Friday, November 25, 2011

Antiqued Mirror Project

In the interest of being real, one of my recent projects took a couple of tries to get it to where I wanted it to be. Well, how about taking a look at another of my recent projects inspired by other awesome bloggers that didn't end up exactly like I wanted...

Here's the finished Anthropologie-inspired mirror:

Some mirror is still left, some sheet music can be seen - cool, right?
These were my inspiration files:

Vintage Revivals - using muriatic acid for great results

Ramblings of a Gypsy Nomad - using EZ Off oven cleaner

Since EZ Off was already under my sink, that's what was getting used.

The framed mirror was an ornate plastic frame made by Syroco, which made a lot of wall decor back in the 70's. I generally like their pieces as candidates for makeovers and this was no exception:



Painted and glazed and it's already much prettier. Now for the mirror...

I used that orange paint stripper to take off the paint; it's not so noxious and is supposed to be less harsh. With mirrors, there's a layer of paint on top of the silvering that provides the reflective qualities. Be careful with older, vintage mirrors as they may have mercury in them and this would not be a recommended project.

Coated with paint remover
*Note: be careful with metal scrapers - they can scratch; plastic would be better!*

The paint remover was left on overnight...no reason for that length of time other than I got involved in another project...why do one project when you can do 16?? The paint came off just fine, and even a little of the silver at this point. I used a razor blade to scrape off some of the softened silver.

*Note: any scraping works much better while it's wet.*
Didn't even need to get to the EZ Off or acid or anything else. Since the razor blade left a rather hard edge on the scraped off parts (think squares instead of an organic wearing of the silver), I wondered what else would soften those hard edges without scratching the glass. So, out came the extra fine steel wool I use in furniture projects.

A little extra scrubbing and now there were nice worn spots in the silvering. Maybe a little too much, but for my first effort, it looks pretty good.

I mod-podged some vintage sheet music to the backing of the frame. Attaching it to the backing instead of the glass leaves the option to change out the design inspiration.



Here you can see how the razor blade scraping looks



What do you think of this project? Would you try it for your vintage-inspired mirrors? What would you want peeking out of your antique mirror?

I did a few more mirrors actually using EZ-Off for a different look and will update you on those tries soon.

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 http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/Transformation ThursdaySomewhat SimpleHookingupwithHoHPhotobucketOne Artsy Mama



Stuff and NonsensePhotobucketFunky Junk's Saturday Nite SpecialUndertheTableandDreamingLink Party



30 comments:

  1. Very cool Jill! Interesting techniques, I definitely would not have thought of that! I like how you put the sheet music on the backing so you could change out the design, smart move.

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  2. I love, love, LOVE this!!! I've been thinking about distressing a giant mirror that I have. After reading this I think you have inspired me to give it a try :)

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  3. Wow this is so cool and interesting-have never heard of this technique on mirrors before but I love the look! Great job!

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  4. i love it, i did this a while ago, i found that limescale remover works well too, with cotton wool, and nail varnish remover. i love the mirror you used xxx

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  5. Oh wow, this is gorgeous! I'd be thrilled if you came and shared this at the Head to Head Showdown, going on right now at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com ~Jen

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  6. Jill, wanted to let you know that I've awarded your and your blog The Liebster Award! Go to this post to find out how to accept. New follower! xo - Lori

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  7. Sorry, it's been a long night! Here's the link... http://www.mamawithadashofdiydrama.com/2011/11/its-major-award-even-better-than-leg.html

    Thanks! - Lori

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  8. Wow this is really cool! I love how the frame turned out and love the techniques you used on the mirror!

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  9. Wow Jill! I must have been living under a rock because I have totally not seen the antique mirror projects. Thank you so much for sharing - your first ever try is really impressive! Can't wait to see updates with the EZ Oven cleaner. :)
    I just bought an old 1932 music book, "Praise and Victory" that was stamped with The Lyric Theatre, Richmond, Virginia for 25 cents today. I would love to use a page from this. I also love old vintage flowers, especially peonies.
    Great job Jill!

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  10. Love the way this came out! You did a wonderful job! New follower here. Would love it if you would stop by and share this at my link party going on right now :) http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/11/bedazzle-me-monday-10.html

    Have a great week!!

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  11. Congrats! You earned the Liebster Award! Check out my most recent post for details!
    http://johnniesjunk.blogspot.com/2011/11/liebster-award.html
    Enjoy,
    Johnnie

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  12. I love this! It's so pretty!

    -Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
    http://bonniegetchell.blogspot.com

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  13. Hi Jill! I'm loving this mirror!!! Put some red bulbs and garland with it and it would be VERY Chrismasy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by Project Queen and linking up!

    Now I'm YOUR newest follower :-).

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  14. I am both Syroco fan and a mirror fan, great job!
    I'm a new follower!!

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  15. Very clever --- it turned out wonderfully. Thank you for sharing!
    Blessings, Becky
    www.fromgentogen.com

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  16. Really love it, and how clever is that! Love the sheet music in background. Now YOUR newest follower. Thanks for sharing over at Sunday's Best. Love your creative ideas!

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  17. I love it! This is one of those projects on my (very long) to-do list. I love the look of the music behind the glass.

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  18. Wow, this mirror came a long way. It looks amazing. I am visiting from Home Stories A2Z. Nice job. Great technique!

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  19. Awesome!
    Thanks for sharing.

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  20. Oh, I really love this one! I wonder if I could make one for my mom by Christmas. I guess finding the mirror would be the biggest challenge...

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  21. I L O V E this! Thank you for sharing!!!

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  22. WOW!! What a fabulous transformation! Thanks for sharing at Shine on Friday. I hope you'll join us again today.

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  23. LOVE THIS! I've never seen anything like this process, this turned out stunningly Beautiful!

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  24. Looks great! I'll have to try your removal technique.
    xo,Annalee
    http://ramblingsofagypsynomad.com

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  25. The antique mirror discussed above is really stunning.It can be a very good shoe piece to give your home a classy look.

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  26. TV support frames help as well significantly in turning it into disgust. Great strategy to cover an important TV. I must say I like it so much! With regards to which usually Most definitely I'll find out more with regards to mirror tv screen suggestions in addition to even more beneficial facts in your soul upcoming blog.

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  27. Great! Thanks for sharing this. Very entertaining in house.

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