Easy DIY Thrift Store Frame Makeover

Hey friends! One of the things I almost always buy from thrift stores is random framed art. The frames are easy to makeover and can be repurposed in a lot of different ways.

So let me show you one of those ways with this easy DIY thrift store frame makeover.

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I got this thrift store frame art in all its 80’s glory for $7. A great price for the size {31 1/2 x 41}. As much as I love birds, I did not buy it for art.

The simple slim frame, on the other hand, had potential. The fact that it was mated was also a plus {saves me the trouble of buying or making it}. 

I got this frame with no specific project in mind, but the price was right and the frame was in great condition.

When I made my master bedroom over for the One Room Challenge last year, it was perfect for the large wall decor I wanted for my seating nook.

Easy DIY Thrift Store Frame Makeover

When repurposing a thrift store frame, the first step is to take it apart.

If necessary remove the hardware. If the hardware is in the position you need, in good working condition, and it’s not blocking from taking the frame apart, leave it on.

Thrift store frames usually have a dust cover. Most times its brown paper {similar to kraft paper}. I just tore it off.

Then comes to the backing, in my case, it was a piece of cardboard. It’s usually held in place with nails or staples.

Pliers are the easiest way I know to remove both {for a visual reference check out my DIY pinboard post HERE}

Once you remove the backing, you get to the art, matting, and glass. Toss the art, keep the matting.

Even if I don’t use the matting, I place it behind the new art just in case I want to use it at a later date.

Plus, you can always update the matting with spray paint if it happens to be something like that hunter green matting everyone seemed to have loved at one point.

Now it’s time to give the frame a makeover. However, if you like your frame as is, great! Less work for you :).

I sprayed my frame with 3 thin coats {letting it each coat dry, before I sprayed the next} of Design Master’s brilliant gold for a warmer “brassy” look.

Now the fun part, adding your new art. I went with this custom size ‘love never fails’ quote printable from one of my favorite Etsy shops.

I had it printed as an engineering print for less than $4. Learn how to get the best results when using engineering prints from this post.

Now put your frame back together, hang, and enjoy! For a more detailed look at putting the frame back together check out this post HERE.

For roughly $20, I have a custom wall decor I love.  The gold frame coupled with the black and white typography is a timeless combination, with a modern bent.

Well, what do you think friends, not bad for a $7 frame and a little spray paint huh?

Have you made over a thrift store frame before? If not would you try this easy DIY thrift store frame makeover?

Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.