How To Paint a Mirror Frame

Prep the Work Surface

• Use a table big enough to accommodate your mirror without moving or touching it.
  • Working outside or in a well-ventilated space is painting safety 101.
• Lay down newspapers or cardboard to protect your workspace.

Protect the Mirror

• Cover the mirror with several layers of newspaper or grocery bags to protect it. .
• Secure the paper with painter’s tape applied to the glass. Align the edge of the tape up against the trim where the frame and glass meet.
  • Good taping will give our paint a nice clean line and will spare you from cleaning paint off the mirror later.
• Remove any excess tape from the frame by carefully running your utility knife along the junction of the frame and glass. Then pull the tape away.
  • Wear cut-resistant gloves when using a utility knife.
• Put your mirror face-up on your prepped table.

Sand and Vacuum the Frame

• Starting with a coarse grit (60 to 80) sandpaper, sand the entire frame. Include the edges and back if they’ll be visible and painted.
  • Wear gloves, eye protection and a particulate (N95) respirator.
  • Sand with the wood grain, not against it.
• With a beveled-edge sanding sponge or a folded sheet of sandpaper, work the edge into grooves and crevices.
• Switch to the medium grit (100 to 150) sandpaper once the shiny finish is gone, and repeat sanding the entire frame.
  • It’s OK to see the stain in the bare wood. But the varnish? It has to go.
• Smooth any accidental cross-grain sanding marks where mitered corners meet.
• Vacuum the frame periodically as sawdust accumulates.

Clean the Frame of Debris

• With the brush attachment, vacuum the entire frame again. A clean paintbrush can help get sanded wood particles out of small grooves, too.
• Lightly wipe down the surface with a tack cloth.
• The frame must be clean and dust-free before the next step. Any foreign substance, from wood to dust to dog hair, will prevent the paint from adhering to the wood.

Prime the Frame

• Apply a thin coat of primer to every surface of the wood.
  • I used Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 water-based primer and a 1-1/2-in. angled brush.
  • Use a smaller paintbrush for more control or to prime any detailed elements of your mirror.
• Let primer dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Wrap brushes in plastic wrap between coats so they won’t dry out.
• Apply a second coat to provide optimal coverage and prevent tannins in the wood from showing through.
• Once dry, lightly sand with fine (220 or higher) sandpaper to remove drips and brushstrokes.
• Vacuum and lightly wipe with a tack cloth before moving on to paint.

Paint the Frame

• Apply your first coat of paint. I used a Behr Premium water-based alkyd paint and a one-inch angled brush.
  • Multiple thin coats are always better than one thick one, so use a light touch.
  • Don’t overload your brush. Dip it in about halfway and lightly tap against the jar or tray to remove excess.
  • Always paint with the grain.

• Allow the full amount of dry time between coats recommended by the manufacturer. Painting over partially-dry paint looks awful, so be patient.
  • Wrap your brush in plastic wrap between coats.
• Once fully dry, sand lightly with fine (220 or higher) sandpaper, vacuum and wipe down with a tack cloth. Sanding between coats creates a smoother finish by reducing the appearance of brushstrokes.
  • If you like a more rustic look, skip the sanding.
• Apply a second coat and, if needed, a third. Sand, vacuum and use tack cloth between coats.

Finish the Project

• Clean your paintbrushes with dish soap and warm water, then wrap in paper to maintain shape.
  • Use the cardboard wrapper the brushes came in (if you still have it.) That’s what it’s for!
• Pull the tape off the mirror at a 45-degree angle after the paint has dried to the touch. (Check the back of the paint can for recommended time).
  • If paint starts to come off with the tape, use your utility knife to lightly score along the edge of the trim as you pull up the tape.
• Let the frame dry completely, for at least 24 hours, before attempting to clean, move or hang your mirror.