HOW TO SPRAY PAINT AN OLD MIRROR

Silver mirror leaning against a yellow wall.

This week on Instagram, I posted a picture of this spray painted mirror. It was one of a long list of to-do’s for the One Room Challenge! I got lots of comments and questions about it, so I thought I’d write a little tutorial to prove how easy it really was!!

Before

So I bought this mirror secondhand mainly because I loved the detail around the edges. I knew that the gold colour against the yellow walls wouldn’t work…there was just too much yellow going on! So I picked up some spray paint and got to work.

During

There was a little gap between the mirror and the frame where I could push in glossy magazine pages. This meant I could cover the mirror without using masking tape! I literally just lay an old sheet outside, shook the can really well and slowly sprayed. I did three coats in total, letting them dry in between. Don’t you just love those easy DIY’s?! If you’re looking for a nice silver spray paint, I’d recommend this one! Below I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks when spray painting…

  • Wear gloves. Trust me.
  • Spray outside or in a well ventilated area.
  • If the item hasn’t been painted before, spray a primer first.
  • If the item is very shiny, give it a light sanding so the paint will stick better.
  • Shake the can really, really well before you begin.
  • Spray in long, slow, smooth movements. Always keep the can moving. This is key.
  • Light coats of paint are better. Aim for at least 3 coats. Read the directions for how long to wait in between coats…mine was 10mins but some can be hours. 
  • If you spray it accidentally on the mirror glass (like I did!) rubbing vinegar on it takes it right off!
  • When finished, turn the can upside down and spray for a few seconds. This stops the can from getting clogged up so you can use it next time!

After

This was such an easy update, anyone could give it go! Don’t forget to let me know if you do, I’d love to see your creations!!

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