DIY Mirror Refresh

Before

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

After

I picked up this oval mirror on our Buy Nothing group a couple of weeks ago and started to think about all of the different fun colors I could paint it. My daughter and I headed to the local hardware store and purchased a sample size quart of Benjamin Moore Neptune Green. Below are step by step instructions on what you need and how to do your own DIY mirror transformation project.

Supplies:

• Foam paint brush (I needed two since my daughter and I did this together)
• Paint color of your choice
• Painter’s tape
• Newspaper or paper to cover the mirror (optional)
• Sand paper – I used 300 grit
• Damp cloth
• Large piece of cardboard or newspaper to lay underneath your project

Step One: Lay the cardboard or newspaper on top of the surface you are going to work on and then gather all of your supplies and lay them out around your project. Use the painter’s tape to protect the area you don’t want to paint, I did this just around the edges.

Step Two: Since I was painting a mirror I didn’t want to get it scratched so once the edges were taped off I put brown paper in the middle to protect the mirror. This step is optional.

Step Three: Sand the wood around the mirror (or your entire project) – I recommend doing this by hand and just enough so a light dusting is created. This step will help the paint adhere to the surface. Once you are done sanding use a damp cloth to remove the dust created and let dry ~10 minutes.

Step Four: Painting! Put on your first coat of paint, we used small foam brushes but if your project is larger you might consider using a foam roller. The first coat of paint will have streaks and you’ll likely still see the original color. Don’t worry – it gets better with each coat of paint you put on. Once the first coat is on let it dry for 20-30 minutes and then come back to put on a second and third coat of paint. We only needed three coats of paint but use your judgement on what is best for your project.

Step Five: Hang and enjoy!

This project took us ~ 2 hours and only $11 in paint and two foam brushes. This was a super fun and simple project over the weekend and one that my daughter enjoyed doing with me. The mirror looks great – it opens up the space at the base of the stairs by reflecting light and I have to smile each time I see that beautiful Neptune Green color when I pass by.

Home is the dearest spot on earth… Mary Baker Eddy