Mirrors trim has black spots, doesn’t wipe off
Get rid of dark spots on frame of bathroom mirror?
by
Jenny
+14
A section of our master bathroom mirror has discolored from the original silver color and has black spots. It’s only one spot above the sink faucet, the rest of the mirror’s frame is fine. Not sure what caused these spots or what it is, if it’s simple as painting or something more, but does anyone know how to fix/restore the mirror frame’s trim color to silver again?
It looks like the finish has worn-off of the frame. I would tape off the mirror and repaint the entire frame.
Hi Jenny. Being that it is so close to water, I'm concerned that mold may be involved. I would clean it very well with a solution of 6 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Wait until it dries completely. Then paint with Kilz. After that you can paint color of your choice. Good luck Jenny.
I agree with Cindy the first thing I thought of was mold. Vinegar will kill mold spores. You need to eliminate the source of the moisture. Then use a dehumidifier or Damp Rid to remove excess moisture which is a source of the mold. Odo Ban is a disinfectant that will also help with the smell.
I would clean the frame up and remove any loose dirt. Give the frame a rub with a sponge scourer and repaint. The water could have eroded the surface.
I would clean the entire frame with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, then paint in a silver metallic or other color of your choice. Use a clear poly following the paint. Likely water over time has damaged the mirror's finish in that particular area.
Hello. After you get the frame cleaned off and ready to recoat I wonder if using a waxy silver metallic wax for replaced would be beneficial. Something like rubnbuff?
I’ve used Rub n buff on picture frames and pewter candlesticks. It’s a waxy rub on that worked well for my needs. It can lighten or darken.
Have a look at the website possible color options, reviews Q&A to to see if it’s a product you might wish to consider.
http://www.amaco.com/t/mixed-media/metallic-finishes/rub-n-buff
https://www.amazon.com/AMACO-Metallic-Finish-Ebony-0-5-Fluid/dp/B00081HYE6/ref=pd_bxgy_201_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00081HYE6&pd_rd_r=D69ZW30FXPG7FV7B3TPP&pd_rd_w=qeFGu&pd_rd_wg=0y8SD&psc=1&refRID=D69ZW30FXPG7FV7B3TPP
https://www.michaels.com/rub-n-buff-wax-metallic-finish/M10183569.html
Water just wore off the finish. You can clean the whole frame. Tape off the mirror and spray paint the frame with Rustoleum metallic paint. Several light coats. Then you can seal it with Rustoleum clear since it's in a bathroom
I would paint it with silver paint for metal
That is definitely from water splashing on the frame. Use an oil based paint not latex. If you can take the frame off and spray with Rustoleum. OR rustoleum makes a brush on us that. .
Hey Jenny! If it’s mold, it will come off with a wipe, no matter what you use to clean. Even a dry paper towel will show the black.
If the finish has deteriorated, you will feel the pitting. If it’s pitted, you will need to use something, perhaps some Bondo to fill the pits. Without a filler, you will always see the area that the metal has come off. Use a contour gauge and cut out a plastic card to the shape so you can smooth out the Bondo following the contour.
Before deciding on paint, is the frame plastic or metal? Tap on it with your fingernail, the sound can usually help you determine which it is. The material your frame is made of will determine which paint to use. Either way, a sanding block will help score the finish to give the new layer “bite”. The sanding block can conform to the shape.
Definitely use a top coat of several light layers to build up. If you have one of those small hobby paint guns it would be fantastic, less overspray and easier to control. If you have to use a spray can and cannot remove the mirror, make sure to protect the walls, ceiling and floors. If you get a newspaper, you can tape it over everything, if not you will need something like painter’s plastic. Do not turn on the exhaust fan as paint particles will go up into it. A fan blowing out the window would work. Wear a mask so you’re not breathing in the paint.
I agree that cleaning and painting the mirror is the best bet. You can also use a water resistant top coat for extra protection.
It sounds like you have gotten some great suggestions. I always paint our bathroom mirrors, but I use Rustoleum or Krylon spray paint to protect the frames from moisture. Works great and comes in tons of colors.
That means it is worn off so paint it now but I do actually like that vintage look