How can I paint an old wooden picture frame?

What color works best with your decor? What color are you walls or wherever you plan to display this picture? What color are you other picture frames? Do you want them all the same color so they look like a matched set or do you want a different color?

I have always put masking tape onto the glass and I am one to go for gold leaf maybe that would suit your picture I take it, it is old as you cannot sand it

Does the old frame add character to the picture? If so, you may want to conserve its patina and put a clear shellac or clear coating on it. Of course you can paint it but you will never see the antique frame as it was originally. You will wish one day you had the original patina of the frame. In one day the history of the patina will be gone.

Somewhere, I read that to make a picture pop(current trendy word), paint the wall it is hung on using the least dominant color in the picture. It works for me. Maybe this could be interpreted to painting your frame with that color.

Hello Eva,

Depends on the style of Frame and your style (Whether you want the design to stand out - re-ceed or blend with the surroundings) Maybe if you could post a pic of the frame hanging on the wall where you want it to go, it would help us help you better.

Hi guys, thank you for answering; I used this forum for the first time and even dont know how I posted my question. Actually I did not want to ask about colour but the type/brand of paint which I can use because I cannot sand the frame. The frame is old (but not antique), simple dark brown frame, very dark, making picture sad. I dont know anything about the finish/laquer of the frame therefore I dont know what kind/brand of paint I shouuld use. Want to make the procedure as simple as possible.

One concern I'd have is the possibility (even with masking tape) paint could get on the glass or behind the edge of the frame and seep under the frame. That could ruin the picture or at the very least stick the glass to the frame semi-permanently. That said, is there any area on the back of the frame where you could test paints to see if you like the coverage? For complete coverage you'll likely need to prime. But if you would likely more of a "washed" or "weathered" look, then you likely wouldn't have to prime. A picture frame isn't going to get lots of wear and tear like furniture or walls that might require an occasional washing off of spots. So painting prep for durability isn't quite as much of an issue. Depending on the look you want, a "rub and buff" product could work also.