Antiquing A Mirror Using Bleach

RoomCrush
by RoomCrush
6 Materials
$20
5 Hours
Medium

If you try to Google how do you antique an existing mirror, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by the various methods out there.


Many DIYers teach methods using harsh and dangerous chemicals like muriatic acid. Please save yourself the headaches; a mixture of regular bleach and water works perfectly!


Second, it’s important to mention that each mirror will turn out differently as no two mirrors are alike.


For example, I found this mirror at my local Goodwill store, and it was a bit problematic! First, I did not realize that the frame was glued to the mirror at the time of purchase, and the mirror backing, which needs to be removed using a paint stripper, was a very thick glue-like coating.


Therefore, I wanted to document my first attempt at antiquing a mirror and provide you with my suggestions to improve the final results.

Supplies used:


  • Citristrip Paint Stripper
  • 4-inch plastic knife
  • Rags
  • Gloves
  • Tape
  • Bleach & Water Mix
  • Paint

This DIY project can get a bit messy so prepare your workspace accordingly. If you're unable to remove the mirror from the wood frame, I would highly suggest protecting the frame by using painter's tape.


Next, lay your mirror face down on your covered work area and remove the backing or paper to access the mirror.

The mirror used in my tutorial was usually tricky, and as mentioned above, I needed to wait 7x's longer than usual to allow the stripper to work. 


I had to use a metal putty knife and apply medium pressure to remove the backing. The backing was more of a glue than a coating.


However, 99.9% of mirrors can safely be scraped using light to medium pressure, a 4-inch plastic knife, and wrapping a rag around it. 


This method did not work for this mirror, but it's my recommendation to avoid scratching the mirror.


Once you are satisfied or have removed most of the backing, you'll want to use a clean rag to remove all the stripping gel.


Lastly, wash down the mirror with a clean wet rag. 


This is important since the mirror antiquing process needs a clean surface in order for it to work.

Create Your Bleach Solution


Begin with a clean spray bottle and add 50% bleach and 50% water.


Begin To Antique A Mirror With Beach


Before spraying the solution on your mirror, spray the solution into the sink a few times. 


I speak from experience as a few sprays from my bottle came out as “streams” instead of a fine mist. The bleach works within seconds and you will begin to see dark spots as the bleach does its job. 


Please, do not rush this process. Take a few minutes to review the progress as your patience will have the greatest impact on this project.


Once you are satisfied, you can cover the mirror with paper towels to absorb the beach and wipe it off. Then rinse the bleach areas with water carefully.


If you plan on antiquing a mirror please use the bleach method. Remember that each piece will come out differently, and you'll learn a few things along the way.

Paint The Mirror


Here is where you can become artistic. I tried a few different colors for this step; for future projects, I will stick to a flat soft metallic iron color paint or black.


You will want to mist the mirrors lightly with each spray paint. Every so often, stand the mirror up to see your progress.

Lastly, paint the back of the mirror black to complete the look of your antique mirror. 

Please visit the blog for more tips and tricks.


I'll be adding a french furniture transfer to complete this project and will be updating the post once it arrives.


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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • MJ MJ on Dec 13, 2020

    Nice look! Did you end up using any bleach?

  • Kathryn Sanderson Kathryn Sanderson on Dec 13, 2020

    Yes, I'm little confused. You use Citra-Strip to remove the backing, but where does the bleach come in?


  • Jinxx Jinxx on Feb 27, 2021

    Does the stripper go on the BACK of the mirror, then the bleach on the FRONT of the mirror, then you paint the back of the mirror black?

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3 of 5 comments
  • Dorothy A Crowley Dorothy A Crowley on Dec 14, 2020

    If you read what she wrote it 50/50 water and bleach in her spray bottle

    so yes she used the bleach. At least that's how I read it

  • Gml16408878 Gml16408878 on Dec 11, 2022

    For anyone stripping paint from anything, you may want to know that brake fluid does the same thing for pennies, as paint stripper does for dollars! I have a friend from Jamaica who told me that secret and it works! Just brush it on like you would the expensive strippers, and watch the paint or varnish bubble up. Remove it with your scraper as you would any other layer. Try it! Most have it in their possession.

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