Antiquing a Faux Mirror

Alicia W
by Alicia W
8 Materials
$7
2 Hours
Easy
I love the look of antiques, especially mirrors but most true antique mirrors are quite expensive. I found a way to get the antique look and not spend half a fortune.
I also have a "thing" about old windows so I thought why not incorporate my two loves - mirrors and windows - into one project.
I began by flipping the window onto with the wrong side facing up. Which is the "wrong side" of a window? That would be a personal preference. This window had some hardware on it and I wanted that to show on the right side.
Next I used painter's tape and covered the entire window frame.


You could also do this project using the glass from a picture frame. You would use the same steps.
I used thinner painter's tape and covered each window sash.
Next I mixed equal parts of vinegar and water and put it into a spray bottle. You can use white vinegar - I didn't have any on hand so I used apple cider.
I shook up the vinegar/water mixture and then sprayed it onto each window pane. I tried to spray large drops of water not a fine mist.
Once all the window panes were sprayed with vinegar/water and while it was still wet, I sprayed each pane with Krylon "Looking Glass" spray paint. I gave each pane two coats of paint.
Using a paper towel, I gently dabbed each window pane removing the paint where the vinegar/water had been sprayed. (The paint will not adhere to the glass where it was sprayed.) I had to do this fairly quickly before the vinegar/water mixture dried.
Once the paint was dry, I removed all of the painter's tape.
Using black craft paint, I painted over the "looking glass" paint.
As you can see, the black paint shows through where the "looking glass" paint was removed - giving you an antique look.
I added two screws and picture wire to the back and hung my new "antique" mirror on the wall. Love the chippiness of the window and love the mirror affect.
Resources for this project:
Krylon "Looking Glass" spray paint
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 14 questions
  • Renee Rippetoe Renee Rippetoe on Jul 19, 2018

    Was there lead-based paint on the window frame? That's where it's most commonly used.

  • Michelle Kirstein Michelle Kirstein on Feb 28, 2019

    The finished product is simply stunning. But aren't you worried about lead in them chips? 😂

    Just kidding, anyone who tackles this type of project takes the appropriate precautions. Great job!!!

  • Angela Bauer Angela Bauer on Mar 01, 2019

    Why do you need to put painters tape on the back side since that side will be against the wall?


Comments
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2 of 105 comments
  • Diane Diane on Feb 25, 2019

    I tried it today and it was so easy! I think just about any kind of liquid spray would work; mine ended up being some vinegar window cleaner because I liked the droplets it made. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

  • Unidust Unidust on Mar 01, 2019

    Yes im going to do it. I've got the perfect window. It's covered in lead and just waiting to be a hazard. Yours is amazing!

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