• flathead screwdriver
• pliers
• paint brush (I used this one)
• paint (I used 'Shiplap' by Magnolia Home)
• sanding sponge

The first step was figuring out how to remove the face plate. I could have painted around it, but then would have been left with a dark wood face on the clock.

The face plate is held onto the clock by several tiny pins (nails). I was able to gently pry the plate up using the flat end of a screwdriver...if you know the proper way to do this, please don't cringe!! Then I was able to pull the screws straight out with the pliers...and the face plate was off! The hands of the clock were easy to screw off. I carefully set everything aside while I painted.

I'm showing a foam paintbrush as well as my favorite Purdy brush in the above image. I wasn't sure which one would give me the best results. In the end, I opted for the foam brush. It's smaller head and the ability to pounce (to get into the grooves of the decorative trim) helped this paint job to go quickly.


The first coat of any paint job always looks so so bad! I ended up painting 3 light coats of the Shiplap paint. This paint by Magnolia Home is an eggshell finish, which is matte. You could also try using chalk paint; I'm sure the results would be very similar.

I was very careful not to get any paint inside the holes that hold the hands of the clock.


When the paint was completely dry, I very carefully sanded to distress just a little bit. I wanted the maker's name (Forestville) to be somewhat visible on the front of the clock. Then I replaced the clock's hands and the face plate.



I love the updated look of this painted mantle clock. It's found the perfect home on the bookshelf in my office, where it fits in nicely with all my other goodies...new and vintage!

I recently added a faux wood background to just the inside back of the black bookshelves. It was an easy and thrifty way to lighten up these dark bookcases without paint for around $20.