Hello sweet friends! I’m here today with a quick and easy thrift store mirror makeover! Don’t you just love simple projects?
Thrift Store Mirror Makeover
I picked up this small, boring mirror for $5 at the thrift store:
I’m sure many of you have spied something very similar while thrifting or yard saling.
Since transfers and decoupage papers have come into my life, I look a little more closely at pieces like this! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Prepping with Slick Stick
This mirror was actually some sort of metal, so after a quick cleaning, I started prepping it for paint by adding Slick Stick first:
I waited two hours and then gave it one more coat. Slick Stick allows paint to bond with non-porous surfaces like, metal, glass, and laminate.
Painting with Dixie Belle’s Silk Mineral Paint
After allowing the Slick Stick to dry overnight, I gave the mirror frame a coat of Silk in Oyster:
Silk normally requires that you sand your piece first to give it something to grab onto, but you can apply a coat of Slick Stick in place of sanding if you’d rather go that route.
See the differnces between Silk Mineral Paint and Chalk Mineral Paint HERE.
Luckily, I needed Slick Stick for the metal surface anyway, so it worked out brilliantly!
I probably could have gotten away with one coat, but the details needed another coat, so I gave it two total, allowing a couple of hours dry time in between.
Silk does not require a topcoat, so I could have stopped there and been done!
Adding the Magnolia transfer
I wasn’t quite finished though and knew that the wide frame was perfect for adding a little embellishment!
I still had several pieces left from the Magnolia Transfer that I used on this table. I thought they could work beautifully with the Oyster.
As you can see, I cut away the part of the transfer that would extend down over the detailed portion of the frame.
Then, I unfolded the backing a little at a time as I burnished the transfer to the surface. That was so I could make sure the transfer laid properly as I came around that corner. There are several pieces in this transfer that you can layer to create the look you want.
Sealing the Transfer
Transfers leave a slight white halo around the outer edges, but sealing them greatly diminishes that.
Although the silk does not require a sealer, I wanted to seal the transfers, so I chose to seal the whole thing with Best Dang Wax in Clear, applying it with my Best Dang Brush:
Then I just used a clean soft cloth to remove the excess wax and buff it in:
I always try to remove the mirror when possible because I like to be able to paint the backside where it will be reflected in the mirror.
Then to seal it all back up again, I just reassembled the mirror and used my Logan Point Driver to secure everything in place:
It shoots out “points” kind of similar to how a staple gun shoots out staples.
Then I applied Matte Mod Podge like a glue with a cheap chip brush and covered the back in decorative paper:
I used a razor blade to trim the edges.
And just in case you think I don’t make dumb mistakes, yes I DO! I do really dumb things that always seem to happen in the home stretch…like here where I attached the hanging hardware to the wrong edge:
Oopsie!
So how did my $5 ho-hum thrift store mirror turn out?
Fabulous!
Oh wait, let me get rid of those words for ya…
Cute, eh?
So simple!
I could have embellished the pretty trim further with some Mousse, Gilding Wax, or even White Wax, but I decided to keep it neutral.
I just love this soft Oyster color!
Here you can see where I trimmed the transfer to keep it off the detailed area. That made it easier to apply…
I hope y’all enjoyed this quickie makeover today!
If you liked this one, you’ll really enjoy this one! I almost donated it back to the thrift store!!
See what I did with it HERE!
I’ll be back with another quick makeover, this galvanized thrift store tote:
Until then!
UPDATE: See how pretty this tote turned out HERE now!
XOXO,
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Victoria says
This is super cute 😍!!
Christy says
Thank you, Victoria! XOXO
Christina says
Another sad mirror saved! Beautiful color and the transfers add just the right touch! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! I will save them all ha ha! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh so BEAUTIFUL!! I have the perfect spot for this in my house, I will send you my address and I will pay you to send it to me!! This is my favorite piece you have done out of this haul, it is BEAUTIFUL!! You are amazing!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary!! I’m so glad you like this one!! I emailed you separately about purchasing it! 🙂 XOXO
Denise Cox says
I absolutely love it!! And I love the Oyster color with the stencil. It’s lovely, yet simple. Inspires me to run to my local Goodwill /Habitat, but we’re such a small town, that “decent” items can’t be found. But, I may take a gander and see what I can find… maybe start with a mirror… or a lamp… 🤔😉?
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! Good luck in your search! XOXO
Charleen says
FABULOUS!!! The oyster is a lovely color,the transfer made this mirror,took it up a notch.Reslly lovely work so admire your artistic abilities. God bless you
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! I really appreciate that! XOXO
carol a snedden says
I am enjoying watching all your summer makeovers. I just need to find some transfers and get to it! Your projects are beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! Transfers are such an easy way to transform these forgotten finds! XOXO
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Beautiful make over. The transfer adds a nice lovely touch to the mirror
Looks like you could hang the square mirror either way.
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen! Yes, you probably could, but the branches looked sideways lol! XOXO
Nancy Sharp says
The transfer was the perfect touch! So pretty.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Nancy! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That was a great find, Christy. Beautiful color, and the transfers make it fabulous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marcie! XOXO
Rebecca says
GORGEOUS!
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Love the mirror. Just enough embellishment but not too much. Another great job as usual.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! It’s hard to know when to stop sometimes ha ha! XOXO
Toby says
You never disappoint Christy! Love it!
Absolutely darling!
Have a wonderful week!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Toby! Enjoy your week too! XOXO
Deborah Mealus says
Absolutely gorgeous! The transformation is really amazing. From ho-hum to stunning! I’ll bet it sells immediately. You never disappoint, that’s for sure! I always look forward to your posts and can hardly wait until Thursday.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deborah! I truly appreciate that, and I am so glad you enjoy following along with me! XOXO
Amy says
Beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL! I absolutely love it, and magnolias seem to sell well to my customer base. I will be on the lookout for a similar mirror now…
Christy says
Thank you, Amy! Perfect…the magnolias are so classy for sure! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Super cute! I love the way your mind works..
Christy says
Aww thank you, Sharon! XOXO
Diana Cosgrove says
Christy !!!! You have such beautiful taste … and your vision for restoring and rejuvenating simple pieces is so motivating! I still have the corner in my basement that holds all the pieces that I want to bring back to life, but I just don’t BEGIN!!! I feel that I have to accumulate all the items I will need first (paint tent, an electric sander, transfers, fabric, drill, Dixie Belle paints, White Lightning, the hand tools that I need to work on my mirrors, the craft paper, the waxes, the sponges, the brushes and more!)… Even though I have returned to work 3 evenings a week (I’ve tried to retire twice!) all I want to do is stay at home and beautify all of my pieces that I have purchased from yard sales and thrift shops! I always look forward to your posts…. I keep them all and I love them!
Diana (Massachusetts)
Christy says
I appreciate that so much,Diana! Thank you! It sounds like when you finally really do retire, you will have plenty to keep you busy!! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
That came out so pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
Kerryanne says
The perfect colour and transfer Christy. That little mirror is such a statement piece now… love it 💗
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kerryanne!! XOXO
Conna says
This is just gorgeous! I love the oyster color. Thank you for introducing Slick Stick–I’m looking at three pieces in my studio that will soon be transformed!
Have a wonderful day and thank you for your inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you, Conna! Slick Stick is awesome! XOXO
Janice says
You are so talented! Your brain must be full of wonderful ideas!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Janice!! XOXO
Cheryl says
Beautiful!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! XOXO
Mary says
If I could I would click LOVE on all statements above mine, because I agree with all of them! This project turned out So beautiful. Simple but very elegant. I looked at the other mirror too at the link you provided; Oh my! Be still my heart! Such beautiful transformations Christy.. You rock 🙂
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Mary, thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!! XOXO
Joanne H says
The mirror is so cute. Love how the transfer finishes it off. Can’t wait to see what magic you work with the next mirror.
Christy says
Thank you, Joanne! The other mirror at the bottom is one I have shared previously that I though y’all might also enjoy. I linked to it in the post, but you can see it here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-properly-paint-a-mirror/ It’s a cutie too! XOXO
Joanne H says
Oh, wow!! Yes, that second mirror…equally beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you, Joanne! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! This mirror is very pretty. I still haven’t tried the silk paint. What kind of paper do you put on the back? Just a normal wrapping paper?
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I like to use patterned kraft paper that is a bit thicker than traditional wrapping paper. This one came from this set I bought here: https://amzn.to/3upMlpZ. It works great! XOXO
Kimberly Wollmer says
This is gorgeous! I love everything about it.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kimberly! XOXO
Mikki says
Oh My Goodness!!! I have this exact mirror and the same transfers! I now know what I’m going to do with that ugly mirror I picked up. Thank You!!! I want to share an idea I picked up years ago. When you add paper to the back of a piece, and it’s not pulling as tight as you’d like (due to the weight of the paper), mist the paper with water and blow it dry on low heat. The heat will shrink the paper and pull it taut. I’ve also seen shaving cream used instead of the mist. Spray the foam on, wipe off, then dry. I would rather use water. Have a GREAT weekend! XOXOXO
Christy says
Oh perfect!! Thank you for the tip! Most of the wrinkles usually pull out as it dries, but I will keep this in mind! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!!! Can it be the same mirror? Seriously?!!
Great job bringing new life into such a bland old piece.
Prolly a darned good thing I don’t live near you or I’d be at your booth buying it all. ♥
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! It’s the little mirror that could! I’d love for you to come buy me out ha ha! XOXO
Ashley says
Simply another gorgeous piece by Christy James, aka The SerialDIYer! 💗
#metalmirror
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Melva says
It may be a simple makeover, but it is absolutely stunning! It’s amazing what paint can do. And of course, your vision for each piece.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Melva! XOXO
Liliane says
Love the mirror and the transfer gave it just the right glam.
Christy says
Thank you, Liliane! Those transfers are like magic! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Christy, I am loving these projects every day.bghis is one of my favorites. Thank you for the link to the paper. It is in my cart.
Christy says
Oh yay!! I thought this might be fun for those who want a little more thrifty inspiration in their inboxes and I’m so glad you are enjoying it so far! XOXO
Shirley Lange says
So pretty, Christy. Hydrangea’s were my favorite flower but I think 🤔 my favorite from now on just might be Magnolia’s.
I have a question that I am hoping you can help me with.
I have a beautiful framed mirror that I want to hang on the wall. BUT without the mirror in the frame. The mirror is GLUED into the frame. I have pried on it with a flat butter knife but I am afraid 😱 of breaking the mirror. Do you know a way to get it out of the frame? Any help will be appreciated.
Christy says
Thank you, Shirley! It’s hard to choose between the two…they’re both so beautiful! As for the mirror, I have come across a couple that have been glued in place and I used a metal putty knife to gently pry between the mirror and the frame and that worked for me. Good luck, my friend! XOXO
Tracey Stagg says
It’s sooooo refreshing to look at now, love the charming simplicity!
Christy says
Thank you, Tracey! XOXO