How to Paint Picture Frame Mats

Hi friends! Today I have a quick and simple DIY home decor project for you. You may remember that a few years ago I created a family photo gallery wall in our living room. Recently, I have been craving more contrast and warmth in the color palette of our home… so I painted the picture frame mats! I love the vintage look of beige or brown mats, especially against a white wall. While the frames were disassembled, I repainted my frames as well. Today I will be sharing the spray paint colors I used, as well as tips for painting picture frame mats.

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The Before

Here is the gallery wall before I spray painted the mats and frames. I should say, before I spray painted the frames for a second time! These are actually white frames from Target that I previously spray painted gold. They looked beautiful but since we have white walls, I wanted to add more contrast by painting the mats.

How to Paint Picture Frame Mats

Here is an easy step-by-step guide to spray painting picture frame mats!

1. Begin with plenty of spray paint so you do not run out. In my case, I ordered several colors to test and decided on Rust-Oleum American Accents Satin Spray Paint in Fossil for my mats (the second can pictured above) and Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Spray Paint in Aged Copper for my frames. I purchased two cans each to be safe.
2. Carefully disassemble your picture frames. Consider wearing cut resistant gloves to protect yourself while removing the glass, and be sure to put the glass somewhere safe while you are painting.
3. Lay out your mats on a drop cloth (or old sheet) in a well-ventilated area.
4. Apply several thin coats of spray paint to the picture frame mats, allowing them to dry between coats. Follow the instructions on your paint can for the best results. I ended up doing three coats on the mats and allowing them to dry all afternoon.
5. Repeat these steps if you are also spray painting your picture frames.
6. Once everything is dry, carefully reassemble and hang your frames. Tada! A completely new look for about $20.

Other pretty spray paint colors to consider, pictured above: Smokey Beige and Nutmeg.

Painted Picture Frame Mats

Did you catch my Instagram reel showing the reveal a few weeks ago? I could not be happier with this budget friendly DIY and how it warmed up our living room. I love the vintage look. Also… sneak peek of the new wall molding shown above! I can hardly wait to share the whole space soon. As always, leave me any questions you may have below, and let me know if you try this project!

Xo,