Framing Your Mirror: A Faux Painting Guide

Painting a faux frame around a mirror is a simple and inexpensive way to update your décor. It's a beginner-friendly project that can be done on a mirror of any size, and it's a great way to add interest and depth to a room. You can choose any colour you like and use either spray paint or chalk paint to achieve your desired finish. The first step is to prepare the surface of the frame by cleaning it and ensuring it is residue-free. Then, you'll need to apply a primer and paint the frame, allowing for drying time in between coats. Once the paint is dry, you can remove any protective layering, such as painter's tape or paper, and your mirror will be ready to display.

Prepare the frame surface

Preparing the frame surface is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking finish when painting a faux frame around a mirror. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Clean the Frame Surface

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire frame, ensuring it is free of dust, dirt, oils, or any other residue. Pay special attention to any nooks, grooves, and embellishments on the frame. If the frame is very dusty or dirty, use a damp cloth to ensure all dirt is removed, then let it air dry or wipe it with a dry cloth to remove excess water.

Sand the Frame

Lightly sand the frame with coarse-grit sandpaper (60 to 80 grit) to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a particulate (N95) respirator for safety. If your frame has intricate details or hard-to-reach areas, use a smaller paintbrush to reach those sections. Remember to sand the edges and back of the frame as well if they will be visible and painted.

Protect the Mirror

Cover the mirror surface with several layers of newspaper, craft paper, grocery bags, or thin cardboard. Secure the paper with painter's tape, ensuring the tape only touches the glass and not the frame. Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly instead of tape and paper, especially if you are working with a small mirror. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly around the edges of the mirror, next to the frame.

Prime the Frame

Apply a thin coat of primer to the entire frame, using a water-based primer such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Choose the primer colour based on the final paint colour. For a dark colour like black, use a grey primer, and for a light colour like white, use a white primer. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, then apply a second coat for optimal coverage.

Lightly Sand Again

Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the frame with fine sandpaper (220 grit or higher) to remove any drips or brushstrokes. This step ensures a smooth finish and prepares the surface for the paint. Vacuum and wipe the frame with a tack cloth to remove any dust or residue before moving on to the painting stage.

Now that the frame surface is prepared, you can proceed to the next steps of painting your faux frame and revealing your beautifully transformed mirror!

Cover the mirror

Covering the mirror is an important step in painting a faux frame around it. This will ensure that the mirror remains paint-free and undamaged. There are several ways to do this.

One method is to use painter's tape and paper. Cut a piece of newspaper, paper, or thin cardboard to fit over the surface of the mirror glass, leaving a small gap around each edge. Then, use painter's tape to attach the paper to the mirror, ensuring that no tape touches the frame. Align the edge of the tape with the trim where the frame and glass meet. If you need to, use a utility knife to trim off any excess tape from the frame.

Another option is to use petroleum jelly, which is ideal for smaller mirrors where it would be difficult to work with tape and paper. Use a cloth to spread a thick layer of petroleum jelly around the edges of the mirror, next to the frame. The paint will not adhere to the petroleum jelly and can be easily rubbed away once you have finished painting, along with any paint that may have gotten on it.

Alternatively, if your mirror can be easily removed from the frame, you can take it out before painting. Look for small screws on the back of the mirror and unscrew them with a screwdriver. Then, carefully lift or slide the mirror out of the frame.

Prime the frame

Before you start priming the frame, it's important to prepare the surface. This means cleaning the mirror frame to ensure it is dust-free and residue-free. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire frame, paying attention to any nooks and grooves. If the frame is very dusty, use a damp cloth to ensure all dirt is removed. If you used a damp cloth, let the frame air-dry or wipe it with a dry cloth to remove excess water.

Next, you'll want to protect the mirror from the primer. You can do this by removing the mirror from the frame if possible. Look for small screws on the back of the mirror and unscrew them with a screwdriver, then carefully lift or slide the mirror out. If removing the mirror is not possible, you can use painter's tape and paper to cover the mirror surface. Cut the paper to fit over the mirror, leaving a small gap around each edge. Use the painter's tape to attach the paper to the mirror, ensuring no tape touches the frame. Alternatively, you can use petroleum jelly, which is ideal for smaller mirrors. Use a cloth to spread a thick layer of petroleum jelly around the edges of the mirror, next to the frame.

Now you're ready to start priming! If your frame is dark and you plan to paint it a dark colour, use a grey primer. If your frame is dark but you plan to paint it a light colour, use a white primer. Apply the primer in thin, even strokes, covering every surface of the frame. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, then apply a second coat for optimal coverage. Once the second coat is dry, lightly sand the frame with fine sandpaper to remove any drips or brushstrokes. Finally, vacuum and wipe the frame with a tack cloth before moving on to painting.

Paint the frame

Painting a faux frame around a mirror is a simple way to give your mirror a new look. The process is straightforward, but it requires some preparation to ensure a professional finish.

First, you must prepare the frame by cleaning it with a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or residue. If the frame is very dusty, use a damp cloth to ensure all dirt is removed, then let it air dry or wipe it down with a dry cloth. Once the frame is clean, you can apply a thin coat of primer to every surface. If painting the frame a dark colour, use a grey primer, and if painting it a light colour, use a white primer. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, then apply a second coat.

Next, you can begin the painting process. If you are using chalk paint, apply it with a brush, ensuring that the entire frame is covered. If you are using spray paint, hold the can approximately 10 inches (25 cm) away from the frame and press down on the trigger to release the paint. Ensure that each part of the frame has an even coating. Allow the paint to dry fully. A layer of chalk paint tends to take about 2 hours to dry, while spray paint will take between 10 minutes and 1 hour.

Finally, remove any protective layering you added to the mirror, such as painter's tape and paper or petroleum jelly. Reattach any hardware, and your mirror is ready to be displayed!

Remove protective layering

To remove the protective layering or silver backing from a mirror, you will need the following materials:

• Plastic scraper or plastic putty knife
• Steel wool (Grade 0, 00, 000, or 0000)
• Paint stripper (one suitable for use on glass)
• Bleach (the smallest size available is preferable)
• Rags (old shirts can be cut up for this purpose)
• Paintbrush (a soft squeegee or similar tool can be used to apply the paint stripper)
• Toothbrush (an old one will suffice)
• Chemical-resistant gloves (chemical-proof gloves offer greater protection)
• Kneepads (if working on the floor)
• Goggles (optional, for preventing splashing)
• Latex paint and odor respirator
• Glass cleaner or soap and water
• Large tarp or covered table

Firstly, apply the paint stripper directly to the painted side of the mirror, spreading it evenly with a paintbrush. Allow the paint stripper to sit for 1 to 3 hours, or leave it overnight if you're short on time during the day.

Next, use your scraper to begin pushing the paint off. It should come off in strips and chunks, although you may need to apply some force initially. Keep scraping, reapplying the stripper, and scraping again until you notice a gold/coppery sheen beneath the paint.

At this point, grab your steel wool and begin buffing the remaining paint until everything takes on a dull, silvery appearance. You should now be able to see your reflection through the coppery-silver smear.

Finally, wipe down the mirror and inspect it. Repeat the previous steps as needed until you achieve clear glass. If desired, you can leave a pattern of copper paint or buffed silver on the mirror for an artistic effect. Once you're satisfied, use glass cleaner or soap and water to thoroughly clean the glass.

Frequently asked questions