Updating Mirrors with Chalk Paint

Do you ever run across those ornate, gold mirrors at thrift stores, flea markets, auctions, etc and wonder how you can change them up a bit?  I find these all the time and they've almost become staples in the booths and shows where I sell from because they are simple to update...

Back in the days before Chalk Paint, I used to tape off the mirror and spray the frames with flat/matte spray paint and lightly distress, but Chalk Paint now makes it much easier to add depth through multiple layers of color and wet sanding (distressing with damp cloth), which was more difficult with spray paint.  I thought I'd share a few simple techniques if you want to get this look yourself...

I picked these frames up at an auction recently and decided to paint each one a little differently for the booth.  With the wreath-topped mirror, I painted the frame with Chalk Paint in Duck Egg and it covered well enough that I only needed one coat (most of the time I need two coats).

I distressed the paint with a damp cloth to bring out off of the gold underneath the paint.  I recommend distressing with the damp cloth because sandpaper will sand past the gold through to the wood underneath if you're not careful.  I wanted this mirror to have a bit of a whitewash look to it, so I added a light coat of Briwax's Liming Wax, which you can read more about HERE.  White-tinted clear wax, MMS White Wax, or even a homemade paint wash (white paint mixed with water) and sealed with wax would also do the trick.  I just always try to use what I have on-hand first.

For the other mirror, I decided to add in another color because I love that layered look...

First, I painted one coat of Chalk Paint in Florence, which is a very bright teal if you're familiar with it.  It is a great color for layering because I usually find it too strong left alone. You may recall my Florence French Chair in which I toned down with a white glaze...

After the coat of Florence dried, I added a coat of Duck Egg and gently wiped back some of the Duck Egg with the damp cloth...

I added a coat of clear wax lightly tinted with dark wax and buffed it to a nice shine. Ornate items like these mirrors are just perfect for layering Chalk Paint!  

Now when you run across one of these mirrors, you'll know that just a little paint can really make a difference!  Note: This is not a sponsored post - just a great product.

Kristen

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