How to Frost Mirrors

Create a frosted finish on mirrored surfaces.

Frosted glass creates a veil of privacy and adds a delicate design to ordinary mirror and glass surfaces. Your project may be minimal, like coating a mirror in a solid layer of frost to make a room divider, or you may envision an elaborate creation like mirrored closet doors covered in a frosted lace pattern. You can apply glass etching paint to create a permanent frosted finish or frosted window film for a removable frosted embellishment. Each method imparts an air of mystery or style on your mirror.

Things You'll Need

• Newspapers
• Stencil or template
• Tape
• Glass etching spray paint
• Frosted window film, rolled
• Pencil
• Craft knife

Instructions

Painting the Mirror

1. Cover an empty space on the floor with newspaper to use as a work area. Lay the mirror face side up on the newspaper.

2. Cover the parts of the glass that you do not want to frost. Arrange sheets of paper in the middle of the mirror to paint a frosted border. Use a paper or stencil template to cover the area you want to leave unfrosted. Interior decorating stencils and paper doilies work well.

3. Shake the can of glass etching paint for a minute or two to mix the contents of the can. Test the paint on a bare patch of newspaper to ensure the paint is mixed thoroughly.

4. Spray over the template to frost the design to the mirror. Allow the paint to dry for 30 minutes before moving any template material. Moving something could smear the wet paint.

Applying Film Transfers

1. Spread out a roll of frosted window film on a flat, solid work surface. Lay the material with the frosted side down so that the paper backing faces you.

2. Draw the pieces you want to frost onto the backside of the paper with a pencil. Draw the images backwards since you are working on the reverse side of the material. Trace around a template if it will help you style shaped pieces.

3. Cut along the lines to create the pieces you need for your frosted design.

4. Lay the mirror on your work surface or leave it hanging, depending on which way makes it easier for you to apply the film.

5. Peel the paper backing down from the top edge of the film. Expose only a couple of inches. Position the exposed top edge of the film against the mirror. Press it to the surface. Smooth it from the top down with your hands.

6. Peel the rest of the paper off the backside of the film you smooth the affixed portion. Continue the simultaneous peeling and smoothing movements until you affix the entire piece of film to the mirror.

Tips & Warnings

• Any product or project intended for frosting glass will work equally well on a mirror. Frosted window film is a valuable Halloween decoration material. You can create ghostly shapes to place on mirrors and windows, then remove them after the holiday. Though intricate designs are possible with this material, you have to cut each detail meticulously with a craft knife. Avoid detailed patterns like doilies.

References

• "Good Housekeeping"; Make Over Your Bathroom Decor; Mirror Makeovers; Julie Mihaly
• Offbeat Bride; How to DIY your own frosted glass centerpieces; Adrienne Lalli
• "Country Living"; DIY Halloween Decorations; Phantom Presence; Kristi Cameron