A few minutes and a little gel stain transformed this thrifted wood frame from worn and dated to fresh and classic. All of the imperfections filled in and you would never know I only paid a few dollars for it.
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The one item I always look for every time I’m in a thrift store is picture frames. My eye focuses in on the size and lines of the frame. The color and the condition doesn’t matter. And I definitely ignore most of the artwork displayed inside the frame.
Why do I do this? Because picture frames can be expensive brand new. My goal is only to spend a few dollars on each frame and thrifting makes this possible. There is always a way to update it.
Stay focused on what the frame is made of, the lines, and the price when shopping for second-hand frames.
THRIFTED WOOD FRAME
Any picture frame made of wood is a hot commodity in the thrift shoppers world. If you see one, grab it! That’s what I did with this one. It’s been sitting in my stash for a few months, just waiting for the right project.
The simple classic lines of this thrifted wood frame, along with the price, made me pick it up. I ignored the scratches and wear and tear.
GEL STAIN ON A THRIFTED WOOD FRAME
Most of the frames I bring home from the thrift store get painted. But this one had some hidden beauty that I knew gel stain could bring out. I wasn’t quite sure which color, so I brought them all out. {Spoiler alert: I chose Nutmeg.}
〈USING GEL STAIN TO UPDATE A STAIRCASE〉
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Paint stirring stick
HOW TO APPLY GEL STAIN
Clean the surface well and remove all dust, dirt, fingerprints, etc.
Stir the gel stain until it is well mixed.
Put the gloves on to keep from staining your skin and dip a little of the cloth into the gel stain.
Apply to the wood, going with the grain and rubbing any excess up.
Allow the stain to set for 10-15 minutes and wipe off with a clean cloth.
Apply a second coat if more coverage is desired, wait 10-15 minutes, and wipe it off again.
Allow to dry for a few hours before use.
I came across this print before Christmas and I absolutely love it! The opening of the frame is 11″ x 14″ and I had WalMart print it for me.
The gel stain filled in the scratches and the worn spots perfectly. The color blended so well on this thrifted wood frame.
SIMPLE WINTER MANTEL
After taking down all of our Christmas decor, I decided to only shop my home to put together a simple winter mantel.
〈PAINTED FIREPLACE MAKEOVER〉 〈DIY FIREPLACE MANTEL〉
One thing did lead to another and I decided give the entire living room a fresh update. Again, I only used items that I had on hand.
〈FULL LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER〉 〈OUR FAVORITE SOFA〉
I hope this inspires you to take a peek at the picture frames the next time you go to the thrift store. Grab a few if you like the lines of the frame and the price is right. If you don’t have a project in mind, tuck it away for when you do!
SHOP THIS LOOK
PIN IT FOR LATER
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