte finish. (Note: Chalkboard paint is different — it’s designed to create a writable surface and is not generally used for frame finishes.)

Spray Paint

Spray paint is fast and efficient, especially for metallic, plastic, or ornate frames. You typically don’t need a primer if using a high-quality spray. Apply in light, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints offer excellent adhesion and smooth finishes. They are versatile across materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Because wood naturally expands and shrinks with temperature and humidity, oil‐based paints provide flexibility and durability.

How to Paint a Picture Frame: Step-by-Step

Clean the Surface: Remove dust, dirt, or old finish with a mild cleaner or light sanding.
Sand Lightly: Use fine-grit sandpaper to scuff the surface for better paint adhesion.
Prime (if needed): Especially for latex or bare wood, a primer helps even out absorption.
Apply Paint: Use thin, even coats. Multiple light coats are better than one thick coat.
Let It Cure: Allow full drying as per manufacturer instructions before handling or hanging.

Pros and Cons of Each Paint Type

Paint Type	Pros	Cons / Considerations
Acrylic	Fast drying, versatile, works on many materials	Permanent—hard to remove; may need priming on some surfaces
Latex	Low odor, easily cleaned up with water	Needs primer and multiple coats; less durable on plastic
Chalk Paint	Matte, rustic aesthetic; minimal prep	Less durable finish; may require sealing
Spray Paint	Quick application, smooth finish	Requires good ventilation, careful application to avoid drips
Oil-Based	Durable, smooth finish, excellent adhesion	Longer drying time, stronger fumes

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For versatility, **acrylic** and **spray paint** are safe go-to choices. If you prefer a vintage or matte aesthetic, chalk paint works beautifully. For durability over time, oil-based paints are reliable.

When choosing paint, always consider the material of your frame and your desired finish. And make sure you allow sufficient drying or curing time before hanging.

To browse our frame styles or begin a custom framing project, visit Modern Memory Design’s custom frames. For questions about materials or framing tips, check our FAQ page.

If you don't pay attention, picture frames can profoundly affect a place's design. A simple and inexpensive approach to updating the look of your home's interior is through picture frames. To improve their appearance, you'll need the best paint for picture frames. For picture frames, do you need a specific type of paint? We've done the legwork to save you time and found the information you're looking for.

What type of paints should be used?

Painting an old picture frame or finding a new one that doesn't match the rest of your decor is simple with the appropriate paint. For painting picture frames, you can buy picture frame paint at any arts and crafts store, which is ideal.

If you're painting a wooden frame, you'll have to choose the paint accordingly. The benefits and downsides of various colors and the ideal frame materials for employing them will be discussed here.

Acrylic:

A wide variety of colors and application methods are available in acrylic paint. Painting picture frames with acrylic is a popular choice because plastic and metal can be painted with acrylic. Acrylic paint is inexpensive and quick to dry, just two of its numerous advantages. Once the paint has dried completely, removing it will be much more difficult; hence the paint can be seen as a permanent one.

Latex:

Although latex paint is simple, a high-quality finish requires a few more procedures. Sand the frame, prime it, then paint it at least twice to ensure that the color penetrates all the way through the frame. And make sure the frame is covered before applying latex paint.

Chalk Paint:

You can use chalk paint to swiftly and quickly restore a damaged picture frame. This finish works well with rustic, farmhouse, and shabby chic design aesthetics. When dried, chalk paint takes on the appearance of chalk.

This is not the same as "chalkboard paint," which creates a dark surface on which you can jot down your thoughts. Colorful chalk paint is available. However, it cannot be utilized as a writing surface because of its nonreactive nature. Chalk paint is great because it's so simple to manufacture.

Spray Paint:

When it comes to painting picture frames, nothing beats spray paint. Plastic and metal are both excellent materials that can be put to good use. In terms of time or money, spray painting is a quick and easy process. You don't need to use a primer when it comes to spray paint, making it a great option for how to paint picture frames effectively.

Spray painting necessitates multiple coats. Various colors, sheens, and formulations are available for spray paints, which can be utilized for a wide variety of projects.

Oil-based paints:

When it comes to painting, oil-based paints can stick to almost any surface, even plastic and metal used to make picture frames. Natural oil paint for picture frames is especially effective because wood changes shape when the temperature does, making them work well on wood picture frames.

Final thoughts:

You can paint a photo frame in a variety of ways. When it comes to painting picture frames, you can't go wrong with chalkboard paint or acrylic paint. Before settling on a design, consider the type of frame you intend to paint. To get your frame, visit modern memory design

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