Easy Weekend Project-DIY Aged Mirror and Frame
If you enjoy the look of aged mercury glass but either can't get a hold of some or don't have the budget for it, you can make your own knock off super cheap by using some old glass panes, a frame, and some mirror effects spray paint. Although you will probably not be able to see a clear reflection of yourself, it will certainly add a nice touch to your décor.
Here's what you need:
-special spray paint found in most hardware stores and art stores. I have used both Krylon Looking Glass and Rustoleum Mirror Effects and both work really well.
-vinegar
-spray bottle
-soft moistened rag
-paper towels
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For the project I am about to show you I used a gilded picture frame that I had either picked up at my local second hand store or found somewhere-I don't really remember (I have of habit of picking stuff up for later use sometimes) and since it didn't have the glass in it, I cut a piece of old glass that I removed from old window panes. It is important to clean your glass thoroughly before painting and if you wish to use commercial window cleaners make sure that all streaks are wiped out otherwise those streaks will show up when you paint. Trust me-been there, my previous project included transforming a gigantic old window into a mirror. Going too fast and such in a hurry to see the final results, I had the fun task of scraping off the paint and having to restart. Like they say-live and learn. |
For this project I used Kyrlon Looking Glass which was purchased at my local art store. I have used Rustoleum Mirror Effects and it also does the job really well. Both, I might add, are extremely liquid and it is best to work on a flat surface to avoid runs and drips which completely ruin the attempt to obtain an "antique" look.
Shake your paint well and start with a light coat-don't rush. As I've said, the paint, when sprayed on comes out very liquid. The paint dries quickly but spraying on too much will create pooling and potential runs. You want this to look as authentic as possible.
After a few minutes, you'll see the paint dry as it will turn a dull silver.
The side you are painting on is the back of the mirror and if you flip it you will start to see a "mirror". Spray on another light coat and continue this until you get the desired effect on your "mirror" side. What's good about this paint is that it dries really quickly so it does not become a time consuming project that lasts for days on end. An "antique" mirror can be created in an afternoon.
Once you've achieved the mirror you want, it is now time to distress the paint and create that old "chipped" look. With your spray bottle containing half vinegar and half water spray the backside of your mirror and wait a few minutes. The vinegar will start to eat away at the paint. Take a paper towel or a soft rag and dampen it with the vinegar solution and dab the vinegar on your mirror up and down gently so you don't accidentally remove big chunks of paint. You should see the paint removing. If you've left your paint dry longer, it might take more rubbing to remove the paint.
Continue this until you achieve the desired look. Once that is done you can either add a couple more coats to lightly cover your chips or you can, like I prefer, paint the backside a flat black which I find emphasizes the chips and scratches.
The one I made here is quite subtle. First of all I only sprayed on 3 coats so the distressing of the paint isn't as apparent compared to if I had sprayed on double the amount like the window frame shown below so basically if you want a more dramatic effect, your surface needs to be more opaque-more paint!
I placed mine with other frames which lead up the stairs but are also visible in the dining room.
It's an easy, low cost project that will take very little time to finish.
Let me know how yours turned out and have fun!
