Transform your mirror into a stunning decor piece with these five creative painting techniques. Whether you want a sleek single-color finish, a distressed vintage look, or a crackled texture, these methods will breathe new life into your mirror. Follow along and make your mirror a standout feature in your home!
1. One-Color Look
Materials Needed:
- Paint (your choice of color)
- Primer (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Paintbrush or Painting Sponge
- Drop cloth
Steps:
Prepare the Workspace:- Lay down a drop cloth to protect your area from paint splatters.
- Clean the mirror frame thoroughly and allow it to dry.
- Use painter’s tape to cover the edges of the mirror glass to prevent paint from getting on it.
- Apply a primer if your mirror frame has a dark color or glossy finish. Let it dry completely.
- Paint the mirror frame with your chosen color using a brush or roller. Apply thin, even coats for a smooth finish.
- Let the paint dry completely between coats if applying more than one coat.
- Carefully remove the painter’s tape from the mirror edges.
- Clean any paint drips from the mirror glass with glass cleaner.
Tip: Choose a color that complements your room’s decor for a cohesive look.
2. Distressed Look
Materials Needed:
- 1 or 2 Different colors of Paint (if you want a different color from the current base, choose two colors)
- Sandpaper or sanding sponge OR wet cloth depending on what kind of distressing technique you are doing
- Primer (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Paintbrush or Painting Sponge
- Drop cloth
Steps:
Set Up:- Protect your workspace with a drop cloth and clean the mirror frame.
- Cover the mirror edges with painter’s tape.
- Apply primer to the frame if it’s glossy, and let it dry.
- Paint the frame with a base coat of paint. Allow it to dry completely.
- Lightly sand the frame with sandpaper or a sanding sponge to reveal some of the underlying paint or the original frame.
- Focus on edges and corners for a naturally worn look.
- If you want to try a different distressing technique, you can review how to Wet Distress or Resist Distress using our Beeswax Distressing Bar.
- Remove the painter’s tape and clean the mirror glass.
3. Crackle Finish
Materials Needed:
- Base paint (your choice of color)
- Crackle Medium
- Top paint color (contrasting color)
- Primer (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Paintbrush or Painting Sponge
- Drop cloth
Steps:
Prepare the Area:- Protect your workspace with a drop cloth and clean the mirror frame.
- Use painter’s tape to cover the mirror edges.
- Apply a primer if needed and let it dry.
- Paint the frame with your base color and let it dry completely. Remember, this is the color that will show through the cracks!
- Apply a coat of crackle medium over the base paint. Allow ~12 hours for the coat to fully dry. It is critical to allow sufficient dry times.
- Paint over the crackle medium with a contrasting topcoat color. As it dries, cracks will magically begin to appear!
- Remove the painter’s tape and clean the mirror glass.
4. Glazed Finish
Materials Needed:
- Base paint (your choice of color)
- Glaze (tinted or clear)
- Paintbrush or Painting Sponge
- Primer (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth
Steps:
Prepare the Workspace:- Cover your workspace with a drop cloth and clean the mirror frame.
- Tape off the mirror edges to avoid paint on the glass.
- Apply primer if the frame is glossy. Let it dry completely.
- Paint the frame with your chosen base color. Allow it to overnight before applying any glaze.
- Brush a layer of glaze over the dried paint. Work in sections and wipe off excess glaze with a cloth for a subtle, aged effect.
- Remove the painter’s tape and clean the mirror glass.
5. Wax Finish
Materials Needed:
- Base paint (your choice of color)
- Wax (clear or tinted)
- Paintbrush or Painting Sponge
- Primer (if needed)
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth
Steps:
Prepare the Area:- Protect your workspace with a drop cloth and clean the mirror frame.
- Cover the mirror edges with painter’s tape.
- Apply a primer if needed and let it dry.
- Paint the frame with your chosen color and allow it to dry completely.
- Using a wax brush or lint-free cloth, apply a coat of wax over the painted frame. For a tinted wax, choose a color that enhances your base paint.
- Wipe off excess wax with a cloth and buff the surface to a shine.
- Remove the painter’s tape and clean the mirror glass.
Tip: To get an antique look with lots of depth, apply antiquing or black wax to all of the grooves and details on the mirror.
For more tips on how to apply furniture wax, click here.
These techniques will help you give your mirror a fresh, personalized look that complements your space. Enjoy your DIY project and the new sparkle your updated mirror will bring to your home! 
