Adding Color and Mass to a simple Framed Picture

My wife picked out a pretty cool picture to go behind our couch.  It has some nice splashes of color in it, as well as a very solid black frame.  Overall, a good choice.  However, I didn't feel like it was as large as it could have been in order to to take up a lot of room behind the couch.  It needed more mass and it wasn't practical to purchase two more images to flank it.  We contemplated some nice bronze candleholders/ wall sconces to go on either side, but that was just more money.

Against my wife's initial objections, I ended up using some scrap wood to add the mass I needed.  The way I created them was very simple and cost almost nothing.

1. Measure the height of the picture frame and cut two pieces the same height and whatever width you want.  I used 3/4" plywood.

2. I used a corresponding paint color that picked up the accent from the picture.  In a cup, I diluted the paint with water.  If I actually painted the wood, it would be a very solid and opaque color.  I wanted a whitewash finish.

3. I used a rag to "paint" on the color.  I waited a moment and then wiped it off.  The technique was very similar to staining.  This allowed the grain of the wood to show through and give it a neat effect. You really want to make sure you do a uniform job though, otherwise you'll get some patchy color.

4. Lastly, I used a paste wax to give it a tad of sheen, as well as protect it from age.  I actually did a test on the back first.  I tried a line of paste wax, a line of satin polyurethane and natural wood.  The wax won out.  See this post on using paste wax.

Viola! Simple and CHEAP. I've added color and mass to my initial picture using only scrap wood.

Paste Wax – The Little Known Secret to Quick, Simple and Rustic Finishes

 I’m not sure what it is about polyurethane finishes that I dislike.  It could be the smell, the mess, the brushes to clean or maybe even the fact that it makes things look a tad too industrial for me (even satin finish). My go to finish is a paste wax that can be found in your local hardware store.  It does not add any color, but rather brings out the natural glow of the wood while adding some protection.  It also adds a little shine to things, but it’s not a uniform high gloss.  It almost makes things look a tad rustic.

The best part is that all you need is an old rag.  It goes on really easily and then just wipes off.  It’s dry and good to go really quickly too.  I’ve used this on many projects and while it does not protect as well as a polyurethane, I seem to prefer it. I use Minwax only because it's the only brand I find in stores.  Try it for yourself and let us know your thoughts! 

The two projects below were finished with paste wax.

Adds a subtle sheen.  Very easy to apply. 

The wax gave it a nice aged look and brought out the distressing.