How to Create a Fun Faux Metal Paint Finish With Metallic Paint

I’ve recently fallen in love with metallic paint!  I’ve been painting everything with it.  Usually, I like finding frames with a lot of detail but these simple thrift store frames were perfect for trying out a new faux metal paint finish.  (Scroll down to see a video of this faux metal painting technique.) We’ll see two similar but different metal finishes today.

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Supplies Needed for a Faux Metal Paint Finish

• thrift store frames
• metallic paint – I used DecoArt Americana Decor Metallics Bright Metallic Paint in Silver and Pewter
• glazing medium. But this paint also comes in copper, gold, brass, and more!
• black acrylic paint
• paintbrushes
• rags

{{{See a complete list of what’s in my toolbox and supply cabinet.}}}

How to Get a Faux Finish with Metallic Paint

First, I removed the glass and cleaned the frame with regular spray cleaner and a paper towel.

Then I gave the frames 2 coats of metallic paint.  Metallic pewter paint is shown on the first frame.  The lighter frame had metallic silver paint as the base coat. Primer isn’t needed, this paint is thick enough to cover. I used a paintbrush but you could use a paint roller if you prefer. But I actually like to see some brush strokes on this project… it gives the black glaze somewhere to stick.

After the paint was completely dry I mix a little black paint with some glazing medium and slap it on with chip brushes.  Yeah… I didn’t even try to be neat for this project.

While the glazing medium was still wet, I dabbed a soft cloth on it.  Maybe a video can explain this better than words. In the video below I used this painting technique on an old piano bench.  I start glazing at about 10:00 minutes in.  Take a look:

Projects finished with a glaze do not need a topcoat or clear coat.

It’s nice to be able to get two different looks by just switching up the base coat of metallic paint.

Finished DIY Faux Metal Finish

Here’s a close-up so you can see the texture of the faux metal paint finish.  This frame was painted first with the pewter metallic paint.

And here’s the frame I painted with the silver metallic paint.

Can you see the difference?  The pewter actually has a bit of a blue tone to it.

I hope this inspires you to pick up cheap frames wherever you can find them. There are ALWAY lots at thrift stores… although, around us, thrift stores are getting more expensive. But they can still be found pretty cheap at garage sales and estate sales. And don’t forget the flea market.

Don’t be afraid to try this painting technique on plastic frames too. You may need to use a spray paint primer on plastic but once you get the metallic paint and glaze added you won’t even be able to tell that they were plastic!

More Thrift Store Makeovers to Try

If you enjoyed this faux metal paint finish, check out these other projects:

• 21 Painted Frames Makeovers
• Green Jewelry Cabinet Makeover
• How to Age Frames with Antiquing Dust
• Paint a Metallic Finish with a Putty Knife
• How to Make a Metallic Dinosaur Planter

As always, let me know what kind of projects you’d like to see in the future. Or if you have ideas for other paint finishes. I don’t want to ever stop learning new techniques and ideas!!!

Thanks for reading about our frame makeover! Please sign up for our email list and we’ll send you a list of new thrift store makeover and craft projects like this every week.

‘Til the next project,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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Originally published on August 23, 2018. We share at these blog parties.