Antique Mirror Makeover
A few years ago I scored a beautiful antique mirror at a yard sale at the lake for just $5. This mirror has patiently been waiting in my basement for a makeover and it’s finally complete. I love the end result of this antique mirror makeover!
I’m sharing my antique mirror makeover for this month’s Thrifty Style Team project hosted by Julie of Redhead Can Decorate.
Don’t miss all of the other projects shared this month! You’ll find links to visit each project at the end of this post.
Antique Mirror Makeover
I do not often go to yard sales but there is one house at the lake that is a must-stop if I see a yard sale sign. I instantly fell in love with this antique gold-framed mirror.
Giving the Antique Frame an Update
To update the frame, I started by removing the mirror from the frame and gently cleaning it.
I then got out my supplies, latex gloves and Rub ‘n Buff in Antique Gold.
Rub ‘n Buff is the easiest product to use and it instantly gives whatever you are using it on a beautiful updated look.
I usually wear latex gloves when applying Rub ‘n Buff but I also sometimes apply it with a scrap piece of t-shirt.
Beware that Rub ‘n Buff will stain your finger as you apply it but it is easily cleaned off with mineral spirits of GoJo hand cleaner.
To apply the Rub ‘n Buff, squirt a small amount onto your finger or cloth and rub it onto the frame.
It was so much fun to see the dull surface transformed into a beautiful shiny gold one.
After the Rub ‘n Buff is applied and has dried, use an old t-shirt to buff it to bring out the shine.
Reassemble the Mirror
This antique mirror is quite heavy thanks to its super thick mirror.
I used my Logan Duel Point Driver to reassemble the mirror. This is a super handy tool to have in your toolbox!
The old wire and eye hooks were replaced and then this mirror was ready to be displayed.
The End Result
My updated mirror is now hanging in our foyer. To decorated the mirror for summer, I made a coastal wreath to hang on it.
Mama has a larger but similar antique gold mirror hanging in the entryway of her 1912 home.
Mama’s wreath is from Williamsburg and my dear friend Julie of My Wee Abode and I purchased it for her when Julie was visiting me last summer from California.
If you are the praying type, please say a prayer for my sweet Mama. In two weeks she starts chemo to treat her horrid colon cancer that has metastasized to her liver.
More Thrifty Home Decor Projects to Enjoy
Love the beautiful project you always share with us. This is so lovely.
You are on my prayers list and I will ad your sweet Ma Ma to the list
I am a survivor of stage 3 colon cancer. Tell her to stay strong.
God bless you and all who love you.
Thank you so much, Janet! mam and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
Hey Paula, question. Was the frame gold leaf when you started? Is your product a gold leaf or paint? I don’t want to paint over the gold leaf.
Lots of prayers for your mom and continue for you!
The frame was painted gold. Rub ‘n Buff is a colored paste, nit gokd leaf.
It is so gorgeous, Paula! I love what you did!
Thank you so much, Jen!
Paula that project turned out great. I reluctantly used Rub n Buff on one a few years ago and was shocked how well it works. I have since used the product on a few more pieces and highly recommend it. Prayers for you and your mother are being sent by so many. Bless you both.
Thank you so much, Sherry! mam and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
Paula, I love the fresh new look on your pretty vintage mirror. That rub n buff makes it look so easy. Praying big for your mama and for you as well.
Thank you so much, Angie! mam and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
I love how the texture really stands out now. Beautiful color and great idea
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Love it Paula. Rub N Buff is the best!!
Cindy
Thank you so much, Cindy!
What a beautiful makeover, Paula! You are so talented and have such an eye for beauty. Praying for your mother and you as well. <3
Thank you so much, Mary Beth! Mama and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
Prayers for your Mom and for you, too. I recently got some Rub and Buff (silver and gold) at a yard sale and can’t wait to find a project. I had to smile when you said “gloves.” I do a lot barehanded and pay for it. When it is silver or gold paint wearing off, I just tell people it is my natural color coming through–shuts them right up!
I am picturing your Rub ‘m Buff stained fingers. My gloves usually tear and I don’t realize it so I’m left with a stained finger. Mama and I so much appreciate your prayers and support.
Your mirror turned out beautiful, Paula. Rub n Buff is great stuff! You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so much, Ann! mam and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
The mirror came out beautiful. Always in my prayers both you and your mom. Have a great weekend.
Thank you so much, Laura! mam and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
This mirror is a piece of beauty now! Prayiny for your mom
Thank you so much! Mama and I both so much appreciate your prayers and support.
Rub n Buff packs a punch in that tiny tube! I love that stuff! This mirror turned out so lovely, Paula! Sorry to here about you mom – sending prayers right now 🙂
Thank you so much, Cindy! Mama and I both appreciate your prayers and support.
I love rub-n-buff, I use it everywhere in our home! I really like how your mirror turned out too.
Thank you so much, Cara!
Hi Paula
Maybe someone already mentioned this but your link for the DYI bench goes to the DYI swing.
Thank you for your inspiring site and yes, big prayers for your mama. Peace.
Thank you for letting me know about the link, Kimber! Mama and I both really appreciate your support and prayers.
This turned out so lovely Paula! I hope chemo goes well for your mom and you both are always in my thoughts.
Thank you so much, Michelle!
What a beautiful mirror Paula, and it looks so shiny and sparkling again. I love Rub n Buff! Saying a prayer for your momma!!
Thank you so much, Condy! Mama and I so much appreciate your support and prayers.
What a great find! I’m still slacking on my summer wreath!
Paula – rub-n-Buff is a miracle worker! The new finish that you created really brought the old frame back to life. Prayers for you and your sweet mama.
Thank you, Vicki and Jen! Mama and I both so much appreciate your support and prayers.
I’ve been missing your posts in my news feed and something made me think about you. The mirror turned out beautiful. I really enjoy your content and messages. I’ll be praying for your sweet mama and you.
Thank you so much, Betty! Mama and I so much appreciate your support and prayers.
I love this. It’s really great to use mirrors in a different way.
Thank you so much, Carol!
Rub-n-Buff is magical stuff! Your mirror looks so beautiful Keeping you and your mom in my prayers!
Thank you so much, Jane! Mama and I both so much appreciate your support and prayers.
Your mirror makeover came out beautifully, I love that it’s hanging with pride once more! I must tell you, I LOVE rub n’ buff SO MUCH, that stuff is amazing for so many things!
Thank you so much, Laurie!
Thanks for introducing me to a new, cool product, Paula! I’ve never tried Rub n Buff, but I’m keeping it in mind for future projects. Your mirror looks gorgeous with your coastal wreath. What a difference! I’ll sure be praying for your Mama in the coming weeks.
Thank you so much, Crissy! Mama and I so much appreciate your support and prayers.
This turned out beautiful, Paula! I am praying for you & your mom!
Thank you so much, Julie! Mama and I so much appreciate your support and prayers.
So pretty! Can you believe I’ve never used Rub n Buff??!!….can I even be a blogger anymore??
Thank you, Jennifer! Looking forward to seeing you at Haven.
I love a good rub ‘n buff project! My mother put me on to it decades ago for the very same project — rejuvenating her collection of antique mirrors.
It looks glorious!
Thank you so much, Diane!
I have always heard of rub and buff but was a little leery to give it a try. Your mirror looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this technique.
Adding your mama to my prayer list, along with you continually.
Take care of yourself, my friend!
Thank you, Meegan! Mama and I both so much appreciate your support and prayers.
Such a beautiful transformation, Paula! The power of Rub n Buff is like the power of paint. It never ceases to amaze me. I’ll definitely be adding my prayers to the others for both you and your Mom. I know she’s one of your best friends and an absolute treasure. Cheering you on as you continue your treatments and recovery! Hugs, CoCo
Thank you so much CoCo! Mama and I so much appreciate your support and prayers.
The mirror turned out lovely! So nice to have a great garage sale right near you on the lake. You, Your Mom and family are in my prayers sweet Paula. Sending you a big hug! xxooxo
Thank you so much, Melba. Mama and I so much appreciate your support and prayers.
Your mirror turned out so beautifully, Paula. You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Kim!
Great find!
Thank you, Amber!