Have a dated clock like this thrift store one I found? Paint to the rescue!

Friends I love an easy update and this one is how to update a Thrift Store Clock. One of my favorite DIY products to use is Paint! So you know I’m loving this Thrift Store Clock Makeover. Paint was a great way to update a dated clock and bring it into modern times. I’m joining my fellow thrift store friends again as we share some great thrift store decor makeover ideas with you. I can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with… but first my thrift store clock…

Thrift Store Clock updated with paint as part of a gallery wall

Here’s what I started with… a faux cherry wood finished clock. It was a great size, worked good… I just didn’t like the color. Such an easy fix!

Cherry wood thrift store clock before a paint update

Supplies for Clock Makeover:

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How to Paint a Clock

Clean and Prepare:

Start by cleaning the clock thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. A quick wipe down usually does the trick. Let it dry completely before proceeding.

Painter’s Tape

Prep your clock by putting painter’s tape around the glass edge to protect it from the paint. I find that using small pieces of tape works best with curved areas.

Layers of Paint

I was going for a worn silver look so I started with a first coat using Driftwood acrylic paint.

First coat of paint on a thrift store clock

Let it dry a 1-2 hours and then put on the next coat of paint, using the Shimmering Silver.

Update a dated clock with some acrylic paint

I love how the finish turned out! It’s got all the shimmer but it’s not too fancy looking… just what I was going for! You can see bits of the wood showing through. If you wanted a more solid finish you’d need another coat of the shimmering silver paint.

Spray Paint Option

If you prefer you could use spray paint. Make sure you cover the face of the clock completely with paper and/or tape.

Here are some tips:

shake your spray paint can well, at least 2 minutes
spray in a sweeping motion, better to do a couple light coats then to soak it in paint.
follow the directions on your spray paint can on how long to wait between coats.