How to Turn an Old Window into a Mirror
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How to turn an old window into a mirror in minutes. So easy to do.
Several weeks ago, hubs and I went to a local ReStore looking for some cabinet doors for our kitchen remodel.
We didn’t find any doors that day but I did find this old wooden window that I liked for $1.50.
I wasn’t sure what I would do with it but I figured for $1.50, I would take it home and try to use it somewhere.
This week I spent some time rearranging my small entryway to try to gain more room (a never-ending quest).
I thought about removing the small chest that sits next to the entryway bench but it’s used for storage.
It also holds a lamp, that’s a necessity, so removing it is not an option.
Instead I decided to remove the matching mirror and try something different. It won’t give me more room but it will be a different, lighter look.
It’s a beautiful mirror but it’s time for a change so I took it down to the basement.
It took me a few days of living with an empty wall when inspiration struck.
I found an old window at ReStore and knew it would be perfect in my entry.
I didn’t do anything to it, just leaned it against the wall and left it there.
After a few weeks, I thought I’d try to fancy it up a bit so I bought some mirror effect spray paint.
I’d never used it before and was excited to see how it worked.
Turning a window into a mirror…
Supplies
- mirror effect spray paint
- Frog Tape
- window cleaner and paper towels
The first thing I did was to clean the window really well, making sure it was completely dry. Then I taped off the side that I would be painting.
The directions on the spray paint said to spray it standing up but the paint ran down the window so we laid it down.
Once the window was prepped we sprayed 5 quick coats, 1 minute apart.
This stuff is potent, so you want to make sure you do this project in a well ventilated area.
It didn’t look like much when we were spraying but after it dried, which was in record time, it looked pretty good..kind of antique-y.
It looks hazy and old, like it’s been around a while.
You definitely wouldn’t find a mirror like this in the store but I think it fits the age of the window.
The next thing I did, because I can’t leave well enough alone, was to paint the frame.
Just a quick dry brush followed by some light sanding. I wanted it to look like it has always been that way.
I’m not sure if I like the painted frame better than the natural but I love the mirror.
Now I’m trying to figure out what I can mirror paint next.
Maybe a lamp makeover.
Have you ever used the mirror paint before?
I do like that you painted the frame!
Thanks Sara, I appreciate it! 🙂
This looks fantastic! I never heard of this paint. Does it work on other surfaces? I love your ideas, I just found your blog!
Jane x
Thank you so much Jane and welcome! So glad that you found me. I think others have used this on wood and it works great on glass. I love the results.
It turned out great!
Thanks Pamela!
Cute! I love having as many mirrors around as possible!
xox
giedre
http://www.walkingdotphotography.com
Thanks Giedre. Mirrors are great for decorating, don’t you think?
Your mirror turned out great! I like the painted frame, too. I love the look of old mirrors, so your technique would be perfect for me. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks Kim. It definitely looks like an old mirror so if that’s the look your going for, you’ll love it. 🙂
Well, you’ve given me the green light to use mirror paint. It looks great! I love what you did to the frame too!
Thanks Cristina! I was surprised by how well it worked and would totally recommend it.
I have yet to try this!…The window turned mirror looks great!….So glad you had great results.
It was a fun project Shirley and I was surprised by how well it came out.
Hope you have a great week.
I love the transformation from window to mirror. I’ve read about the paint before but never tried it. Good to know that you give it a positive review. So you have to spray the back side of the glass? I wonder what would happen if you sprayed a glass vase or some other glass object. Glass plates might look cool, especially with a candle sitting on top. The reflection would be really pretty.
Also, I like how you styled the top of the dresser. That driftwood orb thingy is cool!
Happy Mother’s Day to you! I hope you have an enjoyable day. 🙂
Thanks Shirlee. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out but I’m really happy with the results. Glass plates would look cool. If you ever give it a try, I would love to know what you think and see your results.
I change the top of that dresser at least once a week. It’s my puttering spot where I try all different things…drives my husband crazy. 😉
I had a good Mother’s Day, despite our awful weather. I hope yours was good as well. Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you have a great week!
That’s amazing. I have never seen paint like that before. It looks like a real mirror, that is truly a feat from a can! 😉
I know…right? I couldn’t believe it. I hate to admit it but I had fun watching it turn from paint to a mirror. 😉
That is really cool! Do you have any ideas of how I can make, it’s kind of hard to explain . . . well, I bought 2 mirrored frames that look like window, but have a mirrors in them. They have the crossbars to look like separate panes. Only thing is they are to be used inside the house. The frames are wood and the mirror backing has just a sheet of brown paper over it. I want to make it waterproof. I know the wood is painted so I’m not worried about that, but the backing has got me worried and I don’t know how well the mirror will hold up outside either. I’m thinking of taking the mirror out and just have glass. Oh and I want to hang them on the side of my shed to look like windows (which I don’t have any windows). Got any ideas? 😉
Hmmm, maybe you could email a few pics MJ.
I had never heard of mirror spray paint, I must try this out.
Yes, you must Debbie. 😉 It was so fun to use. I’m trying to figure out how I can use it again.
Have a good weekend!