How to Create Antique-Looking Mirrors

Antique looking mirrors are highly sought after. The unique look of the aged glass and worn silver add a touch of antiquity and vintage charm to both traditional and modern settings. Antique looking mirrors can be extremely expensive when purchased through interior designer and at antique stores. Create the look by using a few simple paint techniques and tricks.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical resistant rubber gloves
• Goggles
• Fan
• Work table
• Old towels or blankets
• Paint stripper
• Putty knife
• Plastic sheeting
• Glass cleaner
• Copper remover
• Silver remover
• Cotton ball
• Old toothbrush
• Sea sponge
• Rag
• Spray paint
• Glaze
• Metallic paint

Instructions

1. Purchase heavy chemical resistant gloves and eye goggles for safety. Choose a well ventilated work area such as a basement or outdoors. Have a fan blowing to increase the circulation. Remove any cardboard or paper backing from the mirror.

2. Lay the mirror on a flat surface. Ensure the surface is soft---use old towels or blankets so the mirror doesn't scratch. Wear the protective gloves and mask. Pour paint stripper over the mirror the back of the mirror. Allow the solution to settle. Gently scratch the backing paint to see if has begun to dissolve using a plastic putty knife. Remember to give the stripper time to work; the solution may be left on the mirror over night. Wrap the mirror in plastic, without touching the solution, to avoid paint stripper from evaporating.

3. Continue to test the solution to see if the paint is coming off. Scrape the entire back of the mirror until all the paint has been removed. Wash the back of the mirror with water and a small amount of glass cleaner.

4. Look to see what color is underneath the paint. If copper is visible, use a copper remover to dissolve the layer. Purchase copper remover at your local hardware store. Apply solution to a cotton ball and wipe on mirror---the cotton ball should appear blue, indicating the copper is being removed.

5. Add silver remover by adding splatters drips and splotches to the back of the mirror---use a sea sponge, old toothbrush or simply pour the solution onto the mirror. Allow to sit for several minutes for silver to properly dissolve. Continue to distress mirror until the desired look is achieved. Rinse off mirror when distressing is finished and allow to dry.

6. Spray paint the back of the mirror black, brown or dark gray. Remember the color will be visible through the front of the mirror where any silver has been removed.

7. Paint the mirror frame a solid color such as white, gold or even bronze. Wipe brown, gold or even black stain to antique the edges. Sand the edges and add nail holes for an additional distressed and antique look.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more ornamental look spray the back of the mirror gold. The gold color will come through the front of the mirror for an elegant finish.

References

• Angel Guilding
• Bob Villa