How to Antique Mirrors
Put on gloves to protect your hands from the paints and chemicals you will use., Place the mirror you intend to antique face down on a washable or disposable surface., Apply paint stripper to the back of the mirror., Remove paint with a plastic...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Put on gloves to protect your hands from the paints and chemicals you will use.
Latex gloves work best because they protect your hands while allowing you maximum dexterity. -
Step 2: Place the mirror you intend to antique face down on a washable or disposable surface.
A piece of cardboard works well for this purpose. , Wait several hours, or until the paint can be easily removed. , If it doesn't come off relatively easily, wait longer for the paint stripper to work.
To make mirrors look like antiques, it's not favorable to remove all paint.
Aim for around 80 to 90 percent. ,,,, Use a 1-inch (2.5 cm) paintbrush.
The black patina solution is basically acid.
It will generally begin to eat through and tarnish the reflective surface in about 1 minute.
Naturally antique mirrors are often more tarnished on the outside edges than the middle.
If you want to replicate a genuine antique look, work in this fashion. ,, Water neutralizes the acid and will stop the antiquing effect of the patina. ,, Use a new paintbrush so there isn't any remaining patina on the paintbrush itself.
Whatever color of paint you choose will show through where the patina solution created spots.
Choose black, silver, or gold for the most antique look.
Also consider painting the back with a random combination of dark and light paint colors. , Hang the mirror in desired location. -
Step 3: Apply paint stripper to the back of the mirror.
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Step 4: Remove paint with a plastic putty knife.
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Step 5: Wash the mirror in warm water and soap
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Step 6: removing all remnants of paint stripper.
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Step 7: Dry the mirror thoroughly.
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Step 8: Place the mirror face down on a new piece of cardboard or a washable surface.
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Step 9: Apply black patina solution to the mirror.
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Step 10: Work from the edges inwards.
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Step 11: Rinse the mirror with water when the desired level of antiquing has occurred.
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Step 12: Air dry thoroughly.
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Step 13: Apply paint to the entirety of the back of the mirror.
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Step 14: Wait until paint has dried.
Detailed Guide
Latex gloves work best because they protect your hands while allowing you maximum dexterity.
A piece of cardboard works well for this purpose. , Wait several hours, or until the paint can be easily removed. , If it doesn't come off relatively easily, wait longer for the paint stripper to work.
To make mirrors look like antiques, it's not favorable to remove all paint.
Aim for around 80 to 90 percent. ,,,, Use a 1-inch (2.5 cm) paintbrush.
The black patina solution is basically acid.
It will generally begin to eat through and tarnish the reflective surface in about 1 minute.
Naturally antique mirrors are often more tarnished on the outside edges than the middle.
If you want to replicate a genuine antique look, work in this fashion. ,, Water neutralizes the acid and will stop the antiquing effect of the patina. ,, Use a new paintbrush so there isn't any remaining patina on the paintbrush itself.
Whatever color of paint you choose will show through where the patina solution created spots.
Choose black, silver, or gold for the most antique look.
Also consider painting the back with a random combination of dark and light paint colors. , Hang the mirror in desired location.
About the Author
Jack Wilson
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow pet care tutorials.
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