Painting A Mirror Frame Distressed

You can upgrade a mirror with a worn and distressed painted frame. Follow these steps to achieve a distressed look that will give your mirror a vintage or rustic charm. Choose a color to match your decor and gather essential supplies like paint, sandpaper, wax, and a brush.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Clean the mirror frame thoroughly to remove dirt or debris. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface, creating a slightly rough texture for the paint to adhere better. Wipe away sanding dust.

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat
Apply a coat of your chosen paint color using a brush. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 3: Distress the Paint
Once the base coat is dry, use sandpaper to sand away areas of paint in a random pattern. Focus on edges and corners for a more realistic distressed effect. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away paint in select areas.

Step 4: Apply a Dark Glaze
Mix a dark-colored glaze with water to create a thin, translucent mixture. Apply the glaze over the distressed areas to create depth and contrast. Wipe away excess glaze with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Seal the Finish
To protect your distressed finish, apply a clear wax or sealant over the entire frame. Use a soft cloth to apply the wax in thin, even strokes. Allow it to dry and buff with a clean cloth for a subtle sheen.

Tips for Distressing
- Use different grits of sandpaper to create varying levels of distress.
- Experiment with different colors for the base coat and glaze to achieve unique effects.
- Distress the paint in layers for a more realistic look.
- Protect your work surface with a drop cloth or plastic sheet.