How to Repaint a Mirror

Mirrors are a great addition when it comes to making a room look larger. However, nice wall mirrors can often be expensive. Used ones can be found in thrift stores, Craigslist, and at the curb but usually in old-fashioned colors or with beat-up paint jobs. No need to worry. Just follow these steps to repaint a mirror and create a refurbished masterpiece.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• masking tape
• Zinnser, Bullsey 1-2-3 primer
• sponge painting tool or paint brush (between 1-2")
• indoor/outdoor spray paint in gloss or semi-gloss
• work area outside
• cardboard boxes or saw horses for holding the mirror off the ground
• exacto-knife
• goo-gone
• plastic garbage bags
• scissors
• screw driver
• paint stick or something to stir the primer with
• tack cloth
• 250 grit sandpaper

1. 

   Lay out several plastic garbage bags or a painting tarp on the ground. Set the cardboard boxes or saw horses in the middle and place the mirror on top of them so that you will be able to get under all of the edges of the frame.

2. 

   Carefully apply the masking tape around the edge of the mirror where it meets the frame. Make sure to lay it on so that it goes just under the frame and no slivers of mirror are left exposed to the paint.

3. Use the screwdriver as a lever to open the can of primer and a stir stick to mix it up well.

4. 

   Dot the primer on and then paint with smooth, even, back-and forth strokes. When you have completed an area or need to blend areas, go back over them lightly all in one direction to even out the brush marks and make them parallel. Don't forget to smooth over any drips or ridges of paint where edges meet as quickly as possible before the primer dries.

5. Let the primer dry for at least 24 hours - it might take longer in a humid climate. After the primer is dry, sand it lightly all over with 250 grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand to hard on the edges where it is easy to sand through the paint.

6. Rub the mirror all over with the tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.

7. Repeat steps 4-6 to prepare for painting the mirror.

8. Once the second coat of primer is dry, lower the mirror to the ground on top of the tarp or garbage bags. Cut open a garbage bag and place it on top of the mirror so that it just overlaps with the masking tape. It will adhere with static cling and keep the paint off of the mirror while you are spraying.

9. 

   Shake the can of spray paint according to the directions. Then apply 1 thin coat. Start the spray of paint before you reach the first side of the mirror and then move across quickly (2-3 seconds) as to apply a light coat. Do not release the button on the can until you have moved past the far edge of the mirror. Keep the can at an even distance from the surface.

10. Wait 5 minutes and then apply a second light coat.

11. Wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry (depending on the paint instructions). Next, sand the mirror lightly all over with 250 sandpaper and use the tack cloth to clean it.

12. Repeat steps 9-11 until you are satisfied with the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Use finer grits of sandpaper on the mirror after the 250 between coats of spray paint for an even smoother finish.
• Beware of painting in a dirty/windy area where dirt might blow onto the wet paint.
• Don't be impatient or skip sanding, the paint job on the mirror will be worth it in the end.
• Be careful not to sand to hard on the edges where it is easy to sand through the paint.

[edieness]

on 6/13/2009 Great details and nice pictures.5*