After years of putting off adding a frame to my flat screen TV I finally decided to paint the plastic frame and it turned out amazing! So today I am sharing how to paint your TV frame (mine is a vintage frame style) and where to find art on YouTube for your television.

Years ago we invested in a flat screen TV and mounted it on the wall above a pretty piece of furniture. There it sat centerstage on one wall of our living room — a big black box. Even though it doesn't lend much to our home decor we sure do enjoy it.

I have pondered ways to make it fit into our decor and for years planned to make a frame for it. A beautiful frame would be perfect and then I could make art on my YouTube channel to go inside of it. It would be ideal when I shoot photos and videos for the blog or having a party with guests over this wall would look so much better.

But then one day I had an idea so I mustered up the courage and painted the frame on my TV. This is my first time trying this and it turned out so much better than I ever imagined.

So today I am sharing step by step how to paint your TV frame. What you'll see here is modeled from a Samsung frame TV.  I was inspired when looking at the Samsung frame TVs.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

Can you Paint TV Frames?

Yes! I was surprised to find out you can paint a TV frame. It's easier than you'd think and it only takes a few simple supplies.

How to Paint Your TV Frame

Gather Your Supplies

The first step in all DIY projects is to gather your supplies. Here's what you need to make your TV frame look like a picture frame. The great thing is that it doesn't cost much money.

• Cleaner like Windex
• Painter's tape
• Fine grit sanding block
• Paper towels (damp to remove grit and clean tv)
• Artist paint brush
• Outdoor acrylic paint (DecoArt Outdoor Acrylic Color Splendid Gold)
• Rub ‘n Buff
• Brown wax (Dixie Belle is what I used)
• Double-sided foam tape (I found mine at Dollar Tree)
• Soft cloth to remove wax (or use an old sock as I did)
• Wood ornate corner embellishment

1. Clean your TV

The first thing you're going to want to do is clean your TV well. I used paper towels and Windex. Be sure to clean the whole thing; the TV screen in addition to the frame.

2. Tape the Inside

The next step is to use painter's tape to tape off the inside of the screen to ensure you don't get any paint on the screen. As you put the tape on, be sure to get it as tight against the frame as possible. If you can, and depending on the frame fit, it's a great option to push the tape down inside of the frame. Along the other side of the tape you can lightly attach it to the screen.

Side note – turn the TV on so you have a greater contrast between the screen and the frame. It will make things much easier.

3. Sand the Frame and Remove the Grit

Next, take your sanding block and rough up the each flat surface of the frame and the side. Once you've sanded all four sides, use a damp rag or paper towel to remove any grit.

Take your time with this prep work as it will make the rest of the project go much more smoothly.

4. Paint the frame with three coats of outdoor acrylic

Before you start painting, look for any clear part on the frame that may be where your remote communicates with your TV sensor. It's usually on the bottom of the TV but it could be at the top of the TV. Be sure to avoid painting over that area.

Here's a tip – one of the best ways to save time is to use a primer before you start painting. I didn't do that and it took more coats of paint to cover the black of the frame than it would have if I had primed it first.

I'm going to use a gold outdoor acrylic paint to paint the TV frame. I am going for a vintage frame look. It goes on thinly so you'll need to add multiple coats. Let each coat dry for 15-20 minutes before adding the next coat.

Here's a tip – once you finish painting a side of your TV frame, it's a great idea to take your paint brush and run it in one long stroke along the side to blend the paint.

While the paint on your TV frame dries, you can use the time to paint the embellishments that will go along the corners of your TV. I have ornate pieces of wood for each corner and will paint them with several coats of the gold outdoor acrylic paint just like I am doing with the TV frame.

5. Paint Rub ‘n Buff (if you want an antique look)

After three coats of paints have dried, I'm going to put Rub n' Buff over the gold. To do this, I simply put the Rub ‘n Buff on a paper plate and, using the same paint brush, dab it into the Rub ‘n Buff and then wipe it over the gold paint. You'll do this to the embellishments and the TV frame.

6. Add Dark Wax and Buff it Off

Once the Rub ‘n Buff has dried, use a brush to add the brown wax to the embellishments which will add a darker color into the creases, and is a great way to add depth and give them a nice vintage look. After you add the wax, buff off the wax with a soft cloth.

You do not need to add wax or rub n' buff if you are not planning to do a vintage looking frame.

Paint the wax onto the TV frame in a circular motion first, then go back over it with a straight buffing motion. Then you'll use the soft cloth to buff the wax and you'll end up with a nice patina.

Once that's done, you can slowly and carefully remove the painter's tape.

7. Add ornate wood pieces

Lastly, I cut small pieces of double sided foam tape, attach them to the wood embellishments, and attach them to the corners of the TV frame.

They add an elegant touch to a simple frame that's perfect!

Your flat panel TV is now one more of the beautiful things in your home; an art piece for you to watch your favorite show on.

Final Thoughts

You can complete the new look of your TV by displaying digital art on your TV screen. I created a playlist of Vintage tv art on my YouTube. It makes your TV look just like a piece of art in a wood frame! It completely changes the look of your family room.

Your TV wall can now be a gallery wall. You can learn more about how to hang a gallery wall here. Or if your TV is in your bedroom, your newly painted TV frame would wonderfully complement an antique vintage aesthetic bedroom.

So what do you think? Would you be willing to paint your TV frame? I know it can be intimidating, especially if you have a new TV. However, it was really easier than I thought it would be.

Whatever the size of your TV, I think you'll be happy with the results. I'll keep you updated on how it holds up. If you decide to paint your TV frame, I'd love to hear how it goes!

Happy Decorating!