Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To distress thrifted picture frames, paint a base color, dab petroleum jelly on the edges and details you want to look worn, apply a contrasting topcoat, then wipe the jelly away after the topcoat dries. The revealed base paint creates convincing chips without sanding. This method works especially well on wood; it can also produce a wood-like result on plastic when the paint is suitable for that material.
What the distressing technique actually does
The process is a paint-and-resist finish. Your first coat becomes the color visible in the “worn” areas. Petroleum jelly temporarily blocks the second coat. When the topcoat is dry, a clean, dry rag removes the jelly and the paint sitting on it, exposing the base color beneath. Because you decide exactly where the resist goes, you control whether the frame looks lightly aged or heavily chipped.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Lauren used this approach in the Bless’er House tutorial “4 Thrifted Frames, 1 Easy Distress Technique”, published June 24, 2014 and updated July 30, 2022. Her gallery-wall project included six frames—four thrifted pieces and two purchased from a craft retailer. She describes the named paints as examples, not requirements, and says the distressing itself took less time than waiting for coats to dry.
The finish is not a controlled compatibility test for every paint and frame. Treat the tutorial as a repeatable technique, then follow the coating manufacturer’s directions for your specific material, primer and drying time.
#1 Best Overall
- EASY TO USE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS: Whether you’re new to DIY or a pro, Rust-Oleum Chalked makes painting easy and enjoyable. Minimal prep required means you can jump right into your project confidently and focus on creativity—not complicated steps
- IDEAL FOR FURNITURE REFRESHES: Chalked is perfect for updating nightstands, coffee tables, bookshelves, cabinets, and more. It adheres to wood, metal, ceramic, canvas, and more—turning everyday pieces into stylish, custom accents with ease
- QUICK CLEANUP, NO FUSS: When your project is done, cleanup is quick and easy with just soap and water. No special products or harsh chemicals needed—just a smooth finish and a clean workspace, ready for your next idea
- FAST-DRYING, ONE-COAT COVERAGE: Most surfaces need only one coat, and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes. That means less waiting and more doing—perfect for weekend projects, last-minute updates, or spontaneous creative sessions
- SMOOTH-TO-TOUCH MATTE FINISH: Chalked delivers a soft, ultra-matte finish that feels as good as it looks. Whether your style is modern, minimalist, boho, or classic, this smooth, velvety texture adds a refined, trendy-yet-timeless touch to any project
Gather the supplies
- Two paint colors: one base color and one topcoat color. Chalk paint is the example used in the tutorial, but the brands and shades are not mandatory.
- Petroleum jelly: use it as the resist. Ordinary petroleum jelly is sufficient; no specialty distressing medium is required.
- A clean, dry rag: this removes the jelly and the paint above it after the topcoat has dried.
- Paper towels: keep them nearby for wiping brushes and controlling dry-brush paint.
- Two or three large artist brushes: separate brushes make it easier to keep the base and topcoat colors clean.
- Optional protective equipment: use a drop cloth, ventilation and the eye, skin and respiratory protection specified on your paint label.
The original project used FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint in Java and Parisian Grey on some frames, and Rust-Oleum Oil Rubbed Bronze on two others as an appearance comparison. Those colors illustrate contrast choices; they are not stated requirements, and current formulations or availability may differ.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCheck the frame material before choosing paint
Clean the frame and identify what you are coating before opening the paint. Remove glass, artwork and backing whenever possible so they do not collect overspray or brush marks. Test your complete paint system on an inconspicuous area or a spare frame, particularly when the surface is glossy, slick or coated.
| Frame material | What the available guidance says | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Sherwin-Williams says interior latex paint works for wood picture frames in its picture-frame guidance. | Brush on the base and topcoat as directed on the labels. Existing grain, nicks and carved details can make the revealed base color look especially natural. |
| Plastic | The tutorial reports that two plastic frames ended up looking like distressed painted wood. Sherwin-Williams recommends spray paint for plastic or metal frames. | Use a coating labeled for plastic, respect its preparation and recoat instructions, and regard the reported wood-like result as an example rather than a guarantee. |
| Metal | Sherwin-Williams includes metal with the materials for which it recommends spray paint. | Choose a metal-compatible coating and avoid assuming that a water-based craft paint will adhere without the preparation specified by its manufacturer. |
| Glass or resin | The tutorial’s subtitle presents the technique for “plastic, wood, glass, resin,” but it does not provide a controlled compatibility test for each surface. | Use only a product labeled for that substrate, test adhesion first and expect the result to depend on the coating system and handling. |
Do not sand merely because a distressing tutorial usually includes sanding: this particular resist method is described as needing no sanding. Sanding may still be required by the paint manufacturer for adhesion or by the condition of a damaged surface, so the product label takes priority.
Plan where the frame should look worn
Petroleum jelly should suggest use, not random damage. Before painting, study the frame as if it had been handled for years. Corners, outer edges, inner edges around the artwork, and raised ornament are the most believable wear points. Keep broad, flat center sections mostly intact unless you are deliberately recreating a heavily abraded finish.
Use a light hand for a refined antique look
Apply a thin, broken film of jelly to a few corners and the highest ridges. Leave plenty of uninterrupted topcoat. This produces small flashes of the base color and keeps the frame suitable for a formal gallery wall.
Rank #2
- VERSATILE SIZE - This unique chalk acrylic paint comes in a convenient 8 oz size and has a rich, highly pigmented formula - perfect for all your home décor projects!
- ULTRA-MATTE FINISH - When dry this versatile acrylic chalk paint has a beautiful ultra-matte finish, requires minimal surface prep, is easy to distress, and can be layered and sanded to give you a perfect aged look and feel
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - This unique home décor paint dries quickly on a variety of surfaces including wood, glass, metal, terra cotta, and much more
- EASY TO CLEAN UP – Clean up is easy with FolkArt Home Décor Chalk! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- AMERICAN MADE - FolkArt Home Décor Chalk is proudly made in the USA. A preferred brand among crafters, painters, and artists, FolkArt is a staple in any collection of art supplies
Build stronger contrast for a rustic frame
Place more resist along both long edges, at the corners and on prominent raised details. Vary the size of the marks rather than making matching patches. The eye reads irregular wear as more credible than a repeated pattern.
Coordinate a gallery wall
For several frames, keep one design decision consistent—such as the same topcoat or the same base color—while varying the amount of exposed paint. The original project mixed thrifted and new frames, so a coordinated color relationship can unify pieces with different shapes and materials.
How to distress a thrifted frame, step by step
- Prepare the workspace. Place the frame on a protected surface, remove the glass and contents, and clean away dust, grease and loose debris. Let the surface dry completely. Mask hardware or areas that must remain unpainted.
- Paint the base color. Brush on an even coat of the color you want to appear as wear. Work paint into carved details without leaving puddles. Allow it to dry according to the paint label. This color will be exposed wherever the jelly blocks the topcoat.
- Inspect coverage. Look for thin spots, missed recesses or visible original finish. Add another base coat only where needed, then let it dry fully. A weakly covered base can show the old frame instead of the intentional accent color.
- Apply petroleum jelly selectively. With a fingertip or a small amount on a cloth, rub jelly onto chosen corners, edges and raised details. Keep the layer thin and irregular. A thick smear makes the topcoat wipe away in a large, obvious patch; a thin film creates more controlled chips.
- Paint the second color. Cover the frame with the contrasting topcoat. The tutorial notes that you do not need to force paint into every crevice. Avoid repeatedly scrubbing the jelly-marked areas, because aggressive brushing can move the resist beyond the wear pattern you planned.
- Let the topcoat dry completely. Resist the urge to wipe while the paint is soft. Drying time varies with product, humidity, temperature, coat thickness and ventilation; use the label’s dry and recoat times rather than a universal timer.
- Reveal the distressing. Rub the dry frame with a clean, dry rag. The jelly and the paint sitting over it should lift away, exposing the base color. Use light pressure first, then make a second pass on marks that need more definition. Stop when the pattern looks intentional.
- Refine small areas. If a spot is too large, repaint that area with topcoat, let it dry and use less jelly next time. If a detail is not visible enough, remove a little more topcoat with the rag rather than scraping aggressively.
- Reassemble only after curing. Return the glass, artwork and backing when the finish has reached the handling time specified by the paint manufacturer. Fresh paint can stick to glazing, bumpers or wall hardware even when it feels dry.
Choose base and topcoat colors that read as age
Contrast determines how obvious the distressing will be. A dark base beneath a pale topcoat creates strong chips; two neighboring neutrals produce a quieter, layered effect. Consider the room and the artwork before deciding which color should show through. The base is the visual “history,” while the topcoat is the frame’s dominant present-day color.
Test both colors together on scrap wood, cardboard or the back of the frame. A combination that looks subtle when wet may become high-contrast after drying. Also check the colors under the lighting where the frame will hang. The tutorial’s Java, Parisian Grey and oil-rubbed-bronze examples demonstrate that the same resist process can support warm, cool or metallic-looking palettes.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Spray paint can be used as the topcoat, according to the tutorial, but only when the spray product is appropriate for the substrate and the area is ventilated as directed. Keep the can moving and build light passes rather than flooding carved areas; follow the can’s recoat window to avoid wrinkling or lifting the underlying layers.
Rank #3
- EASY TO USE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS: Whether you’re new to DIY or a pro, Rust-Oleum Chalked makes painting easy and enjoyable. Minimal prep required means you can jump right into your project confidently and focus on creativity—not complicated steps
- IDEAL FOR FURNITURE REFRESHES: Chalked is perfect for updating nightstands, coffee tables, bookshelves, cabinets, and more. It adheres to wood, metal, ceramic, canvas, and more—turning everyday pieces into stylish, custom accents with ease
- QUICK CLEANUP, NO FUSS: When your project is done, cleanup is quick and easy with just soap and water. No special products or harsh chemicals needed—just a smooth finish and a clean workspace, ready for your next idea
- FAST-DRYING, ONE-COAT COVERAGE: Most surfaces need only one coat, and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes. That means less waiting and more doing—perfect for weekend projects, last-minute updates, or spontaneous creative sessions
- SMOOTH-TO-TOUCH MATTE FINISH: Chalked delivers a soft, ultra-matte finish that feels as good as it looks. Whether your style is modern, minimalist, boho, or classic, this smooth, velvety texture adds a refined, trendy-yet-timeless touch to any project
Add dimension with optional dry brushing
Dry brushing is a separate finishing step, not a replacement for the petroleum-jelly resist. Dip the tip of an artist brush into a small amount of paint, wipe most of it onto a paper towel, then skim the nearly dry bristles over raised details. The remaining paint catches the high points and adds a faint highlight or shadow.
Use a color that supports the two-color scheme and apply almost no pressure at first. Dry brushing is easiest to control on ornament, beading and carved ridges; it can look streaky on broad flat rails. If the highlight becomes too strong, soften it with a clean rag before the paint fully sets, or glaze the area with a very thin coat compatible with the existing finish.
Troubleshoot the common failure points
The topcoat will not wipe away
The jelly may have been too thin, absorbed into a porous surface or covered by a paint that formed a strong film over it. Confirm that the topcoat is fully dry, then rub gently with a dry rag. Do not jump immediately to a scraper, which can gouge wood or remove the base coat. For a future attempt, apply a slightly more visible but still narrow jelly mark and test the complete stack on a hidden area.
The distressing looks like perfect dots or stripes
Wear patterns become artificial when every mark has the same size and spacing. Break up repeated shapes, concentrate damage on edges and corners, and leave some raised details untouched. A few irregular exposures usually look more convincing than covering every available ridge.
The base color is missing
If wiping reveals bare frame instead of the intended undercolor, the base coat may not have covered the original surface or may have lifted during the second coat. Let the area dry, repaint the base, allow full drying, then reapply a small amount of jelly before touching up the topcoat. Check whether the paint requires a primer for that material.
Rank #4
- EASY TO USE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS: Whether you’re new to DIY or a pro, Rust-Oleum Chalked makes painting easy and enjoyable. Minimal prep required means you can jump right into your project confidently and focus on creativity—not complicated steps
- IDEAL FOR FURNITURE REFRESHES: Chalked is perfect for updating nightstands, coffee tables, bookshelves, cabinets, and more. It adheres to wood, metal, ceramic, canvas, and more—turning everyday pieces into stylish, custom accents with ease
- QUICK CLEANUP, NO FUSS: When your project is done, cleanup is quick and easy with just soap and water. No special products or harsh chemicals needed—just a smooth finish and a clean workspace, ready for your next idea
- FAST-DRYING, ONE-COAT COVERAGE: Most surfaces need only one coat, and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes. That means less waiting and more doing—perfect for weekend projects, last-minute updates, or spontaneous creative sessions
- SMOOTH-TO-TOUCH MATTE FINISH: Chalked delivers a soft, ultra-matte finish that feels as good as it looks. Whether your style is modern, minimalist, boho, or classic, this smooth, velvety texture adds a refined, trendy-yet-timeless touch to any project
The finish feels sticky
Residual petroleum jelly can remain in recesses. Wipe again with a clean, dry cloth and give the finish more time to settle. Do not apply wax, varnish or another sealer until the coating manufacturer confirms compatibility and the surface is free of grease.
Plastic or metal paint scratches easily
Adhesion depends on the substrate, surface preparation and product. The reported plastic-frame success is not a universal guarantee. Use a coating labeled for plastic or metal, follow its cleaning and primer directions, and test the cured finish before assembling or hanging the frame.
Protect and display the finished frame
Keep the frame away from constant moisture, direct abrasion and heavy cleaning. Dust with a soft, dry cloth rather than a wet household cleaner that could soften or dull the layers. When hanging several distressed frames, use appropriate wall hardware for the frame’s weight and inspect the edges periodically for fresh chips caused by handling rather than intentional aging.
The technique is forgiving because a new base-and-topcoat pair can be applied over an unsatisfactory result, provided the existing layers are sound and compatible. Record the paint names, colors and order on a small label kept with the frame; that information makes future touch-ups far easier than trying to identify a faded color by eye.
What this method can—and cannot—promise
It can give thrifted frames a controlled, layered appearance with ordinary supplies, no dedicated sanding step and an adjustable amount of exposed base color. It does not guarantee identical adhesion on wood, plastic, metal, glass and resin, nor does it replace the instructions for the paint you buy. Start with a hidden test area, place the resist where natural wear would occur, and let every coat dry on its own schedule. Those decisions matter more than copying a particular brand or color.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
