Hello beautiful friends! I’m so glad you’re here! Today I’ve got a gilded mirror makeover to share with you. This mirror is one of only four pieces left in this huge haul!
I found it at the thrift store for $20:
I wouldn’t normally spend that much on a mirror at the thrift store, but I loved the curvy details on it!
Let’s get to it!
I like to start mirror makeovers by removing the mirror. This one was particularly heavy and I just prefer to remove them and set them aside for safe keeping. Plus, I like to paint the back of the frame that will be reflected in the mirror.
This one had a wood backing that was nailed in place. I used a small pry bar to lift it up and remove the nails:
Then, it had these triangular wood pieces on the inside securing the mirror in place, typical of older mirrors:
I pried those up with a putty knife.
It’s a good idea to keep all the pieces you remove from a project together in case you need to reuse them. I just use this old bowl…
A Ziploc bag works too.
Sand
Once I had the mirror removed and stashed in a safe place, I gave the frame a good sanding. It had a ton of nicks and scratches, so I tried to sand those smooth as much as possible:
Clean
Next, I gave it a good vacuum with my shop vac and then cleaned it to prep it for paint.
White Lightning is my go-to cleaner for prepping for paint. It comes in a powder, and I mix one TBSP with a half gallon of warm water for most projects:
I mixed half that for this mirror and the three lamps I shared on Thursday.
These terry cloth pads are perfect for the job.
Then, I swapped my water out for clean water and wiped down once more to remove any residue.
BOSS for bleedthrough
This older red wood typically will bleed through your paint. It appears as pink splotches in your paint finish.
To prevent that, I first applied BOSS in Clear:
I usually use the white formula since I paint in white so often, but no white today!
I let that sit overnight. BOSS works best with ample dry time.
Paint
The next day, it was time for paint, and I chose one of my favorite colors, Dixie Belle’s Antebellum Blue:
I absolutely love this deep teal color! I have yet to paint a piece of furniture with it, but I’ve painted a few decor pieces HERE, HERE, and HERE, and everything has sold quickly!
I totally could have gotten away with one coat, but I gave it two. Once the paint was dry, I didn’t even sand to smooth it out this time, it looked so good!
A tiny transfer addition
I decided to add a bit of transfer from the Somewhere in France transfer:
I had one sheet left over from this dresser redo, and I cut just one line from the bottom of it to add to this open space on the mirror:
Wax to seal
Once that was in place, I sealed everything with Best Dang Wax in clear applying it with the Best Dang Brush:
I buffed it in and removed any excess with a clean, soft cloth:
I mentioned this the other day since I often get asked about which sealer I prefer:
Satin Clear Coat is my go-to for most furniture pieces because wax can be a bit labor intensive to apply over larger surfaces. I also think the Clear Coat is easier to clean, but it can pool in the details on smaller pieces since it is a liquid. So, for those smaller decor projects with details, I still like to use wax, and I keep both sealers on hand.
Gilding wax
Finally, it was time to highlight all those gorgeous details, and I did that with Gold Gilding Wax:
Gilding Wax is oil-based, so you want to do this step last.
Lastly, I put everything back together and then painted the back to to match the front.
The After
Here is how this mirror looks now:
I’m calling it a gilded mirror makeover and I know that sounds like a gold leaf mirror, but gold gilding wax gives a similar yet more subdued effect.
That one line of transfer was just enough to add a little something extra!
And I just love how the gilding wax accentuates all these gorgeous details!
I took it all around the border…
And here you can see what is reflected in the mirror around the edge of the frame is the same color and not the old wood, since I took the time to remove the mirror and paint that area on the back…
What a different look for this mirror, right?
I hope you enjoyed this one!
Shop News
In Etsy shop news, now ALL DIXIE BELLE PAINTS are available in 4oz sizes!!
The release of the Chalk Mineral Paint in this smaller size was so successful, that Dixie Belle has released this size for every paint line, including the Moonshine Metallics, Silk Mineral Paint, and the new Terra Clay Paint line!
They are the perfect size…
- If you just want to test a color before committing to a larger size.
- For the smalls. One of these can easily paint a jewelry box, a frame, etc.
- For playing with custom color mixes!
- For blending with multiple colors…so much more affordable now!
Visit my Etsy Shop HERE!
You’ll find the new 4oz sizes now as an option under each paint listing.
- I’ve also added seven Redesign with Prima stencils…see them all HERE, plus several brand new Redesign transfers will drop on January 25th! There are some pretty ones on the way!
Need help?
If you ever have any questions at all about products, your projects, etc, please feel free to reach out. You can email me via the Contact Me tab at the top menu, far right, on desktop, or in the drop down menu on mobile! Or, just respond to one of my emails. 🙂
And that is one project closer to being done with this haul!!
If you’ve missed any so far, you can see all of these makeovers at the links below!
Three Thrifty Lamp Makeovers
Flatware Box Upcycle with Vintage Post Transfer
Updated Thrift Store Wall Art
Painting the Smalls #19
Picture Turned Chalkboard with Transfer
Serpentine Dresser Makeover
Mirror Makeover with Transfer
Flatware Box Upcycled for Christmas
Upcycled Picnic Basket with a No Sew Liner
Painted Empire Dresser
Neutral Rocker Makeover
Pink Painted Night Table
Mass-Produced Shelf Makeover
Repurposed Cabinet Door
Oak Drop-Leaf Table Makeover
Child’s Rocker Makeover
Vintage Banker’s Chair Makeover
Terra Clay Paint Case Makeover
Tea Kettle Makeover
Tray Update with Stencils
Painting the Smalls #18
How to Turn a Spindle Bed into a Bench
Dated Shelf Makeover
80’s Clock Repurposed
Stenciled Demilune Table
DIY Fabric Lamp Shades & $5 Thrift Store Lamps
Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
I’ve started on the final flatware box in this haul, so I’ll be back with it on Tuesday:
UPDATE: See how I updated this pretty box HERE now!
See y’all then!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh how beautiful! I love the color on this mirror! It is perfect on this style of mirror. The gold sets so beautiful with that color! Wow, great job and great inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! This is such a great color…you know I don’t do darker colors too often, but I just love this one! Have a lovely day! XOXO
Gail says
Lovely! Just curious–You use a lot of French transfers. Are you enamored by all things French or is it because French transfers are just pretty, sofisticated, and available?
I am obsessed by all things French and that theme runs throughout my house. This piece inspired me to dress up my bedroom dressers. The room is small so I don’t want too much busy-ness but a touch of the gold guiding and maybe a simple transfer might elevate them to the next level!
(*Have you been to France? Partly because we lived in Europe a short time, I have been to Paris more than a dozen times and one more in the works! So, I am always drawn to anything you do with a French flair! Yes, I have been on Rue Republique, too!
Christy says
Thank you, Gail! Oh how I would LOVE to go to France!! I haven’t been to anywhere in Europe, but it’s on my list! I took five years of French in school and dated a French Canadien in Montreal for a couple of years who only spoke french in my youth…does that count lol? I do truly love anything with a French flair though mostly because it always feels so pretty and sophisticated! These elements would be lovely additions to your dressers! XOXO
Denise Cox says
It’s lovely! Love the dark teal… and of course the highlights!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! XOXO
Janette says
Oh I LOVE this one, the colour is beautiful and the touches of gold make it look so classy, a gorgeous make-over again Christy. So look forward to the next, it really makes my day :)).xx
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janette! Sweet comments like this really make me day! See ya Thursday! XOXO
Cheryl says
Stunning
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! XOXO
Christine says
I was skeptical of the color at first, but no more= WOW!!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like the outcome, Christine! Thank you! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
This mirror is gorgeous Christy! With the color you picked, that gilding wax really pops! XOXO
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! Have a fantastic day! XOXO
Janet J Schen says
Oh my goodness! It’s fabulous! Love the color and the gold. Just beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janet! XOXO
Char says
Absolutely beautiful, Christy! How I wish I could find such a mirror where I live. I’m sure it will sell pronto!
Christy says
Thank you, Char! I had to grab it when I saw it! XOXO
Jan says
Really pretty…love the color!
Christy says
Thank you, Jan! XOXO
Diana Cosgrove says
Absolutely gorgeous mirror Christy. I love the color!
Diana
Christy says
Thanks so much, Diana! XOXO
Pam Woods says
Good morning! I love the greenery arrangement you used here! Where did you get it from? I’m looking for something to put on my bedroom dresser and this would be perfect!
Thank you!
Christy says
Hi Pam! Thank you! I found those mini roses at Michaels a few years ago, but I think they have something similar every year with their summer florals. XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That is such a beautiful blue, Christy. At first I thought $20 was a lot for that mirror, but now it seems like a bargain! It’s so lovely now, I bet it sells quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! I know…when I went back to see what I paid for it, I was surprised myself, but I just couldn’t resist the curvy details! XOXO
Roger says
Good morning 🌞! I absolutely fell in love with the mirror !!! May I ask what shade of blue you used? I’m thinking of painting my front door that color, since I used a French designed wallpaper in my entryway. Thanks! God bless!!!
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you like it! That is Antebellum Blue by Dixie Belle. If you see products highlighted in blue in my posts, it is linked to where you can buy them. 🙂
Niki says
The Antebellum blue is so rich and sophisticated—and gilding blends so well with the typography of the transfer. It turned out beautifully!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! I’m so glad it all came together! XOXO
Jackie C says
Wow. I wasn’t particularly a fan of the mirror to begin with. The end result is beautiful, the gold accent with the color is is perfect.
I ❤️ LOVE ❤️ it.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! I’m so glad you love the end result! XOXO
Debra E Hubbs says
This came out beautiful! Love that color and the gold wax on it. Happy to see they now offer the small jars in everything for people that want to try colors or use for smaller products.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Debra! Yes…I am so excited to offer the smaller sizes. We love the smalls and we just don’t need giant jars of paint for those smaller pieces! XOXO
Ashley says
Christy! Such a gorgeous mirror! Beautiful inspiration. I think I’m going to give this a whirl. XOX🥰
Christy says
Oh yay! Thanks so much, my friend! Enjoy! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
You totally shocked me with that color, given your preference for neutrals. For me, I LOVE IT!!!!! I’d love to hang that in my house somewhere!
Christy says
Oh ha ha! I’m glad I can still surprise you once in a while lol! Thank you, my friend! I do love this color too! XOXO
Jo Ann says
I normally really like your work, but this is stunning. The gold with the teal really look gorgeous. Thanks for posting!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jo Ann! It’s nice to step outside of my comfy little box sometimes lol! Glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Michele M. says
What a gorgeous color, Christy. It is luscious and brought that mirror to a whole new level of awesome. VERY happy about the 4 ounce sizes of paints now too – yay yay yay.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! Luscious is a great word for it…definitely a step up from the before! And yes…I’m so happy about the smaller sizes too! XOXO
Robin says
Wow, that would be a terrific accent in a powder room or entry hall. Kudos for stepping out, lol!
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I would love to see it in a powder room! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! The mirror turned out to be gorgeous!! I love Antebellum Blue with gold. Yum!! I am so excited for the 4 oz. Jars of all the goods. Expect my order soon. Iay wait until the new transfers come out. Lately I have not been too excited about the transfers and I love transfers!! See you Thursday my friend.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I love that color combination too and yes…I am so thrilled they have all the paints in the smaller sizes! I wish I could give you a sneaky peek of the transfers, but we are not allowed boohoo. I’ll just say there are a bunch of French-inspired ones! Have a great weekend!! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Oh how I love this mirror. I got your email Tues but it had no contents, It’s my computer; probably will have to get a new one soon, At least I was able to see it today. Another beautiful piece.
Christy says
Oh no…I’m glad you got to see it today! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Jeanne says
This turned out great! I feel like it’s not your norm color and I like that you used it. I’d love to see you do a piece of furniture with this color (or have I missed it already?) Keep up the great work!
P.S. Get to France! You won’t be disappointed. Perhaps you could find someone there to redo a piece with.
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanne! I have yet to use this on a piece of furniture, but I plan to when I find the right piece. And yes…you know I would love to visit there!! XOXO