Mirrored Mirrors : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

Add an aged finish to four-inch square beveled mirrors to create a frame for a mirror!

Materials:

16, four-inch square beveled mirrors
paint remover
paintbrush
steel wool
rubber gloves
metal patina solution
black, oil-base spray paint
one, 12-inch beveled mirror
one piece of 1/4- or 1/2-inch plywood cut 20-inches square
flat, off-white paint
hardware and wire to make hanger for back of plywood
mirror glue

Steps:

Paint 20-inch square of plywood with flat, off-white paint. Set aside to dry.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

To age small beveled mirrors, place mirrors face down on covered work surface (figure A). Carefully brush on paint remover, letting it sit until the surface blisters and bubbles. Add a second coat of paint remover (figure B). Let sit until surface has softened. When mirror backing has softened, gently rub with steel wool to remove protective layer (figure C). Be sure to leave some of the original backing on and remove in some areas.

Clean the surface with soap and water. Let dry.

Figure D

Figure E

When dry, sprinkle metal patina solution with a gloved fingertips onto the surface (figure D). Metal patina solutions will remove part of the metal backing. Work very quickly and wash off quickly (figure E). Dry mirror pieces.