# Techniques for Antiquing Mirrors
Mirrors are excellent way to bring light into your living space and give the illusion of space in an otherwise cramped room. Antique mirrors have a unique charm and lend an Old World feel to your decor. They're distinguished by a cloudy or murky surface and a faded or cracked frame. Quality antique mirrors are rare, however, and often quite expensive. Making your own distressed mirror is a less costly undertaking, although it needs to be done carefully to avoid ruining a good mirror.
Things You'll Need
- Drop cloth or newspaper
- Razor blade
- Muriatic acid
- Spray bottle
- Bleach
- Paint or shellac
Instructions
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1
Lay the mirror on a flat surface protected by a drop cloth or newspaper with the reflective side down.
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2
Scrape off the gray backing using a sharp razor blade or by rubbing it with muriatic acid.
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3
Spray a commercial antiquing product on the silver backing to "distress" it or spritz bleach on the mirror. This creates a pattern of black dots on the surface of the mirror called "foxing."
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4
Wipe the product using a soft rag across the back of the mirror to create a cloudy surface.
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5
Drizzle and pour the solution on the back of the mirror to create a marbled look using a cup.
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6
Seal the back of the mirror using paint or shellac after the effect has dried.
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Previous:
Faux Finishing
- Techniques for Marble Painting for Columns
- Antiquing Techniques for Painted Wood Furniture
- Decorating Ideas for Large Framed Wall Mirrors
- Antiquing a Mirror
- Antiquing a Mirror Frame
- Dragging Techniques for Ceiling Paint
- Techniques for Distressing Cabinets
- Antiquing Glaze for Kitchen Cabinets
- Techniques for Sponge Glazing
- Guidelines for Choosing the Correct Vanity Mirror
- Antiquing Techniques for Painted Walls or Cupboards
- Rough Finishing Techniques for Brick Masonry
