Antiquing a Mirror
9 Materials
$25
2 Days
Easy
Mirrors have plenty of applications in home decor but sometimes, you don't want a brand new, flawless reflection. Learn to age / antique your mirrors in a few easy steps. These go perfect with the farmhouse or fixer upper look!
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First, remove the mirror's protective backing with the paint stripper. I recommend doing this step outside because of the fumes. I'm using Goof Off's Pro Stripper because it's fast working and has a gel consistency that doesn't run. I glopped the paint stripper on to the back of the mirror, spread it around, and let it set. After only 15 minutes, easily remove the backing with a scraper. You'll only want to remove the backing and NOT the reflective film layer.
Wash the mirror off with mineral spirits and then water to ensure all of the paint stripper is gone.
Add bleach to a spray bottle and spritz on to the reflective film on the back of the mirror. The bleach will eat away at the layer, causing spotting to develop. It took about 2 days with one additional respritz on day two to get my desired amount of aging. Leave the bleach on longer for an extreme aged look. Leaving the bleach on too long will result in a clear piece of glass so keep a close eye on your bleach and check it at least twice a day.
When you are happy with your bleach result, rinse with water to remove the remaining bleach.
Dry off your mirror and spray the back with black spray paint so the bleach spotting isn't transparent. I'm using Rust-Oleum's Painters Touch 2X Paint and Primer in gloss black. Let the paint dry and you're done!
Age one mirror or a whole set and simply frame or incorporate into a larger project. Either way, your mirror will have a charming fixer-upper finish in no time!
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This is a great post with GOOD instructions! Thank you! Can’t wait to try.
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