How to do a Reverse Stencil Technique on a DIY Mirror

 

 

 

Another Thrift Store frame is needed, this one was 10'' x  21- 1/2'' with CLEAR GLASS

 

The frame was made of wood and in good condition, painted gold

 

 with glass and white matte board.

 

Later we will use wax to tone down the gold.

 

Plan to make your mirror as big as you like, because the glass will be a fraction of the weight of

 

a regular mirror. You will not have to use any special hangers for your mirror.

 

 

Use glass cleaner on both sides of glass before you begin.

 

 

I prefer this type of picture frame with permanent tabs. It is easy to pull back the tabs to

 

return the glass to the frame.

 

 

 

Fold back taps and leave glass in the frame.

 

We need to see the frame for the proper placement of stencil.

 

Remember we are working on the back side of the glass.

 

I chose to use Gold Acrylic Paint. I thought the metallic paint would look more like

 

an authentic vintage label. I think it was .99

 

 

Black Acrylic paint

 

and a stencil brush

 

 

 

This is the stencil I used. 

 

Stencil 6''x6''

 

http://istencils.com/hakney-stencil-ch-011.html

 

I taped over part of the design, I will use it later.

 

 

TAPE TO GLASS UPSIDE DOWN !

( That means you can not read it )

 

 

This paint seemed to be thinner consistency than other Acrylic Paints

 

so SHAKE WELL.

 

make sure your brush is dry.

 

 

After the Gold completely dries come back over the Gold with Black paint

 

This gives extra dimension to your lettering.

 

 

 

Now you can remove the stencil.

 

 Then I did the same steps on the top were I placed the monogram design.

 

Wash your stencil with warm soapy water.

 

You can carefully remove your glass from frame.

 

~Remember you are working with sharp glass.~

 

 

If you like you can add a wax to seal your frame.

 

I used Folk Art Antique

 

 

You will need a can of MIRROR EFFECT

 

 

You will also need a can of flat Black

 

 

We are working from the bottom layer out.

 

You will FIRST spray the Mirror Effect over the top of your stencil and cover the whole

 

mirror. The paint is on the back side! LET DRY.

 

Gently lift  and look underneath you will see your beautiful stencil....and your beautiful face.

 

If you can't see yourself spray another coat of Mirror Effect.

 

When your mirror is to your liking and it is dry.

 

Spray the black paint over the silver. You are still on the back side.

 

All silver mirrors are backed with Black.

 

Any imperfections will make your mirror look aged and wonderful!

 

The more flaws the better-

 

If you accidently scratch the black just touch it up

 

 

 

 

 

This shows the first layer of black over the silver.

 

 

After it is  dry you can flip it over.

 

And take a peek~!

 

Time to put it in the frame.

 

Ok now you should be able to read your stencil.

 

The glass is on the front side and you will be will be able to clean the mirror.

 

 

 

 

Ready to hang

 

 

 

 

 

So hard to photograph because of the reflection!

 

Safe to clean the glass because all the painting

 

is done behind the glass.

 

 

So sorry about the bad lighting! I just couldn't get it right.

 

The mirror is much more beautiful in person.

 

 

At night with the reflection of the candles.

 

 

 

 

The faux topiaries were made by just setting a faux boxwood ball on top of the vase and urn.

 

The boxwood balls were from the Dollar Tree.

 

 

 

If you don't want to stencil the mirror you can leave out that step but it really

 

gives you a unique piece of art for your home.

 

This technique would work well on vintage glass windows.

 

With the left over paint ( if you have some) I painted the outside of a BALL CANNING JAR!

 

I also painted the CANDLE HOLDERS!

 

 

 

 



I really love the combination of Black and Gold!

 

 

 

 

I hope that I have inspired you to give this a try~

 

If you have any questions please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

 

xo Lisa S