How to paint gold leaf mirrors

Question

Hello Hometalkers!  I've got a question. I have 2, old & dated gold leaf mirrors.  One has a simple and straight frame.  The other has a super ornate frame.  I've been wanting to paint them forever and haven't tackled it.  BUT we're now having the entire famdamily (Southern term) over for New Year's.  So I thought 'what the heck'.  Ideas on types of paint that will cover gold leaf?  
IMPORTANT NOTE:  The ornate one is above the fireplace and will not be removed for painting.  As, hubby hung it 14 years ago and I remember 'very vividly' his words.  'This d*** thing is staying until we move.  Are you sure you want it here?'  So, I'll paint it standing on ladder when everyone is asleep.  Pray I don't fall and hurt my 'fluffy' self.  ***Not actual frame, but similar detail***

Janet Pizaro · Answer

My thoughts are to use a metallic spray paint in the colors that you like,they also are available with textured finishes if that is your sense of style.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

chalk paint. these frames look great with chalk paint and then lightly sanded so the gold shows through. I did one in a white chalk paint for a traditional shabby chic look. I've also used a spray paint for a more colorful version.My aqua mirror was a combo of spray paints in a matte turquoise and a gold metallic. I've used a silver metallic as well. This second pic is probably my fave! It's from LiveLoveDIY...

Gloria Hayes · Answer

why not re-leaf it? SUPER easy to do

Duv310660 · Answer

I agree with chalk paint - you can paint right into the crevices, or 'tickle' just the highest relief with your brush to emphasize the ornament. But best of all, you can clean it off glass easily - no taping the glass on the ladder!

Mickey Baron · Answer

Please no chalk paint. It will flatten & take away from the design. I agree with re leafing it. And it's easy! Get some Gold Leaf paint, lightly sand it with fine sand paper. Just brushing over the top. Then paint over, not filling the cracks & crevices until you get the desired coverage. Gold leaf needs touching up now & then, but it's worth the trouble.

Katrina Warren · Answer

@Pam Lewandowski For the ornate frame that won't be removed from the wall to paint, I would prime it first with Kilz or some other flat primer, once that dries paint with whatever color paint you like, I would then either do a dry brush over it with a lighter or darker color depending on your base color to pop the ornate design back out. The one you will be removing, I would do the same, primer & paint, but I would use spray paints for that to get a nice smooth surface. Enjoy your time with the famdamily!

Carol Wooten · Answer

We just redid a very large ornate mirror frame. First we sprayed it with Krylon oil rubbed bronze paint and then after it dryed applied a wax that had been tinted antique gold paint. It turned out beautiful and looks great over the fireplace.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

I agree with Gloria Hayes - releaf.

Pam Walker · Answer

Paint over the old frame with the same color as the original & while the paint is still wet, gently press on the gold leaf paper. Let it completely dry in place. When it's dry, gently peel off the paper to leave the gold leaf attached. :)

LD · Answer

As Gloria Hayes said, just gold leaf them again, it's very easy. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=usyWYUpREsE

Missbev · Answer

Gold leaf them again! But I would use the sizing that dries tacky and is designed to be used with leafing. If you want a different look, leafing comes in a number of metal finishes these days. Be sure you post the after pics of what ever you decide ;)

Connie Hoge · Answer

Sell them. Buy frames the color you want with the $.

Ksm9542 · Answer

Do you want them a different color or releafed?

How to paint gold leaf mirrors

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How to paint gold leaf mirrors

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