Let's say you spy an ornate picture frame at the thrift store, or better yet, you see an antique chest of drawers needing new life. A simple fix is to update it with paint. However, if your candidate allows, you can take it to a whole new level with glazing. Some pieces beg for it, while others do not. Let me know you show easy glazing can be in this step-by-step tutorial using this picture frame as my example.
[thrifted-art-before]
Most picture frames, mirrors, and some styles of furniture have carvings and grooves that can be drawn out to create depth and a sense of days gone by. Those features are what you want to look for when choosing your project piece. To get started on this project, here is what you'll need:
Materials:
- ornate picture frame, mirror, a piece of furniture (anything with carvings)
- paint or stain in base color (this would be your lighter shade)
- paint in accent color (this would be the darker shade or metallic paint)
- wax or poly for topcoat (if desired)
- soft cotton rag - like an old t-shirt
Tools:
- artist's paint brush
- standard paint brush
- sandpaper (optional)
Though most of the time I tend to use paint as my base coat, there is nothing wrong with choosing a light stain as well, especially if you are using new wood. For this project though, since it is already a faux wood resin, I am going to demonstrate with paint.
To get started on doing this type of finish, you will need to understand that a dry brush technique is best when dealing with intricate carvings. What I mean by "dry brush" is that for the most part you are only going to pick up enough paint on your brush to lightly coat the paint and work it in. This method prevents awful build-up that can fill those carvings and create drips and puddling.
[base-coat]
TIP: Want to skip a step? You could also use a spray paint in a matte finish as your base coat. Just make sure your coats are light and even.
This light coat will also help to achieve the aged finish we're after. Here is the mirror after a light dry-brushed coat. You could add a second coat to hide the original material or leave it thin to create the time-worn effect. Just be sure to let each coat dry for an hour or so before continuing. I used a white as my second topcoat to create dimension.
[first-coat-paint]
You can purchase glazing ready made, but as I demonstrate on my blog repeatedly, there is no need to spend money on it (it's expensive!). If a metallic glazing is desired, metallic paint is already thin and will spread evenly in the crevices. To use a darker shade of paint over your base coat, just set aside a small amount of paint and add a smidgen of water. For this frame, I am using about 1/4 cup of the darker shade of paint and 1/8 teaspoon water.
In this next step, brush on the glaze in small batches and have a lightly dampened rag ready. Working in small amounts will allow you to work with the glaze before it sets. Brush it on into all the nooks and crannies and edges to give a shadowed effect.
[applying-glaze]
Once applied, lightly wipe off the glazing allowing it to remain in those crevices. You will see how the carvings will pop and come to life, creating the aged finish we're after.
[wiping-glaze-off]
An added step if you want to add a touch of time-worn distressing to your piece is to lightly sand the places that would receive normal wear. Once done, add a top coat of wax or poly, if you desire.
[frame-corner]
[finished-glazed-mirror]
These simple steps can take any outdated or worn piece of decor or furniture and give it a fresh new look. The options are limitless, so go out and get thrifting to make your home decor your own. Have fun!