Learn how you can change picture frame mats by just painting the mat board; plus, other DIY ideas with picture frames!

The topic on whether or not mat board can be painted would come up on the podcast occasionally with my old cohost, Suzannah and I. When we were hosting together, neither one of us had tried to make hand painted picture mats. We had both done a DIY ideas with picture frames, like the wood picture frame hack that I did in my bathroom, but neither one of us had ever use painted the mat board of a picture frame.

Can you paint picture mats? That was the question. I had seen people spray paint picture mats but, honestly, I wasn't sure if they really looked nice in person.

Spray painting mat board right now is out of the question since it's winter here. So, I set out to find the answer on whether you could paint picture mats with paint and a brush.

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How to Change Picture Frame Mats for a fresh, new look!

As I've been working through the design and style of my basement, I knew I wanted a fun way to incorporate tailgating and game day photos of our trips to Chiefs games. Because I didn't want our sports themed basement to turn in to an "ugly man cave," I've been really specific about what items I buy for the space. I considered doing DIY acrylic frames but then thought I wanted a bit of texture with the frames.

I've figured out that buying pieces that fit my overall design aesthetic and would fit elsewhere in my house as "staple" or building block items work best. Layering in sports memorabilia on top of those staple items is where the heart and soul of the space takes a turn and becomes something that's truly one-of-a-kind.

With that in mind, I splurged on horn and bone gallery wall frames that have special feeling and could easily work anywhere else in our house. But, once they got here, I felt like the white mats on our white walls were just a tad too boring. So, what does a DIYer do when they feel like something is off? We change it!

I started with the gorgeous frames and then couldn't decide whether I wanted colored photos or black and white photos. I finally settled on black and white photos but felt like the white mats were boring.

Spoiler: I tried painting the picture mats and they turned out great. It turned out to be SUCH a simple project and definitely one that you probably have everything on hand to do at your own house.

Supplies for Painting Mat Boards

• Picture Mat
• Paint* (I used Interior Eggshell Enamel because I had a sample pot of it and liked the color)
• Paint brush
• Cardboard

How to Change Picture Frame Mats by Painting Mat Board

1. Prep your surface by laying out cardboard underneath the picture mats.
2. Using a paint brush, lightly brush on paint. Let dry.
3. After the first coat of paint has dried, apply a second coat of paint to the mat board. Let dry.
4. If needed, apply a third coat of paint. Let dry.

How do I change the color of my mat board?

Well, first off, you can paint it! But there are so many other ways that you can change the color and style of your picture mats! Eons ago, I covered some picture mats with fabric for a fresh look and I even have a few vintage frames in the basement that are covered in fabric that I love. I could even picture doing something similar by covering mat board with wallpaper!

If you have a blank picture mat and want to resize the opening, check out my post on How To Cut Picture Mats using a Picture Mat Cutter.

I recently did this project again for my sunroom! I'm telling you, I just love the look of a unique colored photo mat.

p.s. I've been saving some really interesting picture frame ideas on Pinterest. Follow along there if you want to see some of the inspiration images that I'm loving.