I picked up this syroco gold mirror, also known as Hollywood Regency style at Vendors’ Village for $7. It came with matching gaudy gold sconces. Not a bad deal for three pieces.
Upcycled Syroco Gold Mirror
Looking at this picture I should have realized how dirty it was, but I didn’t. I removed the backing, mirror and all the hardware and got busy cleaning the gaudy gold frame.
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Always clean your thrift store finds before painting
I mixed up some TSP in a bucket and wiped it on the frame. Oh my! It was so dirty. Please know that you should always clean items before you paint them. You never really know how much grease, grime and dirt are covering these thrift store items. Paint needs a clean surface to adhere properly.
After allowing the TSP to work it’s magic, I rinsed the plastic gold frame with the hose.
A Paint Sprayer is a Great Alternative to Spray Paint
While the gold frame dried in the sunshine, I mixed up some diy chalky paint primer with plaster of paris and a blue “oops” paint.
This was a BLUE day—meaning all the items I grabbed to paint were getting the same oops blue. It’s amazing what a little paint can do for an old thrift store item like this gold mirror. This was an easy makeover using my Homeright Finish Max Super (formerly known as the EXTRA). Did you know that you don’t have to dilute your paint? Read more about the new attributes of the Finish Max super in my post Why You Should Be Using the new Finish Max.
So much better after two light coats, but I’m not done!
Project ideas and a video of "how to glaze painted furniture and more"
Add Glaze to define details on mirror
Using my new favorite Smoked Glaze and a cheap chip brush I gave the fancy frame some definition and a sealing top coat. I basically did a “dry brush” technique putting the glaze all over the frame. I typically use the chip brush and a soft cloth, but the cloth was unable to get into the deep grooves of this fancy frame.
Watch my video of How To Glaze Painted Furniture
Easily cut cork board on table saw
I purchased a LOT of these large cork boards on clearance at The Home Depot nearly a year ago. In previous projects like an easy corkboard picture frame, I used a utility knife to cut the cork. For this project I decided to try out the table saw for cutting the cork. It worked like a charm and was oh so easy!
Secure cork board to plastic mirror frame
I used the original screws and Small round eyelet flat metal type hangers to hold the thick cork board in place. Too bad I couldn't use the original backer board, I left it outside in the rain. I used one of these hangers in the top, middle hole to hang the new fancy framed cork board.
Plastic mirror frame cork board
Silly me, didn’t pay attention to the way the gold mirror was originally hanging. The backer board even said “top”. I’m hoping this is the correct orientation.
Here is the new pretty blue fancy framed cork board, formerly known as an old gaudy gold mirror frame.
Please PIN IT!

I love the new color of the gold mirror frame. Not sure what I’ll do (if anything) with the mirror. I have a lot more of these cork boards to use up!
I love my Thrift Store Decor ladies. Kathy just updated some thrift store plastic frames you're going to love!
See 100 Awesome Thrift Store Projects Here
Are you ready for more great ideas from my friends? This project was my submission for August’s Thrift Store Décor team challenge! Check out these great ideas:
Luggage Rack Idea Refresh Restyle
Gold Mirror Repurposed My Repurposed Life
Painted Tall Vase Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Gray Striped Storage Basket Domestically Speaking
Decorated Vase Petticoat Junktion
Please stop by and see my friends. Be sure to tell them MRL sent ya! What thrift store makeover have YOU done recently?
gail
Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way⦠literally!
Susan
Thanks for the tip about using T.S.P. for cleaning. The cork board looks so "blah" and you are so clever, how about decopaging or using fabric, or stenciling a design to compliment the new paint? Just a thought to take it to the next level....and you thought you were done. LOL
Gail Wilson
Great ideas Susan! I haven't stenciled cork yet.... I've been wanting to. š I have a LOT of that cork board left--maybe I'll do that next time
thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated!
gail
Jennie
I'm sitting here laughing, because I have the gold oval frame with an oval mirror. I've said to my mom who gave it to me, it looks dirty, but I don't know what to clean it with and I listed all the things I've tried. Her response it's a patina. Patina of dirt! I think I'll paint it chocolate milk color. It seems a lot of things around here are being paint that or red.
Gail Wilson
Gotta love paint, right? I'm stuck on that gray glaze, so the blue was a nice change for me.
gail
Wendi@H2OBungalow
This is such a smart way to reuse a cool frame! I loved the idea of cutting the cork on the table saw too. Pinned for later š
Tammy
I have a similar mirror and painted it silver and it hangs over a blue vanity table with silver pulls on the drawers. Looks great.
W.
Love the pins, too.
Gail Wilson
Thank you for noticing the pins. š
gail
Kristin salazar
This turned out beautiful, I think I have just the frame for one of these!
GirlfromWva
Awesome! Love it!
Maryann
Love that blue & that scroll detail is so pretty!
Karen @ The DIY Bungalow
What a great idea! So cute - that would be great in my daughter's room. She would love it!