DIY Dramatic Clock Makeover

Don’t Buy, DIY! A Dramatic Clock Makeover on a Zero Dollar Budget

Give an old wall clock a dramatic makeover using black chalk paint and gold Rub ’n Buff—no money spent! See how this zero-budget DIY transformed my dining room.

Do you ever look around your home and think everything just looks… old and tired? Maybe you get the itch to buy something new—thinking it’ll freshen up your space and make everything feel a little more “you” again. I’ve been there too. But before you hit that “buy now” button, I’m here to tell you: don’t buy, DIY!

With just a few supplies I already had on hand, I’m giving our dining room a makeover. And let me tell you—it’s shaping up to look nothing like its former self. The best part? I’m doing it all on a zero dollar budget.

It All Started with a Frame…

My goal for this dining room refresh is to completely transform the look and feel of the space—no repeats of anything I’ve done before. And believe it or not, the entire makeover was sparked by one little 8x10 frame I decided to update. Funny how something small can lead to something so big, right?

Now I’m shopping our home, repurposing what we already own—items that either hold sentimental value or just need a little love. No trips to the store. No new purchases. Just a lot of creativity, resourcefulness, and maybe a bit of impulsive inspiration. As I like to say… once I get started, there’s no telling where the project will end up!

The Dining Room, Reinvented

It’s been a while since I gave our dining room a real update—aside from holiday decorating. Some things stay the same (you know how that goes), while other items rotate in and out. But this time? This is a full-on makeover, and I’m actually enjoying the process.

Let me introduce you to today’s project: a dramatic DIY clock makeover that might just be my favorite transformation in the room so far.

The Clock That Waited Its Turn

Several years ago, I bought this gray clock while shopping with my mom. I kind-of have a clock obsession, and for the price, I knew it would come home with me. I originally thought it would go in the kitchen, but once I brought it home, none of the walls worked—it was just too big. I had a backup plan, though: give it a makeover. But, as life goes, I got used to it and never quite got around to making any changes.

It eventually found a home above what we call our buffet (really an antique dresser with beautiful burled maple drawer fronts). I fell in love with that piece at a shop called Civeta—a store that’s sadly no longer in business. The owner and I became friends over the years, but once I started working in engineering, I couldn’t leave work at lunch, and, well, life changed. I’m guessing she’s now enjoying retirement, and I wish her well.

The dresser now stores extra dishes, table linens, and—you guessed it—more greeting cards than I care to admit. I’m sentimental, what can I say?

The top of the buffet has gone through several design changes over the years, but the clock? It sat there unchanged… until now. After I updated some ugly old frames earlier this week, I looked at the clock and thought, “It’s your time to shine.” And shine it does!

DIY Clock Makeover Tutorial

Materials:

• An old clock (thrifted, found, inherited—anything goes)

• Black chalk paint

• Chip brush

• Small detail brush

• Antique gold Rub ’n Buff

Instructions:

1. Clean the clock thoroughly. Dust, lint, and grime do not make for a good paint surface.

2. Cover the clock face with paper to avoid painting over it—unless you’re like me and wing it!

3. Start painting with a chip brush. I quickly realized the brush didn’t get into the crevices, so I grabbed a smaller brush to really work the paint into all the decorative details.

4. Apply two coats of black chalk paint for full, rich coverage. Let each coat dry completely.

5. Add gold detailing with Rub ’n Buff. I personally prefer to apply it with my fingers—it glides better and gives more control over those fine details. A brush can leave blobs, and no one wants that.

6. For the smooth areas, I used a chip brush to lightly apply gold for contrast—mimicking the look the clock had before, but with a more elegant, finished twist.

And that’s it! A high-impact makeover for zero dollars and a little bit of effort.

Don't Forget to Pin for Later!

All black, but we need more, don't you think?

I felt like it needed something more

The Final Look

I can’t believe I waited so long to do this. I think I held off because I wasn’t sure how I wanted it to look—and, truth be told, I was afraid I’d mess it up. But now? I’m completely in love. It’s bold, it’s dramatic, and it finally feels like it belongs in our dining room.

Take a look at the before-and-after photos (scroll back up if you need a reminder!). I think this DIY clock makeover elevated the entire space—without spending a single cent.

More to Come in the Dining Room…

And just so you know, the dining room story doesn’t stop here. Nope—this is just one corner of the room! I’m taking on the whole space, but instead of doing a big reveal all at once, I’m breaking the makeover into segments. I’ve realized I just can’t finish it all at once (hello, life), so I’m sharing each vignette as I complete it. That way, you can come along with me and see how each piece falls into place—one project at a time.

Why I Share These Projects

Projects like this aren’t just about saving money or updating a space. They remind me that creativity doesn’t have to cost a thing—and that we all have the power to reimagine our homes. Even if you begin small, like a clock, it is amazing how much of an impact it can have on your space. 

It’s actually why I started this blog in the first place. A good friend (my BFF) encouraged me to do it. I remember hemming and hawing about starting, and she said, “You know how to stretch a dolla’, so do it! I think people will enjoy your projects. I know I do.”

That vote of confidence is what made me put myself out there, and begin.

What you may not know is I’m a total introvert. I’m not into public speaking (even though I have a degree in communication, which was pushing myself outside of my comfort zone), I don’t like being the center of attention, and sometimes I find myself at a loss for words… but not here. Here, I get to share my thoughts, my projects, and hopefully a little encouragement too.

So go ahead—puff out your chest, take a deep breath, and leave that timid version of yourself behind. It’s your time to shine too. Whether it’s a clock, a chair, or a wall that’s begging for a refresh, don’t be afraid to try.

Thank you for visiting today. I hope you enjoyed this little transformation, and I can’t wait to show you what’s next in the dining room.

Hey... hey you, want to see more of our dining room? Check out the frame that got this party started. 

Ciao,

Cara