Supplies You’ll Need:

• Thrifted frames from Goodwill NCW
• Dark paint (e.g., black, deep purple, midnight blue)
• Highlight paints (metallics like silver, gold, bronze)
• Paintbrushes (including a dry brush for detailing)
• Spooky prints or images
• Cleaning cloths
• Screwdriver (if needed to remove the backing)
• Protective surface cover (like newspaper or an old sheet)

Remove Glass and Backing

Carefully remove the glass and backing from each frame. Set them aside in a safe place, as you might want to use them again later.

Clean and Prep

Thoroughly clean the frames to remove any dust or grime. Use a damp cloth for best results and ensure the frames are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Paint the Frames

Choose a dark color as your base. Black, deep purple, or midnight blue are all great choices for a spooky Halloween look.

Apply the first coat of paint evenly over the entire frame. Allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat. This ensures a rich, solid color.

Dry Brushing

Once your base coat is fully dry, it’s time to add some texture and highlights using the dry brushing technique.

Dip your brush lightly into the highlight color (metallics work wonderfully for this). Wipe off most of the paint on a paper towel until the brush appears almost dry.

Gently brush over the raised areas of the frame. The goal is to create subtle highlights that enhance the frame’s texture. You can layer different metallic colors to add more depth and interest.

Additional Texture

Feel free to experiment with more colors if you want to add extra texture and dimension to your frames. Just remember to use the dry brushing technique to keep the look subtle and spooky.