Chalk Couture Chalk Paste Thrift Store Frame Makeover

I gave a $1.99 thrift store picture a completely new look with Chalk Couture chalk paste and a reusable faith based transfer. The original piece said Good Vibes, but the frame was cute and the size was just right for a small sign, so I covered the artwork and turned it into something more meaningful for my home.

Starting With a Thrift Store Picture

I love finding inexpensive pieces that already have a good shape or frame. This one cost $1.99 and came with the artwork permanently attached inside the frame. I would have preferred to remove the back before painting, but it wasn’t coming out, so I worked with everything in place.

The frame itself was already cute, and that saved me an extra step. All I needed to change was the printed background.

You can use this same idea with almost any framed thrift store picture. Look for a piece with a frame you like and a flat center that can be painted. The original words or design won’t matter once they’re covered.

Painting Over the Original Artwork

I used black chalk paste to paint directly over the Good Vibes design. I had the paste available, but acrylic paint or chalk paint would work for this part too.

Since the center couldn’t be removed, I carefully painted around the inside edge of the frame. I skipped the tape and did my best to keep the black paste where it belonged. If you prefer a little more control, you can tape around the edges before painting.

The black gave me strong coverage and created a beautiful background for the sparkly gold design I planned to add. Once the original artwork was covered, I let the background dry before moving on.

Preparing the Painted Surface

Fresh paint can lift when a sticky transfer is removed, so I added a light coat of surface wax. I rubbed a small amount over the black background, buffed it in and wiped away the excess.

The wax didn’t change the black color, although it added a slight sheen. More importantly, it helped keep the transfer from pulling up the chalk paste underneath.

A little wax goes a long way. You only need enough to protect the surface and help the transfer release more easily.

Using Chalk Couture Chalk Paste and the Transfer

For the design, I used the reusable God Is With Us Isaiah Seven Fourteen transfer. These transfers have an adhesive back and a silk screened design, which makes it easy to create crisp lettering without painting every detail by hand.

Fuzzing the Reusable Transfer

The transfer was stickier than I needed for a freshly painted surface, so I placed it on a fuzzing cloth first. A towel or even your shirt can work for this step. The goal is to pick up a small amount of lint so the adhesive releases more easily.

After fuzzing it, I placed the transfer on the black background and smoothed it down. I eyeballed the placement instead of measuring, then pressed around the letters and design to make sure the silk screened areas had good contact with the surface.

Adding the Sparkly Gold Design

I used a sparkly gold color called Nominee for the design. It has plenty of shimmer, so I stirred it before applying it to make sure the sparkle was mixed throughout the paste.

Using a squeegee, I spread a light layer over all the open silk screened areas. I made sure every part of the design was covered, then scraped the excess paste back off with the squeegee.

Work at a steady pace during this step because the paste needs to stay wet while you remove the transfer. If it dries in the screen, parts of the design can lift with it.

I slowly peeled the transfer away from the surface. Peeling slowly gives you a chance to spot any missed areas. If you see one, you can lay that section back down and add a little more paste before continuing.

Touching Up the Finished Sign

I got a small smear of gold outside the design while I was working. That happens when I get moving a little too fast. I used a small amount of black chalk paste to cover the spot and blend it back into the background.

The finished sign says God Is With Us with the Isaiah reference underneath. The gold catches the light against the black background, and the original frame works beautifully with the new design.

Cleaning and Reusing the Transfer

As soon as I finished, I washed the transfer with water. After it dries, it can go back on its backing sheet and be saved for another project.

That’s one of my favorite parts about working with reusable transfers. The same design can be used on another framed sign or a different suitable surface, and you can change the background and paste colors to create a new look each time.

This makeover also leaves room for future changes. Chalk paste can often be wiped or scraped from some surfaces, and the area can also be sanded when needed, so an inexpensive thrift store frame can become the base for more than one project.

Chalk Couture supplies I used

• Nominee Paste
• Surface Wax

You can shop my full Chalk Couture store here.

I am an independent Chalk Couture designer, so I earn a commission on these links. See my disclosure for more.