How to spray paint a mirror

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No one wants to have an ugly mirror frame in their house. This is why many of us tend to keep it in a closet.

But even closet space tends to run out, especially if you have kids who love to hang up their shirts.

In this guide, I will show you how to paint a mirror frame without spending too much time on it so that it looks prettier and well-maintained for future use!

I’m not sure what I was thinking when I saw this funky mirror at the thrift store. Even though it had a curtain rod hole cut in it.

I couldn’t believe there wasn’t something better to do with this aside from just letting it sit in my garage while it collected dust.

To be honest, I probably would have tossed it if one of you clever people on Pinterest hadn’t alerted me to its potential while creating some painted scrapbook paper artwork back in March.

How to spray paint a mirror?

Tools we need to spray paint mirror

If you are going to spray-paint a mirror frame/mirror, stay away from metal ones because the paint may chip.

First, tape off areas that should remain unpainted—like this little scallop section and also the inside loop on these double earrings.

Trim any excess tape from around the area so your painter’s tape won’t peel off accidentally later on. you might be thinking of painting shutters which is also confusing in doing.

But don’t worry I have also posted a solution for that too!

step by step guide for spray painting of mirror frame
Method to spray paint mirror frame
  • Frog tape – Most painter’s tapes are too loose and don’t stick well, however, frog tape is better quality than blue painters’ tape. It costs a few cents more but it’s worth it.
  • Spray paint your desired color
  • Brown paper for covering glass
  • Mirror or frame which you want to re-paint with spray paint or fix the paint

Step to paint mirror

Cleaning the surface

It is important to clean the surface you are about to paint. It could be greasy, so make sure to use something degreasing like Krud Kutter.

Let your project dry completely before trying to paint over it.

Sand the frame

Sand the mirror frame before painting it. This will give the paint something to bite into, making a smooth finish much easier to achieve.

You’ll be happier with the results if you start from scratch and sand the surface, so aim for a surface that feels flat and even.

Detach the mirror from the frame if possible

Remove the mirror from the frame because it’s easy to damage them with paint if you don’t take a few precautions.

It is much easier for the paint to get into cracks and crevices where wood is joined together, so removing the glass from the wooden frame makes it easier to stop this from happening.

Look for screws on the back of the mirror, then unscrew them using a screwdriver. Afterward, lift or slide out the mirror, but remember that these things can crack easily!

spray painting mirror frame

Tape the frame

Step two in the spray-painting process is to take some masking tape and cover up all the edges of the portions of your metal frame.

You’ll want to make sure you do this on each side and also around corners, especially if you’re working with a metal or other material that might be layered or have different textures.

This step is important because it will prevent your paint from seeping over into areas that you don’t want it to go, which could leave parts of your creation looking unfinished when you’re finished.

To do this, first, lay your mirror or frame flat on the ground.

Covering the surface with brown paper is best if you are painting over glass – because covered surfaces let paint get into the mirror.

Start spraying with a paint sprayer

Now it’s time to let your creativity shine! Be sure to shake the can of spray paint before you begin.

Begin by painting surfaces that usually face up in such a way that the paint lands on the bottom side.

Next, get down close and inspect all of the nooks and crannies, spraying all missing and neglected areas. Finally, proceed to spray “everything else.”

You can allow for at least 30 minutes for drying between coats if you’re particularly apprehensive about having paint marks on your fingers.

But I prefer waiting longer before applying a second coat because coats tend to stick better as they gradually build up over time!

A secret to getting a smooth finish with spray paint is not to hold the spray in one place for too long. This will create uneven patches and drips. Instead.

You should move quickly while still staying steady and see when you have enough paint on the surface of what you’re painting.

Remove tape

We recommend removing the tape as soon after spraying your work or project as possible.

Sometimes in order to do that you’ll need to be careful and gentle, especially if the tape is old and sort of stuck.

You don’t want to take off too much paint, but you could end up spray painting your mirror or a wall with over-spray, which can be easily fixed! If you’ve done that, don’t worry!

Tips for painting

  • Preparation is most of the battle when it comes to painting, so make sure it’s clean
  • Always make sure that your working surface is covered with something like paper, newspaper, or plastic bags. Make sure it’s close by and easy to clean afterward.
  • I suggest holding the paint can no more than 10-12 inches above the object you are painting.
  • Be dynamic! Holding your can in one spot while painting is not going to give you the best finish.
  • Many thin coats will look better than one thick coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry in between coats.

What kind of paint do you use on mirrors?

Acrylic paint is a safe choice for painting mirrors, as it is easy to use and dries quickly.

However, it is important to note that the mirror’s surface will no longer be reflective after it is painted.

And the paint may also be more prone to chipping or peeling on a slick surface like a mirror.

A better option is to use spray paint specifically made for glass surfaces. It is important to clean the mirror thoroughly before painting and to apply the paint in thin, even layers.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a clear coat or sealer to protect the paint and ensure it adheres properly to the mirror surface.

How do you cover a mirror with spray paint?

Here is a general process for covering a mirror with spray paint:

  • Clean the mirror thoroughly with a mixture of water and mild detergent to remove any dirt, dust, or fingerprints. Rinse the mirror with clean water and dry it completely.
  • Tape off any areas of the mirror that you do not want to paint, such as the edges or the frame.
  • Place the mirror on a flat, protected surface, like a drop cloth or a piece of cardboard, and make sure it is level.
  • Shake the spray paint can well before using it.
  • Hold the spray paint can about 8 to 10 inches away from the mirror and spray in a sweeping motion, using even light coats. Avoid spraying too much paint at once, as this can cause drips and runs.
  • Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat. Repeat the process until the desired coverage is achieved.
  • Once the final coat is dry, apply a clear coat or sealer to protect the paint and ensure it adheres properly to the mirror surface.
  • Once the clear coat is dry, carefully remove the tape from the edges and frame.

It’s important to use spray paint specifically made for glass surfaces and also to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using the spray paint.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling the fumes.

What’s the best way to paint a mirror?

The best way to paint a mirror is to first clean the surface thoroughly with a glass cleaner and let it dry completely.

Next, apply a coat of primer specifically designed for glass or metal surfaces. Once the primer is dry, apply the paint using a small foam roller or brush.

Be sure to apply thin, even layers, and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Finally, seal the

FAQ’s of How to spray paint a mirror

I have used Krylon mirror paint and it is a great product. I used it in my bathroom and have had it up for years. It is easy to use, long lasting, and safe to use. I think you can use any spray paint for this as long as it is for a smooth surface. If you want any help with this, just ask!

It’s actually pretty easy to spray paint glass. You just have to be patient, because it’s really easy to mess up. So what you’ll need is a mirror, a piece of glass, some spray paint, and a stencil (if you want a pattern).. If you don’t have a reverse spray paint or a stencil, you’re going to have to do it freehand.

There are two different techniques for painting a mirror: spray paint and brush-on paint. I’ll give you a brief rundown on the benefits of each technique and then you can decide for yourself which way you want to go. Spray Painting: Spray painting is the simplest and fastest way to go about painting a mirror. The paint is applied in a thin, even coat that dries quickly and is fairly durable. However, spray paint fades over time and will not last as long as brush-on paint. Paint Brushes: Brush-on paint can be bought from any hardware store. When using brush-on paint, you must work in an extremely well-ventilated area, and you must use a primer before applying the paint. Many people swear that brush-on paint is significantly more durable than spray paint, so this is a great method if you’re looking for something that will last a long time.

This is a tricky question, because there are two schools of thought on this subject. The first one says that you cannot spray paint glass. The reason for this is that the glass is already smooth and it does not have any surface for the paint to stick on. The other school of thought says that you can spray paint on glass as long as you know the trick.  That trick is to spray paint glass outside. If you spray paint glass inside, then the paint will most probably fall onto your floor.  But if you spray paint it outside, the paint will stick on to the glass because the glass has a rough surface.

You can paint over a mirrored surface, but you need to take a few precautions to avoid it from getting damaged. The mirror will get damaged if the paint is not dry. So, do a test and wait for at least 24 hours to see if the paint is dry. After you have dried the area, keep a damp cloth over the mirror for at least 24 hours. Then, you can proceed with the painting.

You can do this with a UV-cured paint, which uses UV light to harden the material. The process is pretty straight forward. However, it does require professional-grade equipment, and even then, it is not easy to do. I’d recommend using a paint that is specifically recommended for glass, as it’s a difficult surface to work on. Read the instructions on the bottle carefully. You’ll probably want to mask off the surrounding area, as well. The fumes are not good to breathe in, so be sure to do the project in a well-ventilated area.

Krylon UV Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating Spray is the best spray paint for glass. It will actually adhere to glass and repel dust, water, and dirt. It makes a smooth glass surface look like a mirror, and it will last for several years. It does not require priming, and it is flexible.

I suggest you go for acrylic or latex paint. Water-based enamels are usually the best choice for painting glass, as they have a very good adherence properties and are less toxic. However, if you are a beginner, it’s safer to choose a water-soluble paint.

Conclusion on How to spray paint a mirror

Here is the complete guide to spray painting a mirror, step by step guide to painting a mirror which most newcomers find difficult in their career.

Don’t worry this guide will help you to paint without creating any mess and breakage of glass.

If you find anything confusing in your mind just drop a comment down here and I will reply as soon as possible with a satisfying answer.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.

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