Do you have a mirror sitting in the donate pile because it simply no longer matches your decor? Maybe you have come across a mirror at a thrift store with great potential but not sure how to incorporate it into your home. I'm going to show you just one of the many ways you can transform that mirror to fit your style!
This past week while cleaning out the garage I came across an old mirror that must have been left by the previous tenants. I put it in the donate pile but each time I passed by I couldn't help but let my imagination run wild with ideas of how I could make it fit our current decor style. It had a beautiful oversized frame and a beveled mirror.
The frames finish to begin with really wasn't that bad but like I said it just didn't fit in with our current style. It finally came to me as I was working on my spring/summer decor refresh in my dining area. I had just ordered some Dixie Belle Crackle and I was dying to try it out! What better way than on something that was otherwise headed to the thrift store? Because this frame was not wood I used my Dixie Belle Slick Stick to ensure my paint would adhere without any issues.
Next I decided to paint my base coat in Spanish Moss and Collard Greens. Keep in mind your base coat will be your cracks. I chose a medium color blending into a darker color around the corners for a more dramatic crackle effect. I also removed the mirror for my next steps.
After allowing my base coat to fully dry I grabbed a chip brush and applied my Dixie Belle Crackle. This product is extremely thick and you will want to make sure to stir it well before using. The consistency feels like brushing on rubber cement minus the horrible smell! You will want to allow the crackle to fully dry. It will dry to a shiny rubbery clear finish but make sure it is fully dry and not tacky. You do not need more than one coat and if it looks a little blotchy that is what you want. It will look much more authentic when you are finished!
After a bunch of trial and error on this mirror antiquing step I ended up just sanding small circles along with bigger areas around the edge to remove the gold mirror coating. I watched several tutorials of using paint strippers and bleach to get an authentic aged look but after 3 tries and 2 days I gave up and sanded right on through starting with 80 grit then smoothing out with 220 grit. If I had an even finer sand paper I would've smoothed it out even more since I was still able to see some of the scratches when I was finished.
Next I used Dixie Belle Patina in Bronze to try to give the mirror that authentic worn look. Though some spots I went a little ham on and it resembled more of a cowhide than authentic age spots I still love the overall look of the mirror!
While I allowed my Patina to dry I added my final coat of Drop Cloth over my dried crackle. I've found that applying a liberal amount of your paint and not brushing back for this step worked best! You will want to work quickly and be careful not to disturb the drying paint as it will continue to crackle until it is fully dry.
Though the mirror itself did not turn out quite like I had in mind I still absolutely love the crackled frame and it is just what our fireplace mantel needed! I would love to hear what you have used Dixie Belle Crackle on, Comment below! Do you have a creative friend who might enjoy my quick and simple do it yourself tutorials? Please share this with them. I love to inspire as many people as possible!
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-Emily
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