Are you ready to learn a fun new technique today? I am so excited to share this project with you because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and most anyone can do it. Take a look at this wall art I found at the thrift store. It’s not an antique or of any real value because the frame is resin and the art is printed on paperboard. With a little DIY skills I’m going to show you how to turn it into a faux aged mirror without replacing anything.
I’ve had this frame for some time and was intending on turning into a chalkboard as I have with other projects I’ve created. If you know me, I like to mix it up from time to time, so I held off until an idea struck me. And by golly it did!
DIY TIME
Let me show you how I got the faux aged mirror look. First, here are the supplies you’ll need to do the same:
Materials:
- Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint
- any flat charcoal gray paint
- rubbing alcohol
- thrifted art that has a glass panel
- piece of 1/8″ thick hardboard to fit in frame if needed (see below – available at home improvement stores
Tools:
- soft cloth rag
- paint brush
- spray bottle
- jigsaw for cutting hardboard (optional)
First, begin by taking apart your wall art and setting the frame, the artwork, and glass aside. If your artwork is on paper, you can still get the results by cutting a piece of hardboard to fit the frame. Since my cheapo artwork was on paperboard, I just painted it two light coats of the charcoal gray paint. Just make sure to let it cure for an hour or so between coats.
NEXT STEPS
While letting it cure, head outside (or to a well-ventilated area) with your pane of glass. Wipe your glass clean on both sides with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol. When getting ready to paint your glass, keep in mind you will be painting the back side of the mirror. So make sure the side you want facing out is laying down when you begin to paint. Now grab your Looking Glass paint and give it a light coat making sure to keep it even.
According to manufacturer instructions, it takes about 5 coats, but each coat is done in a matter of minutes. Easy peasy. Once you have let it cure, it’s time to make it look antique or aged (if you want to). Feel free to stop here if you’d rather not age your mirror.
With your mirror facing down, lightly mist the back of it – the paint you just painted – with alcohol.
Take your rag and wipe across the mirror following the same pattern, either horizontally or vertically. Apply pressure in random spots and you will begin to see it removing spots of the mirror paint.
THE REVEAL
Let it dry and then you’re ready to finish the frame. You can read how to create the layered look for a timeless feel HERE or come on over to where I share this exact frame finish on Angie’s List. When your frame is dry, reassemble and celebrate. I must say that I think I’m in LOVE!
See how it looks as though it’s been stood the test of time? And say “Hi!” to Vivian…my thrifted dressform. tee hee.
And check out that paint layering…so cool!
My hope is that this inspires to give this a try to create your own home. Everything in my vignette is either found curbside (FREE!) or at the thrift store. You can make it what your decor what you want, even if you don’t own your home. In addition, please pin and share to inspire others to do the same. Thank you!
Next week is Trash to Treasure time! (wild applause) I can’t wait to show you what I do with my #trashure – aka. one man’s trash is another woman’s treasure. To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more projects like my faux aged mirror:
Love this! What a wonderful idea! The frame is Beautiful!
Thanks so much, Sandi! I was just so excited to share with you.
As I read this blog I heard a collective sigh of relief from ugly pictures all over the world that they will now, thanks to your share, go on to a beloved 2nd beautiful glamorous life!
Ha! You are hilarious! Thanks, Kari.
I love it, an easy project for anyone to do, it turned out beautiful. Now get that laundry room done, haha I’m kinda anxious to see what you do.
Thanks, Patty! It’s almost done. I just have to wait for countertops to be finished to do the sink area. Since the poison ivy really hit my husband bad, he can’t do any work on them right now. Ugh…
What a beautiful frame redo and the mirror…it looks “real old”. Great job and idea. Thanks for sharing!
You bet! Thanks for the compliment, Becky.
You have turned unloved, discarded, dated decor and made it lovely again, (which seems to be your gift). And then, shared your secret of how to achieve the same results with us. I’m anxious to try this! Have a wonderful weekend….
>Blessings, Jenny
It’s my absolute pleasure to share, Jenny. Thank you!
After reading this the other day, I rushed right out this weekend to yard sales and estate sales looking specifically for those old pics in the beautiful frames that I generally pass up. 🙂 Thanks for sharing can’t wait to try this out this week. Blessings to you and yours. Neta.
What’s not to love about Looking Glass Spray Paint! Sadly, we can’t get it here in Canada but that never stopped me. I had so much fun creating a faux aged mirror as well. Love the color you painted your ornate frame and your beautiful signature styling for the photos. Pinning to share 🙂
Bummer! They need to get you guys some stuff for sure. Thanks for the love, Marie.
Beautiful as always!!!
Thank you, Naomi!
Wow!! Gorgeous!! I love old frames like this. You did a great job!!
You are a kindred spirit, Renee. Thank you!
What an amazing transformation! I love that gorgeous frame. I haven’t ever tried making my own mirror, but now I want to try. You did a lovely job on it.
So wonderful to hear. Thank you, Linda.
It’s beautiful Larissa!
Thank you, Karen!