How do I Antique a Mirror Green?

Perfect condition antique mirrors are difficult to locate and are expensive to purchase. A less expensive alternative is to find a mirror that is the ideal shape and size and antique the mirror at home. Use the faux antiquing method to antique a mirror green. The faux process uses abrasive chemicals and should not be done around children. Read all instructions and cautions on the chemicals before using the product. Set up the area for antiquing a mirror in a well ventilated area either in the garage or on a concrete floor for easy clean up.

Table
30-gallon trash bags
Masking tape
Mirror
Screwdriver
Rubber gloves
Safety glasses
Face mask
Paint stripper
Plastic paint scrapper
Soft cotton rags
Water
16 oz. spray bottle
Muriatic acid
1 1/2 to 2-inch paintbrush
Green acrylic paint
Black spray paint

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a work station in the garage on an old table. Tape 30-gallon black trash bags on the work surface with masking tape.
- 2
  Place the mirror on the trash bags. Remove the mirror from the frame. Set the frame aside and place the mirror face down on the plastic bags. The back of the mirror is facing up.
- 3
  Put on the rubber gloves, safety glasses and face mask. Paint a liberal layer of paint stripper on the painted surface of the mirror. Let the paint stripper sit on the mirror for five to 10 minutes.
- 4
  Use a soft cotton rag and wipe over the surface to remove the paint. Use a plastic paint scraper to help remove the paint. Be careful not to damage the silver reflective surface under the layers of paint. Add more paint stripper if needed and repeat the process.
- 5
  Dampen a cotton rag with water and wipe over the stripped surface. Make sure all paint has been removed and only the silver remains. Let dry before proceeding.
- 6
  Carefully pour muriatic acid in a 16 oz. spray bottle. Set the nozzle to spray. Select the areas to remove the silver surface. Spray the muriatic acid on the desired locations. Watch as the muratic acid is dissolving the silver surface. Wipe off the acid just before enough silver has been removed. The acid will keep acting while removing so it is important to remove the acid before it removes too much silver. Add more muriatic acid to any areas that did not process correctly and repeat the process.
- 7
  Wipe off the entire silver surface of the mirror. Let it dry completely before continuing.
- 8
  Use a 1 1/2 to 2 inch paintbrush and paint a generous layer of green acrylic paint over the exposed areas. Do not paint the entire surface. Let the paint dry completely.
- 9
  Make sure the mirror is laying completely flat on the trash bags. Spray a coat of black acrylic paint over the reflective silver and green paint. Let dry. Repeat the process until you've applied four to five coats of black acrylic spray. Let dry thoroughly between coats.
- 10
  Place the antiqued mirror into a frame, secure and hang.

How Do I Make Easy Stained Glass?

How to Make an Easy Fake Fireplace

Faux Finishing