Aging gold frames…

I have been using gold and brass accents for a while but hated the color some of my picture frames  had.

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Although about 15 years old, several were just too orange and had a fake “factory” look that I wanted to get rid of. 

I wanted to achieve a look similar to a frame my grandmother had painted at least 60-70 years ago. 

I spray painted them black, let them dry, then sanded lightly.

I then dry-brushed on gold craft paint, but a cooler gold color. I know most would paint the gold first, then come back with dark wax, but I thought I could get the depth and color I wanted better this way. 

I wanted them to look old with more of a green or verdigris tint…

…like the brass candelabra from Lebanon.

 I am loving how they look — especially with old family photos…

It’s a great way to give a new frame “old” life:-)

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10 Comments

  1. Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things
    March 10, 2014 / 1:33 pm

    Those turned out great!

  2. Unknown
    March 10, 2014 / 1:37 pm

    I am looking around mow to see what I can change :). Luv the look you got. thanks for sharing Anita.

  3. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
    March 10, 2014 / 1:53 pm

    Oh i love this idea. How clever and the color is the perfect gold. Hugs, Marty

  4. Pamela
    March 10, 2014 / 1:55 pm

    They turned out great Anita!

  5. terricheney
    March 10, 2014 / 5:46 pm

    I am in the midst of redecorating my master bath and I pulled out an antique framed picture that suits the space beautifully. The frame was a carved wood, but my daughter encouraged me months ago to paint it gold. I chose to use a gold paint pen and wasn't too concerned with making it look gold as much as aged. It's so beautiful in the room I'm thinking I need to find some more 'old gold' items to set it off.

  6. lynn cockrell
    March 10, 2014 / 9:26 pm

    The frames look great, Anita!

  7. Bonnie
    March 10, 2014 / 10:51 pm

    Beautiful. Looks great.

  8. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    March 11, 2014 / 12:35 am

    Great job, Anita! They're perfect!

  9. ~ Lisa ~
    March 11, 2014 / 12:02 pm

    You've done it AGAIN. Now I'm gonna have to do the same. You keep me busy…. trying to copy you beautiful style and touches.

    Love, Love, Love….

    ~ Lisa from Indiana ~

  10. Alycia Nichols
    March 18, 2014 / 11:22 pm

    Bingo, bango, target hit!!! These look great! I know what you mean about wanting to "age" the frames a bit. I don't like frames hanging around that look as if I just grabbed them off the factory line. I like to add some character. Thanks for the tips!