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Design Guides  /  May 4, 2019

How To Antique A Mirror [March 2020]

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how to anitque a mirror?

Antiquing is a method you can use to make your mirror look old and weathered. This is a great technique for anyone who likes rustic, vintage decor.

It’s so easy, too! All you need is a few materials and some time.

Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Gather your safety gear. This process involves toxic chemicals. So, you should have the following items on hand:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Protective eyewear
  • Gas mask or dust mask
  • You should wear all of these items throughout the entire process.

    Safety tip: Work outdoors for proper ventilation. This is a toxic process.

    Step 2: Gather your working materials. You’ll need the following items:

  • Mirror
  • Bleach
  • Paint stripper (non-toxic products like CitriStrip are the best option)
  • Paint brush
  • Spray bottle
  • Putty knife
  • Paper towels
  • Sponge
  • Black spray paint
  • Metallic spray paint (optional)
  • Tip: Experiment with an extra mirror before you move onto your actual mirror.

    Step 3: If the mirror has a paper or wood backing, you need to remove it. This may involve taking the mirror out of a frame. The goal is to get direct access to the back of the glass.

    Step 4: Apply the paint stripper to the back of the glass. Use your brush to apply it evenly across the surface. Leave it there for 1-2 hours.

    Step 5: Use your putty knife to scrape off the backing layer. This is a long, messy process. Take your time. It’s okay if there are some specks of backing left on the glass.

    Step 6: Create a mixture in your spray bottle of 3/4 parts water and 1/4 bleach. Spray a light mist over the back of the mirror. You’ll see the aging process begin. Spray more according to your liking.

    Step 7: Spray a light mist of paint across the back. Be careful not to overdo it. Hold the paint high (2-3 feet) above the mirror for optimum effect.

    Step 8: Dab your sponge around the back of the mirror. This gives the mirror more of an “organic” look. Hit as many or as few spots as you like.

    Step 9: Let the bleach dry for a few hours. Flip it over to see how it looks. If you want to age it more, repeat Steps 6-8.

    Step 10: Allow it to dry. Place it back in the frame. Hang it on the wall and enjoy your very own DIY antiqued mirror!

  • Antiquing a Mirror
  • Can you paint mirrors?

    Some people prefer to use paint to antique their mirrors. This is a non-toxic alternative to the bleach and spraypaint method.

    Acrylic paint adheres to mirror glass just fine. If you want to paint your mirror, you’re free to do so.

    However, painted mirrors don’t look as authentic as antiqued mirrors. If you want your mirror to look truly vintage, you should antique it with bleach.

  • How to Paint a Mirror
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