How To Easily Paint A Mirror

8/31/2021

Using a mirror in your home is a great solution to reflect more light in a dark space. It can give a small space the illusion of being bigger, and can create a beautiful focal point. That is why I was so excited when I found this wooden mirror at my local thrift shop. It was very tired looking and outdated but I knew that it could be easily transformed into more of a modern, industrial feel with some paint.

Do you find painting a mirror a little daunting? You may feel that painting a mirror may be too much work with having to carefully place painter's tape between the frame and the mirror, trying to avoid getting paint on your mirror. I will show you how you can easily paint a mirror without the hassle of using tape or worrying about getting paint on the mirror. Here is what you need and how you can paint your mirror for your next DIY project.

Materials

Step One
Always start your project off on the right foot and make sure to prep first. I used White Lightning to remove dirt and residue, gave the wood a quick scuff sand with a sanding pad and wiped off residue with a damp rag.

Step Two
I used Silk All In One Mineral paint since it goes on smooth and does not require a topcoat. Using a smaller round 1" brush offers more control while cutting in tight areas. I gave the paint a good shake and began applying paint to the mirror.

To help avoid getting paint on the mirror, use a piece of paper and slide it between the mirror and frame.

If you get paint on the mirror, just use a damp cloth to wipe it off while it’s still wet. It will come off easily.

Apply the paint in long strokes to avoid any brushstrokes.

Pro tip- when painting pieces with lots of molding and corners, make sure to check for paint pooling every so often, and before moving on to your next section.

Continue painting until your mirror has one coat.

Step 3
Once your paint is dry (approximately 2 hours) add another coat of paint. Be sure to follow steps outlined in step 2 to help avoid brushstrokes and paint pooling in the corners. It will take another 2 hours to dry, and 30 days to fully cure to a durable finish.

This orangey, outdated mirror has been easily transformed into a sleek, contemporary, industrial statement piece that has brightened up my stairwell landing. So put aside the painter’s tape and try out these great tips on your next DIY project. Happy painting!