How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror

How to update and refresh a plain old mirror is easy to do. I have a tutorial to show you how to make it beautiful.

How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror

The products used for this project can be found here at Dixie Belle Paint Company. This is not a paid sponsored post. I am using products that I love and enjoy for my projects.

Recently, I brought a console for under our television. When we moved into our new home, I was using our antique sideboard (buffet) as a television console for storage.

I was able to move it into the dining room. My tall white cabinet was relocated into the family room. It was never intend to be in the dining room.

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A little updating from boring to FABULOUS

After placing the mirror behind the sideboard, the creamy white color got lost with the gray walls. It just was not working for me. It was a plain Jane. The mirror did not spark any joy for me. I was not loving it at all! She was dull and boring.

Time for a refresh! Let me show you how a little updating took this mirror from boring to fabulous.

Where to get the goods

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. The opinions here are always my own. It helps me to continue to bring to you new content, DIY and projects tutorials on my blog. It cost money to maintain a blog.

Supplies

• White Lightning Cleaner – to clean your piece of furniture
• Slick Stick
• Gemstone Mousse (I am using Gold and Amber)
• Clear Coat Satin
• Small artist brush for those crevices

DIY Mirror Update & Refresh Tutorial

How to update and refresh a plain old mirror was an easy DIY project. Let’s begin!

1. clean your mirror

If you mirror has been in the garage, basement or found thrifting, you will need to give it a good cleaning. I like to use Dixie Belle’s White Lightning. Following the directions on the container. I will go over the piece again with warm water to make sure all of the residue from White Lightning has been removed. Let your mirror dry completely.

2. Apply Slick Stick

This frame is metal and not wood. Therefore I need to apply a coat of Slick Stick. I want add assurance that it will not rub off. You would use Slick Stick with a slick or glossy surface. It will help your paint to adhere better.

For this project, apply one coat and allow to dry 2-3 hours before moving to painting it.

3. Applying Gemstone Mousse in Gold

The first thing I did was to work the gold mousse into the crevices with a artist brush. It did not take too long to work in. Then I went back over the entire mirror painting it over the frame including the sides.

Here is the mirror completely covered with the gold. I let is dry over night before doing the patina.

4. Creating a Patina

To tone down the gold, you can create a patina. I did this using the Gemstone Mousse in Amber.

First with an artist brush, I applied the amber mousse into the crevices. Using my fingers, I spread it across the mirror. I let it dry for 8 hours before sealing it.

5. sealing the paint

I choose to seal this project to add a layer of protection. To seal the mousse on the frame, I applied Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in Satin. You could also use a matte finish. It will not be glossy with the satin. It is my go to sealer. Gently apply a layer of the clear coat with a 2″ brush. It will blend the mousses. That is fine because it will give that rich patina. Gentle pressure so you do not remove the paint.

Let the frame dry overnight before hanging or using it.

styling the area with the mirror

I choose to lend my mirror against the wall. You can hang it. I will probably hang it with anchors at some point. For now it is not going anywhere and fine lending on the wall.

Here comes the fun part of the project, styling it! Yay!

These stacking boxes are from Linen and Flax Co. You may have seen them styled on my fireplace before. I love the black with the brass. Linen and Flax Co. is one of my favorite small business to shop for home goods and clothing. There my secret it out!

Look at this candle! Is it not beautiful?

I found this seven wick candle from Aldi’s yesterday for $24.99. They had it in two fragrances Vanilla and Tweak in a silver and the gold vessel is Juniper and Sage. It smells absolutely amazing!

A neighbor of mine loves the scent of Juniper. The second one is a gift for her. We all like to give prizes to each other.

Don’t you just love how the gold pulls everything together?

Look how stunning this mirror looks on the antique sideboard. It pops now against the white grayish walls. The paint color on the walls is Metro by McCormick Paints.

She is no longer dull and boring.

I absolutely love this project. It was easy and the mirror looks amazing. It adds a touch of glamour and elegance to the room along with vintage charm from some of my antiques.

You know I am all about those easy and simple projects here at White Lilac Farmhouse.

Other Projects

Did you catch my post about The Adventures of the Beautiful Traveling Teacup? If you missed it, you can read about it here or click on the link below.

Hope you have the best day possible, sweet friend,