If you’re looking for a fun do-it-yourself project, take a look at Antonio Bellusci’s how-to on profiling mirrors and achieving the antique effect.

Mirror Profiles

Materials & Tools:

• Printed profile image

• Scissors & Pen

• Contact Paper / Drawer Liners

• Mirror

• Etching Frost Spray

Instructions:

1) Cut out profile image

2) Trace image onto Contact paper / Drawer Liner

3) Cut out profile image from Contact paper / Drawer Liner

4) Peel backing of Contact paper and position image onto mirror

5) Spray etching frost onto mirror around profile image

6) Reapply second coat after 5-8 minutes (follow spray instructions)

7) Peel away Contact profile after second spraying

Approximate Cost – $15

Antiquing Mirrors:

• Materials & Tools

• Old Mirror

• Paint remover / stripper

• Scraper

• Muriatic Acid

• Protective Gear

• Spray bottle

• Cloth

• Paint or fabric & glue to back mirror

• Paint and brush

Instructions:

1) Remove mirror from frame (save fastening hardware)

2) Apply paint stripper on back of mirror and allow to dry as instructed on container

3) Scrape mirror backing with scaper

4) While wearing protective gear – spray muriatic acid onto back side of mirror

5) Allow acid to sit on mirror for 60 minutes

6) Wipe away / dab off areas where acid came in contact with mirror – this will create the antiquing

effect

7) Either line back of mirror with fabric (glued in place with craft / fabric glue) or paint to cover

exposed areas

8) Paint mirror frame

9) Re-secure mirror to frame

Approximate Cost – $15 – $25 pending mirror size

Courtesy Antonio Bellusci, @Abellusci