How To DIY Antique Mirror from Fixer Upper

[@judichristopher4604]

Great Video Great TEACHER... YOU are a Natural. Thank you for sharing this great video.

[@absolutegrappler]

So nice of you

[@lovestosmock]

I just used your technique to put panels in my new kitchen cabinets. The glass place wanted nearly $300 for the two panels. I made them using your instructions for just $30 TOTAL! And they look AMAZING. Thanks, Dustin. You rock.

[@absolutegrappler]

So cool! I'm super excited this worked for you. Follow me on Instagram @Iam_dustin and tag me in your finished product!

[@jaynebrown693]

This is just the video I have been looking for !!!! THANK YOU..... THANK YOU !!!!! So wonderful to have and watch a professional do this process. Great tip to practice on glass from old pictures frames ( have lots of those )

[@dianalonghenry4933]

Dustin: love your work on Fixer Upper! And this video is just what I was looking for to make my own DIY Antique Mirror!

[@absolutegrappler]

Glad I could help!

[@dianalonghenry4933]

@@absolutegrappler I’d like to send a pic of the window. Do you have a business email I could send it to?

[@absolutegrappler]

@@dianalonghenry4933 [e-mail]

[@idontknowyetwhoiam]

Wasnt what I was looking for but watched the whole video because you're fun to watch. Your love for your work comes through 👍

[@absolutegrappler]

Ayesha C you’re so awesome!!!

[@HippieOfTheYear]

Thank you SO much, I nearly spent $80 on an antique mirror adhesive to finish up a cabinet I've been redoing and I only spent $12 on supplies for this. Plus it'll last for a future project.

[@judichristopher4604]

SECRET: A friend of mine was a Professional Window Cleaner... This is the secret: Joy Soap... put a little bit of water with it... SMEAR it on Dirty Glass... WIPE it off. Do NOT use ANY water to Rinse it off... It is the WATER that has deposits in it that makes the streaks... After putting the JOY SOAP with a little water on the GLASS... WIPE it off with Paper Towel and it is amazing... SUPER CLEAN WITHOUT WATER... DO NOT RINSE. I did this to my Car (outside) super shiny...

[@susannahwilson7790]

Like others, I've been wanting to try this, thanks for sharing so much of your expertise and time in answering so many excellent technical questions in the comments. I have a hearing loss and had a bit of a prob with hearing your audio, maybe my volume can be boosted. Thx again! I think your work is GORGEOUS! I LOVE PATINA AND IMPERFECTION! I'm going to transform a set of Hob Lob doors with a solid panel at bottom and "chippendale" lattice muntins at top, painting the whole piece with layers of chalk paint, sanded and distressed then waxed and add the antiques mirror behind the open work for a dreamy ethereal effect. I love all the ideas people are sharing along with all your tips. You can "promote" yourself all you want, you deserve to get your self and your skills out there! 👍😉! Some people can be so snarky! 👎😝!

[@johnfox7163]

Thank you Dustin! Very cool! Can't wait to try this out!

[@nannyb8714]

Just found your channel.. really enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing, I have wanted to try this process since I saw you and Chip do it on his show. I actually have a collection of antique mirrors, they aren't cheap!! If I can perfect the process it will save a bundle!! Thanks again, looking forward to your next video! Rita

[@angelasmith112]

I’ve watched quite a few videos on how to do this. Everyone else flipped the glass over and sprays the other side with black paint. Which way is better?

[@karenchacon9072]

cant wait to try! u made it look so easy. thx!!

[@melindacarson151]

I've been dying to try this since the episode came out! Thanks for all the tips, Dustin. (PS I understood your yay-much perfectly fine, being from the great state of TX ;o)

[@absolutegrappler]

Hey thanks Melinda! Good luck on your DIY work!

[@texasmagnoliahome5103]

This is super cool and I can't wait to try this out!! I love finding different hacks to making replicas!! 😍

[@christinereese1199]

I have a mirror and the back needs replacing with screws for hanging and backing paper. Where can I get all of that replaced

[@vickikidd8524]

HI Dustin, Im wanting to do a very large antique mirror above my FP mantel. I have been researching and your process seems somewhat more doable than others. Any suggestions on the application technique for a 5 foot wide by 8 foot tall piece of glass?? Do a section at a time, go long way up and down, or across back and forth, let each section dry at a time? Size Seems daunting, but I really want this look above my stone FP. Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks

[@nancywiltshire9919]

Dustin, you're a natural in front of the camera! Next HGTV show?

[@noureddine309]

Many thanks . Great staff. Appreciated

[@ashlee7464]

Super awesome thanks for sharing!

[@katherineshaespradley3716]

What do you suggest if the glass has to be vertical not laying flat. I’m wanting to do my bathroom door but it’s a pocket door that’s already installed.

[@mapleflagg7744]

Not the tutorial I needed, not enough detail for me but I really enjoyed watching you make this beautiful piece. 👍 I just need something a bit more elementary, I'm a real beginner. 😂

[@rachanafen]

Same here! Trying to fix a peeled mirror. This is way too advanced

[@joslyneb9714]

Thinking of salvaging a french door and doing this to all the panes for a pocket door. What would you recommend doing to the back black side so it looks pretty on both sides?

[@gregrobinson3507]

I'm doing a multi-pane seeded glass window to turn into a mirror. It's already seeded, so do I eliminate one of the steps?

[@thealoneeffect9714]

You can go straight to the mirror spray without adding any of the vinegar water solution.

[@barbaragamble3669]

If I use gold paint instead of flat black will that give me a gold finish in place of the flat black?

[@ravenshira6863]

Great video. I got a little question, do you think this will work on acrylglass as well? Or only normal glass?

[@flowervee5756]

Do you have to spray it black to seal it or can you just leave it silver kind of see thru?

[@rebeccasullivan8472]

One more quick question: You show glass (on the show) that has lines in it and some have bubbles in it. Is this something you've made or is it only old, leaded glass that has these properties?

[@absolutegrappler]

It's made. part of the process.

[@rebeccaburton3375]

Enjoyed your presentation... However, my issue is ...I have a antiqued mirror that has scratches and mars on the mirror, the back has a very heavy board and looks impossible to remove. Can you antique the front of mirror and get somewhat same effect?

[@absolutegrappler]

Rebecca Burton yoo can’t. Paint stripper will take the backing off. This a very intense process though.

[@sarahrenfro3404]

I am creating a DIY antique mirror wall using your method above for my front entry, and I wondered what you would recommend using to adhere the tiles to the wall? Thanks in advance! :)

[@barbeverett945]

How to best do this for a kitchen cabinet? I saw where you did some mirror in a door and did back-to-back mirrors. I don't think I can do this for a kitchen cabinet. Any suggestions of "finishing" the back of the mirror for installation in a kitchen cabinet door?

[@absolutegrappler]

You can paint them a solid color or you can cover the interior in a wood finish to match the cabinets. Basically adding a panel of wood over the back of the glass. Hope that helps.

[@barbeverett945]

Thanks, Dustin. I tried it today and it really works. When I showed it to my husband, he couldn't believe I actually made it. After being discouraged that I couldn't find antique mirror glass for my upcoming kitchen remodel, I am confident that I can make the glass for my kitchen. Woo hoo! I am so excited. (FYI--I used 1/2 cup vinegar with 1 cup water for my solution.)

[@analiza265]

Is there any way to antique an existing mirror? I have a wall mirror I want to use as a table top.

[@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions]

Can I use the same products but without vineger to get a nice nee mirror look?

[@absolutegrappler]

FancyShoesVlogs there will be a haze to the reflection but absolutely. Yes!

[@maribethzinkle2600]

This is awesome.

[@jasonfranzen9716]

Could this process be used on an exterior door with glass windows? Would it hold up to extreme winter and summer weather?

[@rosemary3976]

I really want to do this in order to use it as a "chalkboard" with chalkboard markers. Could I skip the mirror paint and just go straight to spraypainting the glass black so that it looks like a black chalkboard but has the smooth texture of glass? Also, how could I make this magnetic?

[@absolutegrappler]

You can absolutely spray paint the back with any paint. Making it magnetic is a little more difficult. You can try a magnetic paint or put a piece of steel behind the glass after it's painted but it will take some rare earth magnetics to work.

[@johnpersichetti3941]

I’ve watched a few times....when you are working the edges are you working the vinegar you initially sprayed there? It looks like you don’t work any of the spots until the paint is dry, correct?

[@absolutegrappler]

John Persichetti that is correct.

[@debbydhill]

Perfect! Thanks!

[@tandfloyd]

I need to “privatize”a set of French doors leading into a bedroom and think this process would work better than etching. Any thoughts on how to dress up the reverse side so the black isn’t as prominent? Could you paint it white after the black has dried without damaging the look?

[@absolutegrappler]

floyd goodson we’ve done this exact process. What we did was antique one side. Then we got an additional piece of glass that was the same size and antiqued it. Then we put them back to back and created the antique mirror look on both sides. The door had a stop that held the glass in and we utilized it to hold both pieces in.

[@tandfloyd]

Thanks for the quick reply - sounds like the perfect solution for us

[@jessicamontgomery5458]

I’m trying to do an antique mirror on an old window I’m transforming. I have been practicing on photo frame and I am not getting what I want. Everyone online make it sound easy but I let my paint dry (after spraying), and then blot with a paper towel. The towel crackles the paint severely instead of creating dots or either I blot and the water vinegar solution absorbs away and the paint on the bubble then sticks on the glass. I’m just having a lot of trouble getting round dots that I want and I like some crackling but this amount just looks bad because it shifts the paint and makes it look wavy, not a good kind. I’m using one part vinegar and one part water with a small bottle spraying smaller dots but sometimes they smudge. I’m outside so idk if humidity is affecting the spray technique because I can’t get the solution to bobble up. It decides to puddle. I’m using krylon looking glass and spraying with a mist. Should I use a different brand and tighten up the sprayer for sharper shot (if that makes since haha). Would you also mind posting the exact brand products you used? Thank you!!

[@absolutegrappler]

I begin to blot pretty quickly...It sound like you're getting too much liquid on the glass in one spot if you're getting the crackly effect. Use less vinegar with your water as well. I use looking glass from Krylon as well. You may also want to try a different spray bottle to see if that helps. Good luck Jessica!!! Don't be discouraged, you'll get this.

[@jessicamontgomery5458]

thank you! I'll try that and let you know!

[@englincampo5396]

I plan to use gold...do I apply one layer of gold and one black? Or gold only? Thanks for the tutorial it is very helpful!

[@absolutegrappler]

Englin Campo you lay the gold down then black over that! Good luck with it!!!

[@faysteiger5430]

Hi! I'm looking to antique a glass wall in my vestibule. Do I need to have the glass lay flat or can I do it upright? TIA!

[@absolutegrappler]

Fay Steiger flat is best. Otherwise you’ll have run marks

[@faysteiger5430]

Dustin Anderson Figured so! Another question...I want 1 side of the glass to look antiqued, what will the other side look like? The back side would not be against the wall but exposed as it's the other side of my vestibule and against tables (restaurant) Should I make both sides mirrored?

[@net2mall2012]

I'd like to do a stencil on the glass using multisurface acrylic paint, and after the stencil is dry then spray the vinegar water mixture followed by the glass spray. Any suggestions?

[@absolutegrappler]

I'm not sure how the vinegar water will react with the acrylic paint. It's highly possible that it will work but it may not have the same effect. I think it would be incredibly cool if it does work though. Keep me posted!

[@net2mall2012]

thanks, I'll try it. Also seen examples where instead of spraying black paint on the back they modpodge fabric or gift wrap or photos that show through the aged areas of the glass.

[@absolutegrappler]

All of that truly works! You can create an antique mirror frame essentially and put pictures in the middle. So many options. I can't wait to see what you do!

[@net2mall2012]

sent you a picture

[@absolutegrappler]

Where?

[@pfeilsusan]

Love it. How do you do the gold vein mirror look? It was big in the 1970s on table tops and walls. The veins are so beautiful and wonder how it is done.

[@KellieBeadleGoos]

What is the brand of silver paint you are using?

[@absolutegrappler]

This is a Krylon product.

[@KellieBeadleGoos]

@@absolutegrappler Thanks!

[@terrimartin3023]

Is it necessary to add some sort of sealer to the painted surface so glass in an active area, like a pantry door, does not get scratched?

[@absolutegrappler]

Terri Martin the second coat of black paint will help but the diy method doesn’t truly seal. It can be scratched

[@jensvoiceforyou7581]

Would this work on plexi glass?

[@absolutegrappler]

It should. I don't know how well it will hold up but the process should work just the same!!!

[@jensvoiceforyou7581]

@@absolutegrappler Awesome! Thanks so much!!!

[@newkidontheblock772]

Would this method fix a peeling mirror?

[@absolutegrappler]

It will not.

[@marisolsantana4226]

I NEED HELP !! Please email me on what to do in this case. I have been saving a Mantel mirror for over 40 year. Well my granddaughter broke it .. it has 3 mirrors, with the 2 end mirrors have lights. The middle mirror was the one that broke. In my case, to who or to were do I take it to be fixed . I will try to send a picture.

[@christinestoudt4292]

I understand the concept of recreating a look but after you buy all the supplies to recreate it is it less expensive than purchasing it?

[@absolutegrappler]

It really depends on the amount of square footage. Typically this process is much cheaper unless of course you are buying in full sheets! Hope that helps.

[@TheDecoratingDivas]

Is there anything you can spray on the back that won't get eaten by mirror mastic?

[@absolutegrappler]

Bespoke Decorative Finishes not that is sold to the general public. I’ve tried some acrylic sprays but mastic always eats through.

[@rebeccasullivan8472]

Thanks for the demo, valyable info., well done! I want to add green and copper paint with the mirror spray to give it an aged copper patina that breaks through only in some areas. Have you ever played around with this concept? How would do it? What are the steps to achieve this effect?

[@absolutegrappler]

I've played with gold but not green and copper. I think the process will be the same. After you work through antiquing process you'll lay down the copper first and then the green over that to create green edges. I think that is look that you are looking for. If not, lay down the green and copper as you see fit. Post your work on social and tag me in it!

[@rebeccasullivan8472]

No, you're right about the edges. Thank you - you've saved me so much time...and glass. I've also been playing with several processes including white floral stencils (with shading) all over glass, spray painting it all black and going back to remove all black except the black outlining the floral, then finishing with the looking glass and distressing that. It's looks very old-world. I'm excited to post, but don't want to be discouraged by criticism before I am confident in the process. (everyone who has seen it wants one, so that's a start.) I will soon post, pin, tweet and put in my Etsy shop, tag you, give you credit for teaching the antiquing process. Love your inspiring pieces on the show! - I'm a fan!

[@rebeccasullivan8472]

You also said you're a 3rd gen glazier. I'm interested in learning this skill. Would you recommend trade school or interning at a glass co.?

[@absolutegrappler]

You should absolutely look for a company that will allow you apprentice. This industry is in need of amazing people! Thanks for the comments! Be sure to subscribe!

[@caligirl2991]

Could you do this method to a mirrored desk to get the antique glass feel?

[@ChristopherMilo88]

Thanks so much for the info. Instead of the black on the back, could you do the same process on the other side or would it not give you the mirrored effect! God bless bro!

[@absolutegrappler]

Christopher Milo you would lose the mirrored effect. Great thought though!

[@ChristopherMilo88]

Dustin Anderson thank you broski!

[@joanreeseNYCartist]

Thank you

[@michellemulcahy7339]

Dustin, I tried this on some glass cabinet doors and one (out of 4) looks waaaaay different. Can I start over? How?

[@absolutegrappler]

Paint thinner and plastic razor blades should do the trick.

[@StarrTrekn]

How do you make the spray lines not so obvious?

[@baldwelder8775]

spay one coat across an next one top to bottom

[@justinventer6820]

Spray at a distance of 30 cm

[@alyssarae2412]

Can the same effect be applied to acrylic?

[@absolutegrappler]

I have not tried it. I know that paint reacts differently with Acrylic than it does glass. If you do try will you let me know the outcome?

[@funny4u991]

Dustin, how can you antique the mirror when its already glued onto a piece of furniture like an end stand where you can't remove the glass? This technique requires you to do it on the back and flip it for the final results, is there another way to achieve this look when its already on a piece of furniture and you can't flip it or remove it?

[@absolutegrappler]

Hey Rick, we addressed this on Instagram correct? I just don't want leave you hanging if that wasn't you.

[@granskare]

I am interested in fixing the edge of the mirror to make it antique looking. thanks

[@danawall7894]

Dustin, could you do this on acrylic or plexiglass?

[@absolutegrappler]

You can. The downfall to acrylic is simply how easily it scratches. Other than that, you can paint away!!!!

[@christinemathies8020]

Thank you!

[@locolance7025]

How about when you put the vinyl on the mirror with the typography so you get logos can you show steps by steps

[@jessicaknuth8986]

Dustin - how do you add a pattern to the mirror? See Anthropologie mirrors

[@absolutegrappler]

You can sandblast a pattern into the clear glass first and then do the antique mirror technique. Thats the best way. You could try an acid etch technique as well. Use a vinyl stencil on the glass and then buy a DIY Acid etch kit like Armor Etch and use it. Hope this helps!!!!

[@jessicaknuth8986]

Good call! Thanks Dustin!!!

[@lachezardochev9584]

Where can I get that Mirror Spray from?

[@absolutegrappler]

I use a Krylon product that works really well.

[@lachezardochev9584]

Thank you @@absolutegrappler ! Have you use it for outdoor mirrors?

[@ChristopherMilo88]

Hey brother....im in Cleveland Ohio. I'm having a hard time finding the antique mirror spray you use. Can you recommend where I can buy your paint or a rustoleum product? Thanks and God bless broski!

[@absolutegrappler]

You get a krylon product on amazon called looking glass. I like that product a lot. Try that one.

[@royanasrollahi9091]

How do I add Gold streaks to the antique mirror that I want to make???

[@absolutegrappler]

Hey Roya...before the step where you lay down the black paint, you can lay down any color including gold. That will be the first color that pops through. You can spray it all over or you can just use it certainly locations. Hope this helps!

[@jylbek71]

I really wish your would put the list of supplies in the description :(...I can hear what, for instance, glass you are using:(

[@absolutegrappler]

I think if you listen in there it says I'm using a glass called Seeded glass. I could be wrong...it's been a bit since I posted this. Hope it helps!

[@mikes3783]

Nice job Dustin! I was about to buy some antique mirror but $55 to $70 per square foot; crazy. This is great. My question is: I need to place a 2 foot by 4 foot piece on the ceiling above a mini bar area. The mirror will be held up by trim on all sides that is secured to the wall studs but I was going to use some mirror mastic as well. Will the mastic affect the finished product/paint? Also, what thickness of glass would you use for the ceiling project? Thanks in advance.

[@absolutegrappler]

Mirror mastic will impact the backing with this technique. Mirror on the ceiling is scary! If you're going to do it get a piece of 1/4" tempered. This would be the safest! Secure it well!

[@longhairmullet]

Nice technique though im not a fan of the spray paint "lines" that are created with this technique? Guessing one could just paint more uniform to rid of this stripped look?

[@absolutegrappler]

Dani Adams absoluteky. Less gap and more overlap along with an extra coat or two will eliminate the ghost lines!

[@crazioma6648]

Thanks for the DIY, but am I the only person who wants to restore my family's antique mirror glass to like new! Gilding the plaster frames (they're French) was nothing to trying to bring back the original shine!

[@absolutegrappler]

I hope they turned out amazing!!! You're definitely not the only person that wants old mirrors looking new!!!

[@tyecallaway2749]

Very interested and I'm going to work with that some, but what could you put on the back of an existing mirror to maybe turn the silver blue or black, I've tried heat (didnt work) havn't tried anything else yet, Great video Thanks

[@absolutegrappler]

What are trying to achieve? The reason I ask is you could start with grey colored glass or blue colored glass and add the mirrored effect if that achieves the goal. If the goal is to make the antique process looked like heated metal, then I'm not sure how to get there to be honest. Hope this helps!

[@tyecallaway2749]

trying to give an antique look to an existing mirror, I do tile work and have done some custom tile framed mirrors and also have done some welded steel frame and was interested in antique look for some of these.

[@jcote6672]

Hi, I have a pair of end tables that have a glass top that is quite scratched. I want to antique the glass. My question is will I see the scratches through the antiqued finish?

[@alyssarae2412]

Can I order antiqued tiles from you? To do a wall.

[@absolutegrappler]

Absolutely. Shoot an email over to [e-mail] with the size you want and how many square feet.

[@averelmeden6253]

Will either Krylon's Looking Glass or Rust-oleum's Mirror Effect spray paints work instead of "Antique Mirror Spray"? Loved your work with Chip on the show. So glad I found your channel.

[@absolutegrappler]

Hey Averel...I'm so sorry I missed this comment. So I prefer Krylons product over Rust-oleums. I've used it multiple times and I"m very happy with the outcome!

[@averelmeden6253]

Thanks!

[@bettegregory4960]

Gold?

[@absolutegrappler]

Bette Gregory you could absolutely use a gold paint!!!!

[@kevinwallis2194]

too many bubbles in the glass. my house was built in 1920 and has wavy glass with a few bubbles. less is more.

[@absolutegrappler]

kevin wallis then use a different glass!!! You can use a German Antique to match the slightly wavy glass in your 1920s home.

[@kevinwallis2194]

@@absolutegrappler actually i was just referring to that new glass they are making not being for me. even reproduction old bottles have bubbles and way too many. they tend to go overboard...lol

[@interspeciesfamily8043]

So yay-much vinegar, to yay-much water in PARTS doesn't very much have me understanding. How many PARTS vinegar to how many PARTS water is that then? Guess I have to check this so.ewhere else. Thanks anyway.

[@absolutegrappler]

interSpeces Family sorry I let you down.

[@interspeciesfamily8043]

Dustin Anderson, no one's been let down. I have some friends from texas also. Just not clear in this vid. Nice, make me feel crap why don't you. So, how many parts vinegar to water? Mebbe?

[@melindacarson151]

I'm from Texas, and to me it looked like maybe 4:1 or 5:1 ratio? I'm going to play with it soon!

[@bellacupp3485]

If unsure of what was explained... Go back and review. Hit the 'pause' and go back and look closely as to what is being shown. I caught it as Dustin showed first time with his finger example. Often on other videos I have to go back to certain areas so that I am sure as to what was done ensuring I understand. Watched a different tutorial prior to Dustin's and they used 1:1 ration water and vinegar... As soon as I saw Dustin's video I immediately understood why his work was superior to the other. ***Thanks much Dustin as I know what is on my agenda for tomorrow! Though will first practice on the glass from my compiled stash of frames! You ROCK!!!

[@jeanclaudeangri1108]

He kind of ruined her this whole video by his ridiculous amount of self-promotion. A little bit of promotion and check out my links would’ve been enough. He’s kind of a tool.

[@moniquethe0G]

way too streaky, works best if there are multiple light coats

[@absolutegrappler]

Yeah you do you! Whatever works best for you.

[@MercedesWoodall]

The shirt though😅

[@donnap587]

I think it's an ugly mirror

[@absolutegrappler]

Isn't that the beauty of the human experience Donna? We all get to have an opinion. Thanks for sharing yours here.

[@bellacupp3485]

Amen, Dustin Anderson! I happen to LOVE it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As well - I am thankful that other people's taste differs otherwise my abode wouldn't be unique and a reflection of me. To each his own... I prefer unique / eclectic - NON-tradional 'cookie cutter' style that anyone can purchase from a home goods store. BTW... not only do I love the mirror tutorial but also your hair! * Would be rude of me to tell you "I THINK YOUR HAIR IS UGLY"! ;-)

[@janefowler4633]

can this be done tp plexi-glass??

[@janefowler4633]

nvrmind, should have scrolled down. the answer is yes

[@ChristopherMilo88]

Thank you