Turn Simple Decor Prints Into Rustic Oil Paintings With A Modge Podge Hack

Do you love the look of oil paintings but don't have the time or money to curate your own private collection? There is an easier, cheaper way, and it doesn't involve taking up art lessons. You can fill your home with art you actually love by turning any picture into a pseudo-oil painting with this decor hack. All it takes is a simple print, some artfully applied decoupage podge, and a paintbrush.

To make the magic happen, get copies of rustic images that you love. Avoid inkjet copies as the ink tends to run and make your picture smear. Color copies and images printed using a laser printer are ideal. If you have particular frames you want to use, resize the images during the copying process to fit the frames. 

Cover your working surface with a sheet of paper towel as the painting process can get messy. Use the satin finish Mod Podge Sealer as it dries with a sheen that resembles an authentic oil painting. Using a brush, paint a generous layer of podge onto the image, working straight up and down. Once the image is covered, begin a second coat of podge. Follow the lines of each object in the image, mimicking the strokes an artist's brush would make. Aim for visible texture to recreate the authentic feel of a painting. Use swooping strokes and curves that flow with the shapes of each element. When it comes to flowers or other fine details, use dotting or stippling for texture. 

Mod Podge dries quicker than oil paint, so creating the look of a rustic oil painting is that simple. When it comes to choosing the right frames for your art, getting the ideal combination can add to the overall effect. If you're going for a rustic effect, lean toward frames that are weathered and carry the weight of years in each beautiful imperfection. Rustic frames can be rugged, made from reclaimed materials, and bring a touch of old-world to the pictures they hold. 

Add to the illusion by framing the image as a genuine oil painting would be framed. Remove the glass before framing and insert the picture in front of it to give the feel of an open frame. Most real oil paintings aren't tucked away behind glass as it would hide the rich textural nuances that make art captured in oils so appealing. Oils need to breathe. Being pressed up against glass can lead to condensation and potentially cause damage to the painting. Even though your art is simply a cleverly upgraded print, displaying it as you would the real thing makes it all the more convincing.

Smart lighting is the final step to making the most of your faux oil paintings. To add to the cozy, rustic vibe, opt for warmer lighting. Craft a luxurious art gallery light with a few items from Dollar Tree and enjoy the deep colors, gleaming finish, and texture of your rustic gallery.