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How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror

Decor

23 Jan

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.

PLEASE PIN TO PINTEREST

A little updating from boring to FABULOUS

How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror - Before.jpg

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

How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror 1.jpg
Dixie Belle Gemstone Gold Mousse.jpg
Dixie Belle Gemstone Mousse in Gold 3.jpg

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.

Mirror second layer gold mousse.jpg

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.

Dixie Belle Gemstone Mousse in Amber.jpg
Dixie Belle Gemstone Mousse in Amber 2.jpg
Dixie Belle Gemstone Mousse in Amber 3.jpg

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

Dixie Belle Clear Coat in Satin.jpg
Adding Dixie Belle Clear Coat.jpg
Dixie Belle Clear Coat.jpg

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!

Buffet Styled.jpg

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!

Styling the Buffet.jpg

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?

How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror - Styled 1.jpg

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.

How To Update and Refresh A Plain Old Mirror Final.jpg

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

Heart Garland 4
Easy and Fun DIY Heart Garland for Valentine’s

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.

The Traveling Teacup.jpg
The Adventures of the Beautiful Traveling Teacup
Upcycle An Old Tool Caddy - Stripe 6.jpg
Upcycle An Old Tool Caddy Into A Beautiful Magazine Rack

Hope you have the best day possible, sweet friend,

Signature with Logo.jpg

12 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Do Dodson says

    January 23, 2022 at 7:31 pm

    The gemstone mousse really made the mirror pop and I like idea of a mirror in the dining room. It turned out beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Tammy says

      January 23, 2022 at 7:47 pm

      Thank you, Do. It really does pop now against the wall. Thanks so much for stopping over to the blog.

      Reply
  2. Cindy says

    January 23, 2022 at 10:51 pm

    Thus beautiful! Great job! Such a pretty mirror

    Pinned!

    Reply
    • Tammy says

      January 26, 2022 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you so much, Cindy. I really do love how it turned out.

      Reply
  3. Cindy Rust says

    January 24, 2022 at 3:26 am

    Wow!! You really jazzed up that mirror. The gold tones look so much better. I would have never thought of it but that white was blah. You did a great job on choosing colors for the frame. Thanks for the tip about Slick Stick! Pinned 😊

    Reply
    • Tammy says

      January 26, 2022 at 12:39 pm

      Thank you my friend for pinning. I appreciate it. The Slick Stick works great on slick or glossy surfaces. This frame was metal so it could not be sanded and Slick Stick did the trick!

      Reply
  4. Renae says

    January 24, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    This mirror is so beautiful! I have never used slick stick or the mousse. I’m definitely going to have to try it. Hugs to you, my friend.

    Reply
    • Tammy says

      January 26, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you, Renae. Both of those products are amazing. You will love them.

      Reply
  5. Jan Hermann says

    January 27, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    I love it! It’s beautiful!

    Reply
    • Tammy says

      January 27, 2022 at 9:52 pm

      Thank you so much, Jan. I really like how it turned out.

      Reply
  6. Lynne Zemaitis says

    February 5, 2022 at 12:38 am

    Such a beautiful transformation. The gold is so elegant! I appreciate you sharing at Tuesday Turn About! xo

    Reply
    • Tammy says

      February 5, 2022 at 1:40 am

      Lynne, thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words.

      Reply

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Welcome to the White Lilac Farmhouse! My name is Tammy, I live in beautiful Southern Maryland not too far from the water.

White Lilac Farmhouse is a place to share my décor style with simple classic design. I love mixing old with new to create a look that is both cozy and casual.

My goal here is to share projects from home design ideas, DIY, entertaining, crafts and so much more. I hope you find inspiration from the projects found here.

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