How to make a reverse painted glass frame for your Día de los Muertos ofrenda. It’s a beautiful way to display photos of loved ones.
Looking for a Day of the Dead craft that’s heartfelt, creative, and meaningful? This reverse painted glass frame project is a perfect way to honor your loved ones on your Día de los Muertos ofrenda. It transforms a simple photo frame into a vibrant keepsake filled with color, culture, and love.
Paint with me – here is a video!
Supplies you’ll need
Download PDF template (for personal use only)
- A glass photo frame (any size)
- Printed or hand-drawn design (calaveras, hearts, candles, etc.)
- Black paint pen (oil-based or acrylic)
- Acrylic craft paints in bright colors
- White paint (for backing layer)
- Fine detail paintbrushes
- Mod Podge or clear sealer
- Decorative paper for background (foil, glitter cardstock, scrapbook, newspaper, or book pages)
- Tape, scissors, and paper towel for cleanup
Step-by-step: how to make your Day of the Dead reverse painted glass frame
Step 1: Prep your frame
Take apart your frame and clean the glass. Remove any dust or smudges so your paint goes on smooth.
Step 2: Outline your design
Tape your printed design under the glass. Use a black paint pen to trace the outline of your design directly onto the top side of the glass. This will create clean, bold lines that show through beautifully once the project is complete.
Step 3: Add highlights
Make sure the black outline is dry and then use a liner brush to add white highlights to all the areas in the black. This is just a little mark to give “shine.” Because we painting in reverse, we did the outline, then the highlights, then the background.
Step 4: Add background colors.
Once your highlights are dry, add solid colors on top of the highlights and black. Start with one thin coat, then add another layer. working in thin layers will make it dry faster.
Step 5: Paint a white layer
After the colorful details have dried, paint a white outline – like a halo – all around the painted areas, then fill in with white paint. This helps the colors pop and gives your artwork that professional reverse-painted finish.
Step 6: Seal and finish
Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or another clear sealer to protect your design. Let it dry completely before handling.
Step 7: Add your background
Now comes the creative freedom! Choose a background that fits your altar’s mood and story. You can use:
- Foil cardstock for a glowing, metallic effect
- Glitter paper for sparkle and joy
- Newspaper or book pages for a vintage touch
- Bright scrapbook paper to match your color scheme
Place your photo behind the painted glass and secure it all in the frame.
Display and celebrate
Your finished frame will shine on your Día de los Muertos ofrenda, surrounded by marigolds, candles, and mementos of your loved ones. The reverse painted glass gives it a luminous, handmade feel that captures the essence of this special holiday — remembrance, creativity, and love.
This piece also makes a thoughtful gift or family craft activity. Every stroke of paint becomes an act of devotion, making this Day of the Dead craft both meaningful and beautiful.
Crafty Chica tips
Make a few of these in different sizes and colors to represent all the loved ones you’re honoring this year. You can even write their names or favorite quotes on the background paper for a personal touch.
If you add lettering, paint it on backwards so it shows correctly when displayed.
Add more colors and patterns in the negative space.
RELATED:
Elements of a Dia de Muertos Ofrenda
