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How to Create an Elegant Painted Grandfather Clock

Feb 3, 2024 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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Give your painted grandfather clock an elegant transformation in a few simple steps.

When it comes to creating a statement piece like a painted grandfather's clock, the pressure to get it right can be overwhelming. But don't you worry, because we have a few vintage clock ideas that will elevate your space and add a touch of personalization to any room in the house. Get ready to transform your traditional timepiece into a modern work of art with new life.

living room clock

Why Choose a Painted Grandfather Clock for Your Decor?

  • Timeless and practical piece of decor
  • Antique grandfather clocks usually have a lot of history
  • Large in size, likewise a grand statement piece
  • Longevity - often passed down in families
  • Unique design features for each old grandfather clock

Supplies Needed

  • Your paint of choice
  • Paint brush
  • Painter's tape
  • Drop cloth
  • Sandpaper
  • Water-based polyurethane sealant

How to DIY a Painted Grandfather Clock

Whether you purchase at a thrift store, buy brand new or are gifted a family heirloom, longcase clocks can be a cool statement piece in any home. However, some have definitely seen better days and a nicely painted finish is all you need to restore elegance to this stunning timepiece.

We bought our black clock brand new, several years ago. But after 8 years, I was ready to give the clock a facelift with a lighter color. For any clock makeover like this, you'll want to be careful so you don't do any internal damage.

original grandfather clock

Prep Work for DIY Painted Grandfather Clock

The first thing to do when prepping your clock for paint is to sand it down. I like to use a higher grit sandpaper to create a more smooth finish. The intent is to not completely remove the previous pain, but more so to give the surface something for the new paint to grip to. (If you are removing stain, that process is different.)

Sanding paint on clock

When you are finished sanding, give your clock a good wipe down with a damp cloth. You can also vacuum your clock and the surrounding floor area. All dust particles and dirt should be completely removed from the clock.

When you are done cleaning, use your painter's tape and whatever is necessary to tape off the clock face. You do not want any paint getting on the hardware inside or on the face of the clock. You'll also do this if you have a glass door on your clock. Be sure to set down a drop cloth underneath before you start to paint.

Painting Your Piece

Now it's time to paint. For this painted grandfather clock, I highly recommend hand-painting this type of furniture instead of spray paint. This will help to maintain accuracy. Use a paint brush apply with long strokes.

I painted this clock with DecoArts Chalky Finish white paint. This is a great option to use over the top of something that has been lacquered. Since we are going from black to white, I applied 4 coats of paint to get really good coverage. The bright white looks awesome against a darker background.

painted grandfather clock

Add Distressing

After the paint is dry, you can distress the exterior for a more rustic farmhouse style. Here are a few easy DIY techniques for distressing furniture. I lightly distressed the edges to let the black details show through on the painted grandfather clock.

distressing your grandfather clock

Seal the Furniture

The last step is to seal it your furniture with a water-based poly urethane. This will help to keep the paint sealed and your finish looking nice. Use a paint brush to apply your sealing coat.

If you got paint on any glass surface, you can use a razor blade to lightly scrape it off.

White grandfather clock

This clock is a Howard Miller and it isn't anything too fancy. The clock is powered by batteries, but I love all of the details and those cute little feet that add so much character. This vintage exterior is a fun project to go with my gallery wall.

vintage grandfather clock

Dark Painted Clock

After moving into our new home, I painted the clock again to go with the new interior. This time I painted it in Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams to match my fireplace accent wall. The dark charcoal color looks absolutely stunning against the lighter palette in my living room. See my paint colors here.

Living room grandfather clock

Where to Style Your Grandfather Clock?

If you're not sure where to place a grandfather clock in your home, let me share a few ideas!

  • Place it at the top or bottom of a stair landing
  • In an entry way
  • In the corner of a main living room or family room
  • As a main feature in your dining room
Grandfather clock living room

A painted grandfather clock is more than just a piece of furniture. Through its intricate designs and familiar ticking, it is a stunning statement of history, combining both past and present time periods. Transforming this beautiful clock into a masterpiece can make it last for generations. So incorporate this timeless piece into your home with an elegant makeover to enjoy for years to come.

Happy DIYing!

Brooke

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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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