DIY Mirror Frame Painting

It's a small detail, but the frame around a mirror can change the entire look of a bathroom vanity. Old mirrors can be updated with a fresh coat of paint. New mirrors can be painted to coordinate with the decor. Painting is also a great way to spruce up a yard sale or thrift store find. Since brush marks are readily evident on most frames, the best way to paint a mirror frame is with spray paint.

Things You'll Need

Rags
Newspaper
Painter's tape

Masking paper or plastic sheeting
Spray paint primer
Spray paint

Instructions

- 1
  Wait for a clear, warm day with no breeze or chance of rain.
- 2
  Clean the mirror frame with a damp rag.
- 3
  Cover the mirror with either masking paper or plastic sheeting, leaving the frame exposed.
- 4
  Tape off the edges of the mirror and secure the paper or plastic with painter's tape. Make sure the edges of the tape are flush against the edges of the frame, so that only the frame is exposed for painting.
- 5
  Place the mirror outside on top of newspaper in an area away from walls, fences, furniture or other items that could be damaged by over-spray.
- 6
  Spray a thin coat of primer on the frame. Use standard spray primer for wood, metal primer for metal, and plastic primer for plastic frames.
- 7
  Wait for the primer to dry completely. This usually takes one to two hours.
- 8
  Spray a thin coat of paint on the frame. Hold the spray can about 12 inches from the frame and spray in long, even strokes.
- 9
  Wait about two hours for the first coat of paint to dry.
- 10
  Apply a second thin coat of paint using the same method as in Step 8.
- 11
  Remove the painter's tape, being careful not to smudge or smear the paint.

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