Gold mirrors are super popular right now, but they can be expensive to buy new. Luckily, you can easily DIY your own gold mirror using Rust-Oleum Imagine Soft Gold spray paint! This quick and easy project is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your home without spending a lot of money.

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You don’t have to be a DIY expert to give your old mirror a new, modernized makeover. Let me show you how!

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Supplies Needed for DIY Mirror Frame

old mirror (you can buy an inexpensive one HERE or find one at a thrift store for very little money, just make sure it’s in the shape that you want. I used a rectangle wall mirror, but there are some really pretty round gold mirrors out there, too!)
wooden appliques ( I found mine at an antique store here, but you can buy them online as well HERE)
mini screwdriver
painter’s tape
drill
drop cloth or newspaper
hot glue gun
Rust-Oleum Craft & Hobby Imagine Spray Paint in the NEW color Chrome Soft Gold -it can be purchased at the following retail locations: Menards

old mirror with spray paint and wood appliques

How to Update an Old Mirror with Wood Appliques

Follow this easy DIY tutorial to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind gold mirror frame using Rust-Oleum Imagine spray paint. You can have a stunning new gold wall mirror for your home in just a few minutes!

Rustoleum Imagine soft gold chrome spray paint

Step One

Start by giving your old mirror a good cleaning. Make sure to remove any dirt or dust so that the paint will adhere properly.

Step Two

Flip your mirror over and check to see if it can be removed from the mirror frame. If it can be removed, this is best.

Using a mini screwdriver, unscrew the back of the mirror frame and carefully remove the mirror from the frame. Set aside.

Step Three

Sand any rough areas using a 150 grit sandpaper square. Be careful not to sand too aggressively leaving marks.

Step Four

Using a combination of hot glue and E6000 adhere your wood appliques or onlays to the corner of the mirror in the design that you desire. (you can also use wood glue for this step but your drying time will be longer)

Step Five

Spray paint the mirror frame with the Rust-Oleum Imagine Spray Paint and let dry.

Rustoleum Imagine gold paint for wood appliques

(See Spray Painting Tips below)

Step Six

Flip the mirror over and spray paint the back of the wood appliques as they will be showing in the reflection of the mirror. Let dry.

Step Seven

Hang your mirror in place. I put mine in my entryway!

Quick Tip: Place a piece of painter’s tape across the back of the mirror and mark where the screws will go to hang the mirror. Remove the tape and place it on the wall in your desired location.

marking wall with painter's tape for screws

Using the marks on your painter’s tape, screw the screws into place.

Remove the tape and hang the mirror!

Tips for Hanging Mirrors

1. Choose the right size mirror for the space. A too-small mirror will look lost, while a too-large mirror will overwhelm the space.

2. Decide on the placement of the mirror. Will it be hung over a dresser or console table? Or will it be the focal point of the room?

3. Make sure the mirror is properly secured. Use wall anchors if necessary.

4. Hang the mirror at the proper height. A good rule of thumb is to hang the mirror so that its center is at eye level.

Easy Spray Painting Tips

temperatures should be between 50°F and 90°F, and relative humidity is below 85%
avoid painting in direct sunlight and hot, humid weather
ventilate your area or spray outside
tape off your area to avoid overspray
shake the can of paint well
spray a test spot on paper first to ensure the color and consistency of the paint
hold the spray can about 10-12 inches away from the object
spray in short, even strokes
don’t make multiple passes in one area as this creates drips
turn the can upside down and spray for 3 seconds to clean out the nozzle after use and avoid clogging

Upcycling an old mirror is a great way to add a touch of personality to your home without spending a lot of money.

And this DIY gold mirror frame project is such an easy way to add some glam to your space, anyone can do it!

How to Decorate with Gold Mirrors

With these ideas in mind, get creative and have fun decorating with mirrors!

Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect the light
Position a large mirror between two windows
Hang a mirror in the dining room for “good luck”
Create layers of gold mirrors for an unexpected look
Use a floor mirror at the end of a hallway
Two tall gold arched mirrors above each sink can open up a small, cramped bathroom
Put a long mirror vertically up as a fun backsplash idea
Use unexpected items as vintage gold frames to create a gallery wall of mirrors
Lean a few gold mirrors up on the mantle for an easy year-round look
Several smaller mirrors can be used to create a backdrop for a trendy home bar area
Cut out a mirror and place it on a brass tray for a quick and classy decor piece

Let me know in the comments below what you think your next mirror project will be!

What is a wooden onlay?

An onlay is a pre-carved or cut decorative piece which is attached to a surface. Onlays are often featured on furniture, cabinets, and molding. An onlay is a carved decorative element that is added to a wooden surface. An onlay can be quickly added to a home’s molding, cabinetry, or furniture.

What is a wooden applique?

A wooden applique is a decorative accent piece typically added to furniture, home decor items, and craft projects. The appliques usually feature extensive detailing, such as ornate floral, shell, or scroll patterns. A wooden applique can be made in a variety of ways, including stamping, hand-carving, or embossing.