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Update Old Artwork

Give your old artwork a fresh new look with just a couple of updates.

Update old artwork - So Much Better With Age

We’re back again this month with our Trash to Treasure series!

Today I’m showing you how to take an old piece of beautiful artwork and update it.

 Here is the before shot. It’s something you’d see at any garage sale or thrift store, nothing special but the artwork itself is pretty.

The frame is actually plastic. And the matte is dingy looking.

A before picture of an old picture with a worn frame.

I used my favorite Annie Sloan paint since it adheres to almost anything without prep.

I used the leftover Graphite Chalk Paint® from my old dresser makeover.

Annie Sloan chalk paint in Graphite.

Take your picture frame apart and paint on two coats drying in between coats.

I discarded that dingy matte and just put some water colour paper behind the painted piece like I’ve done here.

That’s it!

The frame painted the graphite colour.

Crazy, right?

The updated artwork hanging on the wall.

 So easy yet gorgeous! I’m going to add this beauty to my rustic cabin in the woods once the renovations are all done. I can’t wait!

A picture of the mountains and the trees.

So if you want to see what this old person is wearing to her high school reunion this weekend or to check in on the debauchery, then be sure to follow me on Instagram.

And now be sure to pop over to these lovelies to check out what treasure they made from trash!

Trash to Treasure poster.

 KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms

Make A Pillow Reuable shopping bag graphic.

Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY Shower Cornice & Curtains poster.

Shannon from AKA Design

Grapevine & Berry Wreath poster.

Coastal Charm
My Repurposed Life
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The Scoop
The Shabby Nest

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7 Comments

  1. FYI…(which I’m sure you already know). :-). You can also paint the matte, which I’ve done several times just because I wanted the job finished ‘RIGHT. NOW”! Ya know what that’s like, right? I used a sponge and just dabbed two different colors until I was happy with the outcome. You can do this with one color or as any colors as you like. The first matte I did about 10 years ago and it’s still in perfect condition.

  2. Love that you painted the frame, but there is a purpose for the mat. It keeps the art from touching the glass, which is VERY bad for it. If it’s not a piece you love, no big deal, but if you love it, you’ll eventually ruin it the way you’ve framed it.

    1. Thanks for sharing, Loribeth. Yes, I would definitely use a matte if it was a nice piece of art. This one was destined for the thrift store. Great tip!!

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