I’ve heard from family members that chalk painting is a versatile technique. My aunt transformed an antique scale and my mom revamped a cushion, while I had previously only attempted it on wood furniture. But last weekend, everything changed. A few months prior, my grandfather passed away, leaving behind his belongings. As my mom and aunts sorted through them, they kept texting me to see if I wanted anything.
I ended up taking a leaf blower, bread box, and an old mirror that had been in the family for decades. My mother-in-law encouraged me to give the vintage mirror a makeover by chalk painting it, which sparked a new challenge. She shared a photo of herself as a teenager with the mirror, hinting at its long history.
Inspecting the Mirror
I had the opportunity to inspect a piece of furniture that was brought down from Iowa to Arizona by its owner. The item caught my attention with its distinctive brassy finish, which I initially assumed was metal due to its heavy weight. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed a few chips in the finish that suggested it wasn’t made of metal after all – it was actually plastic.
The piece had an interesting history, being over 40 years old and having been subject to some discoloration from years of use, including smoking. One of its most striking features was the intricate detailing, which added to its unique charm.
Prepping & Chalk Painting the Mirror
I began by giving the surface a thorough cleaning with a damp cloth, as it had accumulated a significant amount of dust and dirt in its nooks and crannies. Once it was sparkling clean, I mixed up my chalk paint, opting for the timeless shade White Dove by Benjamin Moore, specifically the Behr Marquee color match that I’ve come to rely on. This particular hue has earned a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite white.
With some trepidation, I embarked on the chalk painting process, despite having no prior experience. Fortunately, it turned out to be surprisingly straightforward; as with most chalk paints, two coats provided adequate coverage. I decided not to apply tape to the mirror to protect it from paint, relying on online advice that suggested it could be easily scraped off. My trust in this approach was well-founded.
The process of getting into the tiny crevices required a considerable amount of dabbing and precision. Some areas proved too challenging to reach with the standard brush, so I turned to a small craft brush for assistance, which proved to be the perfect solution.
Cleaning the Mirror
According to online advice, I anticipated that removing the chalk paint from the mirror would be a relatively straightforward process. The instructions suggested a two-step approach: first, spray the mirror with window cleaner, and then use a razor blade to scrape away the unwanted layer. However, my lack of proficiency with razor blades led me to enlist the help of my husband, who assured me that it was indeed an effortless task.
And to our surprise, the paint came off remarkably easily, almost as if it were melting away like butter at room temperature.
The Big Reveal!
The transformation was nothing short of astonishing, as the chalk paint effortlessly breathed new life into the mirror. Gone was its Goodwill-esque decor, replaced by a refined, antique-store quality that I’m thrilled to call my own. And, given its new status as a family heirloom, it’s only fitting that the piece now pops with an added level of visual appeal. The white chalk paint has worked wonders, lending a crisp cleanlinesses simply captivating.
As I envisioned the mirror’s placement in advance, I couldn’t wait to hang it up and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Its new home is particularly special, as it faces the nursery – a thoughtful addition for those 2am feeding sessions when baby might require some soothing distraction. I’m thoroughly pleased with how well the chalk paint adhered to the old plastic, and I’m now more confident than ever in its capabilities.
Chalk paint has earned a permanent spot on my ‘go-to’ list, and I’m eager to take on even more unconventional painting projects.
