I got this mirror on Craigslist for a steal. But it was too multicolored for me. You can’t tell in this picture, but it was painted gold, then highlighted with magenta, splattered with black, smeared with a gray wash, and finally sprinkled with silver glitter. I kid you not. I think it’s quite fabulous painted black.

Painted mirror

Supplies & tools

  • old toothbrush
  • vacuum
  • rag or paper towel
  • painter’s tape
  • newspaper
  • spray paint

1. Whenever refinishing an old, ornate piece, you should clean it well. I scrubbed it with a dry toothbrush, vacuumed the dust, then rubbed it down with a damp rag.

2. Apply painter’s tape right against the inside edge of the frame.

3. Then tape newspaper down on top of that to cover the mirror.

4. Take the mirror outdoors to spray paint. Lay down newspaper underneath it, covering the surrounding area to protect from over-spray. Follow the instructions on the can of paint. You’ll need to spray a few coats at all different angles to cover completely.

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