How to Paint a Non‐Removable Mirror Frame

How to Paint a Non‐Removable Mirror Frame.

Mirrors are a great household decoration item but there are few things more unsightly than an old, discolored mirror frame. It would be fantastic to be able to remove every mirror frame, but unfortunately, some can’t be removed. Thankfully, there are ways to make an old frame look great again without damaging the mirror glass. First, you’ll need to effectively clean the frame and then you’ll be able to paint it, making it look as good as new once again.

Part 1 Refurbishing the Frame.

1. Clean the frame. Use a damp rag or cloth to wipe the frame and clean off any dust or dirt that has accumulated on it over the years. Try not to be too rough with the rag as you don't want to damage the frame.

For best results, dab your cloth with a few drops of white vinegar or window cleaning spray before you wipe the frame. Vinegar is especially good at removing rust from metal frames.

Don't use vinegar on plastic as it may dissolve the material.

Avoid using wax sprays and other cleaning products as they might prevent the primer and paint from sticking to the your frame.

2. Remove other objects from the frame. Frames often have hooks, hinges, or other decorative items attached to them. You might decide that you want to paint these items as well but for best and tidiest looking results, take them off beforehand.

3. Measure the size of the mirror glass. Use either a ruler or measuring tape to find both the length and width of your mirror glass. Write down the measurements and double-check after.

4. Cut newspaper or packaging paper to the same measurements. You should try and be as precise as possible when it comes to this part of the process. Use a pencil and ruler to mark out the size and outline of the mirror on the paper beforehand.

Cut the mirror-sized outline out of the paper. Cut just outside the outline if you want to be extra safe.

5. Tape the paper outline to the mirror glass. If you’ve done it perfectly, the paper cut-out will fit right on top of the mirror glass. If not, make adjustments and try again. You should then use painter’s tape or double-sided tape to stick the paper outline to the glass of the mirror.

6. Use sandpaper on wooden mirror frames. Rub the sandpaper on the top layer of the mirror frame. Use medium pressure to remove any imperfections and ensure that the entire frame is as smooth as possible.

If the frame has a few different layers, use a 60-grit sandpaper to effectively remove as many of the layers as possible.

You should use 100-grit sandpaper on a frame with a small number of layers.

Sanding the frame makes it easier for the paint and primer to stick to the top layer of the frame. If the frame wasn’t sanded, it would be easy for the paint to peel off in chunks.

7. Wipe the frame with a damp cloth after sanding it. Wiping the frame again with a damp rag or cloth will remove the dust and prepare the surface for priming and painting.

Part 2 Priming and Painting the Frame.

1. Apply the primer to the frame. Use a flat or tapered brush or a small roller and all-purpose primer. Brush or roll on 1 thin coat of primer, making your strokes in the same direction rather than going back and forth.

Oil-based primers work well on wood, steel, and other metals. Latex-based primers work best on soft wood.

For darker paints, use darker primer, like gray. If you are painting your frame a lighter color, use a white primer.

2. Let the primer dry for 2 hours, then apply another coat. This is the minimum amount of time you should give the primer to dry before applying the next coat. After applying both coats of primer, let the frame dry overnight.

3. Sand down a wooden frame after applying the primer. When the primer is dry, use a 100-grit sandpaper to effectively smooth the frame once more. Use light pressure as you’re only trying to add texture to allow the paint to stick.

4. Wipe down the frame. If you have a wooden frame, wiping it with a damp cloth will remove any sand dust leftover from rubbing it with sandpaper. Using the damp cloth on frames made from other materials will remove any dirt or dust before you paint the frame.

5. Buy the right type of paint for your material. Latex or oil-based paints work best on wooden frames, while water-based or oil-based paints will work best on metal. For a plastic frame, use a solvent paint.

6. Apply the first coat of paint. Use very thin coats when painting your frame for best looking results. Paint with even, measured strokes to make the frame look its best. Frames with extensive decoration will look best when painted using a spray technique.

Use a flat or tapered paintbrush on the frame.

You can spray paint frames using spray cans or spray guns, both of which can be found at your local hardware store. When spraying, cover all the surrounding areas to protect them from the paint. Don't spray in windy or dusty conditions. The optimum distance for spray painting is 10 inches (25 cm) from the frame.

7. Give the first coat at least 2 hours to dry. It's important to let the paint dry before applying the next coat so the paint adheres smoothly. To check if the paint is dry, dab it with a piece of tissue paper. Look at the tissue after and if there's no paint on it, you can paint the next coat.

8. Apply the second coat of paint. Again, use even and measured strokes on the frame if using a paintbrush. If using a spray can or spray gun, try to cover each area evenly.

You should be able to tell after each coat if you’ll have to do another one for the frame to look its best. If you do need to paint another coat, simply repeat the process.

Part 3 Cleaning and Hanging the Mirror.

1. Remove the protective outline once the paint is dry. Check the paint can label to see how long the paint takes to dry fully. After that amount of time, peel away the tape from the paper and glass. If you used double-sided tape, use a damp rag to clean the adhesive residue from the mirror glass.

2. Use a flat razor to peel paint from the glass. The protective paper should have protected the glass from the paint but if the paint did make its way onto the glass, gently use a flat razor to scrape the paint off the mirror.

Don’t angle the razor into the mirror but parallel to it. You don’t want to scratch the mirror.

3. Clean your mirror glass. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water. Dip your cloth into this solution and rub the glass in a circular motion to avoid streaks.

4. Hang up the mirror. If you don't already have hooks in the wall, you can buy some at your local hardware store. Nail the hooks to the wall where you want to hang your mirror. Heavier mirrors will require a stud in the wall to adequately anchor it. Use a level to ensure the mirror will hang evenly.

Use J brackets to hang heavy mirrors.

Make sure to get somebody to help you if the mirror weighs more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg).

Things You’ll Need.

A cloth or a rag.

Paint.

Primer.

A flat or tapered paintbrush or a spray gun or spray can.

Newspaper or packaging paper.

Double-sided tape or painter's tape.

100-grit and 60-grit sandpaper.

A dust mask.

Safety glasses.

A flat razor.

White vinegar.

Oil-based, water-based, latex, or solvent paint.

Warnings.

Make sure you take the proper safety precautions when working with paint, primers, or sand dust. Wear safety glasses for eye protection and a dust mask to protect you from the paint fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area.