Old Mirror Update

Large mirrors can be very expensive, so if you can update an old mirror, you should try it. By following my simple directions, you can use any paint you have on hand.

This mirror is very large and has some flaws, but it was free. I went to my cousin Terry’s house to pick her up for a play date. She’s packing things up to downsize and asked me to help her take it off the bathroom wall. “Now that you’ve got it in your hands, why not just put it in your truck?” she said. So, I did.

Clean And Prep Old Mirror For Painting

I usually reach for the liquid Surface Prep for furniture pieces. However, I chose to use the Surface Prep Wipes for this smaller mirror project. They are really handy for keeping around for de-glossing and cleaning projects before painting.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

I felt it needed a new coastal look. Two of my favorite colors from HTP All-In-One are Irish Garden on the left and French Toile on the right.

Old Mirror Update With Small Paintbrush

You may know that I often use a foam roller for my furniture projects, reaching for this small angle brush to cut into the corners. This time, I skipped the roller using only the small brush. What color did I choose? I chose the Irish Garden over the French Toile.

Do I Need to Use Painter’s Tape?

In the image, you can see I taped off the mirror before painting. There are other options for painting mirrors.

Examine the back of your mirror to see how it’s being held in the wooden frame. This old mirror was neatly bound with nice paper over the back. I felt it would be easier to tape it than to try to make it pretty again.

If your old mirror is held in place with metal clips, you can remove them and replace them with new clips. This Logan Dual Point Driver shoots clips horizontally to hold items in a picture frame. I suppose it could also be used to hold glass in a window.

Updated Old Mirror

This project gave me instant gratification. It was so quick and easy.

Touchup With Artist’s Brush

The downside of using painter’s tape is that touchups can be necessary. I suppose I could have scored the tape with a utility knife. An artist’s brush is perfect for tiny areas needing a little paint. A brush this small will make the touchup nearly invisible.

How to Clean a Mirror

How do I get my mirrors (and windows) sparkling clean? I used to be a fan of dish soap until I found Norwex Enviro and Window Cloths. No, I don’t sell them, but I do use them. I wash the mirror with water on the Ecloth and dry it with a streak-free Window Cloth. The Ecloth even helped remove some paint residue from the old mirror.

Old Mirror Update

It’s so difficult to photograph a mirror. I worked on this project at the same time as the White Rocking Chair and the Small White Table shown in the reflection.

Good news! This mirror sold right after I took it to my booth.

More Unique Thrift Store Projects

• Wicker Table Makeover
• Welcome Wreath
• Turn a Storage Bin Into a Planter
• Antique Ice Box Refresh
• Old Mirror Update (You are here, thank you!)
• Vintage Aluminum Wash Basin Hanging Planter
• Framed Coastal Wall Art on . . . Sandpaper