How to Give a “Distressed” Look to a Picture Frame

It seems everyone is incorporating the “distressed” look into their home decor. The distressed photo frame is simple to make, takes little time, and adds to any room in the house.

All you’ll need to complete this project is:
1. One plain, inexpensive picture frame. You can use a frame you already have around your home or purchase one from your local discout retailer.

2. One can of white or off white spray paint or another light color.

3. Some type of sharp object such as an old kitchen knife.

4. A few small rags.

Start by laying some newspaper down on the surface you will be painting on and work in a well ventilated area. Remove the glass from your frame and set it aside. Spray one coat of paint onto the frame a let this coat dry completely. Don’t worry about coating the frame completely or evenly, this just adds to the “distressed” look.

Once the first coat is dry, apply another coat of paint and wipe gently with a clean rag. Let the frame dry. Next you will use your sharp object to scratch away at the paint on the corners and/or edges of the frame. Some scratches should mar only the surface, while others can go as deep as to penetrate into the wood of the frame.
Finally, just add your favorite photo the your new “distressed” frame, and enjoy!