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All Posts, Home Projects, Painting, Projects, Re-Purposing Furniture · March 30, 2018

12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors

Here are 12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors. Over the years I have learnt many different ways to painting frames and mirrors. Each way creates a beautiful piece to bring into your home. I would love to know which one is your favorite! To begin your process with painting a mirror, you want to remove the mirror. Don’t cheat and just tape. You will get paint in between the mirror and frame and it won’t look good in the end.

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white mirror sitting on cream table in reflection is chairs and table with pink flower

12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors

Painting a mirror doesn’t have to be hard. It is actually so easy with these 12 techniques. Some are a bit more time consuming than others, but do turn out beautiful in the end. If you are unsure about chalk paint or using mineral paint I have an ebook that shows all the basics to get started. If you have any questions be sure to contact me and I will be happy to help.

Solid Color Chalk Painting

Painting the frame solid with chalk paint or spray paint. My favorite white paint is Fluff by Dixie Belle!

12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors wjhite distressed mirror on easel
Distress Painting

Distress your frame by using Vaseline. All you do is, in the areas you want distressing put big globs of Vaseline there. Once your paint is dry you can rub the areas with a paper towel where the Vaseline is. Read more about Vaseline distressing here.

Pink and cream mirror with white candle holders by it and thick knit gray blanket
Using Dark Wax

Age your frame with a dark wax over chalk paint. Simply just paint your mirror any color. Then you get your dark wax, wipe a rag in it then rub it on your frame. If you get darker spots then just keep rubbing to even it out! Click here to read more about this technique.

copper mirror against white wall reflection of rocking chair
Antique with a Stain

Antique with a spray paint and then put stain over top. I think a copper spray paint looks great with this technique! So, just spray paint your frame and once it is dry then with a wiping stain, wipe on your stain.

white and gray mirror
Overlay Painting

Two tone painting, this is one of my favorites. For this technique I paint the detailed areas. With my next color I gently paint over the details and also get in the flat surfaces.

gold frame with chicken wire inside
Foil Overlay

Definitely buy the kit when doing this, it will make life so much easier. Lightly apply the tacky glue and let it dry for about 2 minutes. Then apply the foil by laying it in place. Use the bristle brush to rub on top of the foil, this makes it stick to the glue. Keep in mind you don’t want to get too much tacky glue in the details.

orange and gold overlay mirror on easel with table and chairs in reflection
12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors

Applying a silver or gold overlay. I pick my base color and apply it. Let it dry completely. With a foam brush I gently glide it across the detailed areas.

aqua blue and cream mrror with a pearl glaze against a white wall on easel
Pearl Glaze Finish

Applying a pearl glaze. This gives the mirror such a soft look. It adds a little sparkle! You just apply it like paint!!

blue white and gold mirror leaning against antique white door
Salt Wash Painting

Salt washing technique. Just simply add the salt mixture into your paint! You will end up with a beautiful textured mirror. Read more about my salt washing experience here.

blue and silver mirror on easel
Metallic Wax

Metallic wax is so gorgeous and adds a lovely shine. Just rub it one with a handy chippy brush!

gold and patina mirror
Patina Finish

Antiquing patina finish. This also has to be another one of my faves! Check out the kit below, it works great.

black and white mirror hanging on wall
Dry Brush Painting

Dry brush technique. Make sure you have a surface you’ll be able to dab the excess paint off your brush. So dip your brush in the paint and dab most of it off onto cardboard. you want your brush very dry. When you go to apply it, it will come on like the picture above. Go watch my YouTube to see some video tutorials.

12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors / Mirror Painting / How to Paint a Mirror / HallstromHome
12 Techniques to Painting Antique Mirrors / Mirror Painting / How to Paint a Mirror / HallstromHome

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In: All Posts, Home Projects, Painting, Projects, Re-Purposing Furniture · Tagged: antique mirrors, chalk paint, distressed, DIY

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Comments

  1. Aly says

    October 31, 2020 at 6:43 am

    For the gold overlay painting, which paints did you use?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      November 2, 2020 at 10:03 am

      I used a liquid gold leafing with a foam brush.

      Reply
  2. Barby Brown says

    June 8, 2020 at 3:12 am

    I love the metallic blue mirror, above. What color blue and silver is used? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      June 10, 2020 at 8:11 am

      Any sort of metallic wax can be used. Here is the link below. This is a custom mixed blue so I just hand mix it every-time! Hope that helps.

      https://amzn.to/2Ysmle2

      Reply
  3. Alyx says

    April 29, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    Do you have a video on how you painted the dark grey (last picture) frame? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:49 am

      Hello! I don’t have a specific video for that style but I do have a chalk painting ebook that might help you with some of these tips!
      https://www.hallstromhome.com/e-books/

      Reply
  4. Julia says

    September 5, 2019 at 9:38 am

    Wow, the variety is absolutely amazing and it is hard to pick favorite. No wonder you have so many options!Love them all. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      September 9, 2019 at 8:12 am

      Thanks Julia! It’s a lot of fun seeing the different options that can be created!

      Reply
      • Kathy Porter says

        November 19, 2020 at 3:16 pm

        Julia, I’m interested in what color wiping stain you used on the copper painted frame? And, you used a satin finish copper spray paint? Thanks! This is something I’m going to work on this weekend. ~kathy

        Reply
  5. Samina says

    February 17, 2019 at 7:17 am

    I am searching how to paint on mirror

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      February 18, 2019 at 9:21 am

      I don’t actually have a tutorial. But I would recommend using a chalk paint pen.

      Reply
  6. Janet Miskovic says

    April 10, 2018 at 10:34 am

    Thank you for posting your painting techniques. I always want to try something new and it helps to gets someone else’s advise. I love your painting style!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      April 10, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks Janet! These styles are so much fun to do!
      Rhonda

      Reply
  7. Mom says

    April 5, 2018 at 8:26 am

    WOW, you make it look so easy , and they all are beautiful! You sure have a creative spirit…which I love about you!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      April 9, 2018 at 9:05 am

      Thank you!!

      Reply

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Hey there! I am Rhonda Hallstrom, creator and designer of Hallstrom Home. Making beautiful home decor is my way to inspire you to follow your dreams and amibitions. So come check out my shop and blog, I hope to get to know you. Thanks for stopping by at Hallstrom Home, Rhonda.

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