Black Frames to Antique Gold Frames with Annie Sloan

Last week, while back at our place in Vermont, I picked up two adorable prints at a vintage shop.

I thought they’d be so cute in our sunroom in Maine, where each print displays a morning coffee, comics, and a game of Scrabble.

But I didn’t like the budget black frames that they came with. I also picked up this authentic antique gold-framed print behind them, which is the look that I really wanted for them.

Step-By-Step Guide for Black to Gold Frames

Let me show you how easy it is to transform inexpensive black frames like these into antique gold frames with Annie Sloan’s Bright Gold Gilded Wax.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

How to make a picture frame look antique?

It’s so easy, I had no idea!

How do I know?

I dropped by one of my favorite shops here in Maine, Signature Finishes, at The Shops at Cape Neddick. Maureen is my go-to around here for all things in faux finishings.

I bought a tube of Bright Gold Annie Sloan’s Gilded Wax and a small stencil brush at Maureen’s recommendation.

You may also choose from Annie Sloan’s other metallic finishes:

• Warm Gold
• Bright Silver
• Dark Silver
• Copper

What is Gilded Wax?

“Gilded wax is a quick and easy way to add a metallic touch to your painted furniture. Enhance the texture, detailing, or create gilded shapes, lines, and designs using your favorite Annie Sloan Stencil.” Source: Annie Sloan.

Supplies Needed:

Set Up a Gold Frames Painting Station

I set my workstation up outside with two saw horses as the foundation.

This made it easy to maneuver the frames and have an excellent 360-degree visual of each frame.

How to Wax the Frames

Read and follow the instructions on the back of any package first.

1. Squeeze a small amount of the Bright Gold Gilded Wax by Annie Sloan onto the paper towel. You’ll be surprised how far a small tube like this will go! So, start out using it sparingly.

1. Dab the stencil brush lightly into the Bright Gold Gilded Wax on the paper towel.
2. Start brushing it onto your first black frame.
3. Begin by lightly brushing it on the black frame and then filling it in more as you go to suit your liking.

It’s really just this simple!

After finishing the first gold frame with a light coat of Gilded Wax, I could take a step back and determine how much black I wanted to show through.

The black on the frame is an essential visual element when antiquing a faux finish.

It will give the frame depth, texture, and vintage look to make it appear authentic.

But I didn’t want it heavy in black since these prints will be hanging in our sunroom.

Because of this, I recommend applying a thin layer of the Annie Sloan Gilded Wax and then going back and applying more until you achieve the antique gold look you want.

I’ve also heard that Rubb ‘N Buff works well, too…

Let the painted gold frames dry overnight.

For the price of budget black frames, a little Annie Sloan’s Gilded Wax, and a stencil brush, you can create a beautiful, antique-looking gold frame that will enhance any room in your home.

And how easy was that?

Do you love vintage McCoy vases like the pink one featured here?

Join me for our favorite Thrifting with the Gals blog series, and follow along on all of our thrifting and antiquing adventures.