Trash to treasure – old mirror

Create a beautiful old mirror from an old one. - by Better Homes and Gardens

Gather your supplies

Oval mirror on stand; Dulux Wash & Wear 101 Advanced Low Sheen in Cool; 4 decorative timber mouldings; wood glue; adhesive size; silver leaf; matt varnish; fine-grit sandpaper; masking tape; paintbrush; stencil brush

Better Homes and Gardens

Here’s how

Step 1: Mask and sand, then apply two coats of basecoat to mirror, stand and mouldings. Allow it to dry between coats.

Step 2: Glue mouldings to top and bottom of mirror and sides of the stand. Allow glue to set.

Step 3: Apply a thin coat of size over frame and stand. Leave for about 15-20 minutes until tacky.

Step 4: Lay sheets of silver leaf carefully onto surface of frame and stand. Tamp down with stencil brush and leave for 2-3 hours. Then, using same brush and a soft circular motion, remove any overhanging leaf pieces. Carefully sand silver-leaf surface, allowing a hint of basecoat to show through for a burnished and slightly distressed look. Apply a coat of varnish to protect the finish against any moisture and oxidation.