How to Update an Old Mirror

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If you’ve wondered how to update an old mirror, I’ve got just the project for you to check out for this month’s thrift store makeover.

How to update an old mirror frame?

If you come across an old mirror, you have multiple ways you can update the piece. The easiest way is using spray paint. Spray paint is a great option if you want to just change the color of the whole piece. I would recommend using a primer first, so that the new paint color will stick well. You can use paper and painter’s tape to cover the mirror part from overspray. This is the technique you would want to use if you wanted to have a gold mirror or any solid color.

Another way to update a mirror is using a dry brush technique, which is what I did with this mirror. Dry brushing is a quick DIY upgrade for a dated mirror, and it’s quick and easy.

Preparing The Mirror

The first step before painting is to prep the mirror frame. My mirror frame is faux wood, so it didn’t need sanding just a really good wipe down to get the dust and dirt off. I just used a wet paper towel. Let me show you what I was starting with.

After it’s clean let it dry completely before moving on to the painting phase.

Supplies Needed:

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• chippy brush or old paint brush
• paint (I think chalk paint is the easiest for a dry brush technique) Paint I used

Choosing The Right Paint

When using a dry brush method on your piece, I find that using a chalk paint is the easiest to control the look I want. Chalk paint is a thicker paint. When dry brushing you only put a little paint on your brush, so using a thicker chalk paint helps me to get the coverage I want to see in certain areas, while still allowing the base color to still show.

You can use an acrylic or latex paint with dry brushing, you may need to do multiple layers to get the look you want through.

Dry Brush The Mirror

To start my mirror makeover, I poured a little of the chalk paint onto a paper plate.

Then I dipped the tip of my old paint brush into the paint, only coating the very tips of the bristles with paint. Then dap the brush onto another part of the paper plate to remove a little.

Then it’s paint time! Use soft, long stroke motions to start with along the edges of the mirror. With a dry brush style it’s up to you how much coverage you want. If you want more coverage (less of the base color coming through) then go over that section again.

I worked in sections, starting with the edge of the frame in one area and working my way to the inside of the mirror frame.

Repeat until you have the look you want. Dry time with chalk paint is pretty quick, but I let it sit overnight until I move it. If you look at your piece the next day and want more coverage of that dry brush layer, add more!

Dry brushing is a great way to give a thrift store mirror a new look with only a little bit of paint and a small amount of your time. You can use the dry brush technique on picture frames, a dresser, a shelf, or any piece you want to give a fun update.

March Thrift Store Team Makeovers

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Pallet Herb Garden My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Old Coffee Pot Upcycled As A Flower Pot  Organized Clutter

Chicken Wall Decor Idea Petticoat Junktion

How to Update an Old Mirror Domestically Speaking

St. Patrick’s Day Wreath  Sadie Seasongoods

Thrift Store Upcycle Idea for Spring  Reinvented Deleware

Whitewashing Bookends Our Southern Home

Thrift Store Painted Side Table Shop At Blu