Find The Best Frame Paints With This Guide

Decorating with frames is an easy way to add personality to any space. But over time, frames can start to show wear, fading, or other damage from light and environmental factors. That's why choosing a high-quality paint designed specifically for frames is so important. Read on to find recommendations for long-lasting paints that will have your frames looking like new.

We'll cover everything from specialty rust-preventing formulas to versatile spray paints and considerations for both indoor and outdoor frames. With the right information, you can confidently approach any framing paint project, whether you're sprucing up thrift store finds or protecting precious family heirlooms. The possibilities are endless when you know what paint works best to showcase each type of frame!

Types of Frames to Paint

The first step in any framing paint project is to identify what material your frame is made of. Common options include:

Wood Frames

Wood frames are a popular choice for an authentic, natural look. Both natural and engineered wood frames like MDF can be painted, but the porosity and grain means they require careful prep and primer. On bare wood, a coat of high adhesive primer helps the paint bind tightly. For a smooth finish, sanding between paint layers helps fill imperfections.

Metal Frames

Metal frames range from wrought iron to aluminum and can develop rust without the proper protective coating. Pre-treating raw metal with a dedicated rust-inhibiting primer provides crucial corrosion resistance and allows paint to properly adhere.

Plastic/Resin Frames

Plastic and resin frames are affordable, lightweight options for indoor use. Adhesion can be a challenge with slippery plastic, so sanding provides "tooth" for paints to grip. Specialized spray paints with max adhesion formulas designed for plastics help create a durable finish.

Canvas Stretcher Frames

Stretcher bars used for canvas art paintings consist of wood strips joined together at the corners. Quality acrylic paints flex as canvas expands and contracts while avoiding environmentally damaging formulas.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint

With so many types of frames, there's no one-size-fits all recommendation for paint. Consider where and how the frame will be used along with the aesthetic you want to achieve.

Use Case

Will the frame live indoors or outdoors? Is it for high-traffic areas or more occasional use? Paints for outdoor frames need to withstand temperature swings, moisture, and UV rays without cracking or peeling. Interior paints focus more on qualities like scrubbability and stain resistance.

Desired Finish

Think about the gloss level and special effects you want the painted frame to have. Gloss and semi-gloss paints make colors pop while matte and flat finishes offer an understated elegance. Metallic, hammered, and even chalkboard paint are also options depending on the look you wish to achieve.

Other Properties

Beyond basic protection and appearance, there are specialty paints that solve issues like rust prevention, eco-friendliness, and more. We'll cover those unique use cases in greater detail later on. Prioritize properties that meet your specific framing needs.

Recommended Paint Options

With a grasp on which qualities matter most for your project, let's explore some of the top-rated paint recommendations.

Rust-Inhibiting Paints

For metal frames prone to rust, choosing a paint designed to halt corrosion is crucial. Top choices like Eastwood Internal Frame Coating contain chemicals that interact with surface rust to convert it to a inert protective layer. This prevents existing rust from spreading while shielding against future oxidation.

Eastwood's formula sprays on evenly for uniform coverage without runs or sags. The semi-gloss finish and and light gray tone give treated frames a fresh uniform sheen. Reviewers praise Eastwood for its rust prevention and beautiful final appearance. Just remember to degrease and remove loose paint chips before application.

UV/Weather Resistant Exterior Paints

Frames placed outdoors require paints that withstand sunlight, rain, snow and fluctuating temperatures without damage. For wood frames, high quality spar urethanes or multi-layer marine coatings effectively seal the surface. Alkyd paints contain elastic polymers allowing them to expand and contract alongside wood.

On metal, powder coating provides extreme durability and weather resistance. DTM or "direct to metal" paints work as both primer and finish color in one. And epoxy paints create an extra thick moisture barrier. Ensure the frame surface is cleaned and lightly abraded first for optimal adhesion.

Versatile All-Purpose Paints

For indoor frames without special considerations, quality all-purpose paints get the job done. Both latex and alkyd options from leading brands flow on easily. They deliver good coverage that won't fade or yellow over time. All-purpose paints strike an optimal balance between durable protection and affordability.

Latex choices like Behr Premium Plus Enamel provide a uniform low-sheen finish that's also low odor and soap-and-water cleanup. Valspar's Reserve Interior Latex stands up well to washing and scrubbing. Testors Acrylic Lacquer Spray Paint adheres reliably even on tricky surfaces like glass and plastic.

Choosing Application Method

Beyond picking the right paint, application technique influences results. Brushes, rollers and sprayers each have pros and cons for frame painting.

Brushes

For small touches, detail work and irregular angles, nothing beats an artist's brush. Foam and nylon bristle types work smoothly across different paint formulas without shedding. Brushes excel at precision tasks like cutting crisp edges along frame rabbets or where moldings meet.

On textured surfaces, proper brush manipulation prevents visible strokes in the finish. Practice on cardboard before tackling visible areas. Let layers dry completely between coats to minimize imperfections.

Rollers

Paint rollers help speed up application on large flat frame elements. Foam, microfiber and woven polyester fabrics each have slight advantages. Test absorption and smoothness on cardboard before applying paint to frames. Prepare the surface carefully to avoid drips.

Use an extension pole for easier coverage without quality loss from repeated dipping. Let coats dry fully between applications and lightly sand raised naps once finished. Lastly, wrap edges with painter's tape or a steady hand with an angled brush.

Spray Paint

For professional-style results, sprayers atomize paint into a fine mist to completely coat surfaces. High volume low pressure (HVLP) and airless models suit different needs. Match spray pattern and viscosity to frame size and detail work needed. Prepare the area well and mask off any nearby walls or objects.

Apply in light, even passes starting off the frame then sweeping across to prevent drips. Allow complete drying between applications. Spray paint self-levels well but watch for runs on vertical pieces. With some practiced technique, sprayers deliver smooth factory-like finishes.

Prep Work and Priming Frames

However you plan to apply frame paint, properly prepping the surface is crucial. Start by cleaning dirt, grease and dust off the frame using degreasers, mineral spirits or other cleaners suited to the material. Sand glossy areas to rough up the surface so paint can bind.

Next, address any existing paint issues like cracks, peels or alligatoring with sanding or strippers. Use wood fillers if needed. Once the frame surface is in sound shape, apply primer before painting. Not only does primer improve paint adhesion, but certain anti-corrosive and staining types address specific issues.

For example, Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer contains rust inhibitors ideal for wrought iron, steel and other metals. Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Primer seals in stains from wood knots, grease, marker and more. And assure paint sticks smoothly on plastic frames by first spraying with Krylon Fusion or Rustoleum For Plastic primers.

Applying Frame Paint

With properly prepped and primed frames, now the fun part begins! First determine if one thick coat or several thinner layers will look best. While drying fully between applications takes patience, multiple coats often create a more durable finish less prone to drips or thin spots.

Moderate temperatures, low humidity, and dust-free indoor conditions give paint time to flow and level nicely before drying. Work methodically across the frame to maintain a wet edge and prevent lap marks. If spraying outside, calm days avoid blowing dust from marring the curing paint.

Certain paint formulas like polyurethanes and epoxies have precise recoat windows so check manufacturer guidelines. And pay attention while brushing or rolling for any drips forming on edges and corners. Once fully cured per the product instructions, admire your freshly painted frames! Now on to tips for keeping them looking like new.

Protecting and Maintaining Painted Frames

Proper care and handling extends the lifespan of painted frames so they stay looking freshly coated. Allow paint at least 2 weeks to fully harden before hanging frames. Utilize picture wire, D-rings and stabilizer brackets to safely display frames while protecting paint from scrapes.

Consider glass or plexiglass glazing for pieces in high-traffic areas or exterior locations. Touch up any nicks that do form over time with leftover paint. And limit sunlight exposure which can still eventually fade certain paint shades.

Vacuum gently around frames to avoid dust buildup which could scratch surfaces. Wipe with a microfiber duster or damp towel avoiding chemical cleaners. And stick to manufacturer guidelines for paint maintenance - certain epoxies and marine coatings require periodic recoating for optimal durability.

Choosing a quality paint designed for frames along with proper prep and application techniques results in showstopping displays that protect against wear. Consider where the frame will hang, what material it's made of, and any special protective qualities needed like rust resistance or UV reflectance.

Leading brands offer specialized formulas to tackle nearly any framing paint project with stunning results. So explore your options - a fresh coat of paint lets you transform thrift store finds, preserve family heirlooms, or customize artistic canvas frames.

You can approach framing projects with confidence if you read this guide. A bit of patience while prepping goes a long way towards a smooth eye-catching finish. Follow these tips and soon your personalized frames will elevate any space while standing the test of time.