How to Make Spray Paint Rainbow Frames with Gold Leaf!

Colors are the smiles of nature!

Upcycle some old frames with lots of pops of color and sparkle of gold leaf and glitter for a gorgeous wall art idea.

This gorgeous, colorful project can be done outside on a beautiful day and only take an hour or two, depending on drying time.

I've had these old frames that needed an update for a long time, you can use a mirror frame too!

I decided this was the week (thanks to the lovely weather) to finish them up with bright and bold colors.

I found I could say things with color...that I couldn't say any other way. --Georgia O Keeffe

This project uses spray paint as well as acrylic paint, giving it lots of fun layers of color.

If you have a mirrored frame, use some painter's tape (available even at the grocery store) and tape off the front of mirror...or just scrape it off with a razor after painting.

I am using various brands of spray paint and did use colorshot premium spray paint for a few of the colors.

Supplies Needed for Spray Paint Rainbow Frames:

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• Frames (the more ornate the better)
• Spray Paint (in various vibrant colors)
• Acrylic Craft Paint (in various vibrant colors)
• Gold Leaf and Adhesive
• Mod Podge Iridescent Spray
• Paint Brushes
• Cardboard (or protective surface cover)
• Sunny Day (not too hot or humid)

If you order from PLAID ONLINE, use the code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off.

Step 1: Rainbow Frames Set up

Begin by laying cardboard or a drop cloth out in your yard, either on the grass or cement.

Then set the picture frames on top of the cardboard, with the glass and backing removed.

Step 2: Spray Paint the Frames

Pick a color of spray paint, shake it up and spray a section or two of the frame.

Then select a different color and spray paint a portion or two of the frame, just in a fun rainbow spray pattern.

Repeat the spray painting portion process as you cycle through all the colors of spray paint you have.

Do not worry if the spray paint spurts or sputters out color splatters, leaving a small blob or two, that's actually awesome, and adds to the texture of the frame.

Continue spraying the frames, with light strokes of color...you don't want too many layers on the frames. 

The combination of layers of paint does cause some cracking, which is also a nice effect too.

After I did a fair amount of colors, I felt like I lost the brighter of the colors, so I went back over them with some more pops of color.

Then let them dry in the sunlight for about an hour, spray paint in thin layers is pretty quick drying.

Step 3: Mod Podge Iridescent Spray

Now for funsies, I used this Mod Podge Iridescent glitter spray and did a light pass over each of the colorful frames.

I love the subtle glitter shine it gives them.

Okay, now let the frames dry completely.

Step 4: Acrylic Paint

Now it's time to add pops of more color with acrylic paint.

Get out a variety of colors, similar to the spray paint colors...or something different entirely!

Now use a paintbrush and the acrylic paint to add little lines and pops of color to the frames.

Adding the additional colors really makes these frames stand out!

Don't fill in all the details, just give them a light touch here and there to make small details stand out.

I love how vibrant this yellow paint looks, it totally takes these frames up a notch!

I'm surprised looking at them now that I didn't use any green paint.

I totally could have.

Don't limit yourself with the colors you choose!

Alright, that's all the painting I did.

Let the acrylic craft paint dry completely...like 30 minutes or so.

Step 5: Gold Leafing on Frames

Now get out the gold leaf adhesive, mine is Martha Stewart brand from a long time ago when this was part of their Plaid line up.

This stuff lasts a long time.

Paint the adhesive in thin coats on the frames, in various sporadic places, just like the acrylic paint...then let the adhesive dry completely, it will turn clear.

Now place sheets of gold leaf on the adhesive all around the frame.

Use a paintbrush to dust off the gold leaf that doesn't stick to the adhesive.

The paintbrush also kind of burnishes the gold leaf and makes it extra shiny.

Then, life hack, use a small hand vacuum to vacuum up the excess gold leaf.

(Or you can scrape it into a small container to use as flakes for a project later.)

Now these beautiful rainbow gold leaf frames are finished!

They are ready to be filled with fun photographs and memories, hung on the wall as chic decor, added a hand lettered quote to, or just loved and admired.

I love the swirls and layers of color.

I love the hypnotic rainbow vibe...the gold leaf sparkles and the iridescent glow!

Such a simple upcycle project to add life to a plain but ornate frame...and if it brings you joy then it's absolutely worth it!

That's it!

Upcycle a frame into a glorious brightly colored rainbow with gold leaf!

This fun project is easy to do on a Spring afternoon, and it's basically fool proof, pick colors and layer them up.

Perfect for home decor, parties and events, updating existing frames and more!

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