How to Restore & Restyle a Vanity Mirror

Vanity mirrors sit on top of dressing or vanity tables, and are hinged into a frame so that they can be altered to suit the height of the user. Normally oval, square or arched in shape, they come in a range of sizes and colors. If you have a vintage wooden-framed mirror, you can restore it yourself with a little work. Modern mirrors can give new life with a coat of bright paint and some decoration. Antique veneered mirrors should only be restored by experts who can match the missing pieces of veneer and make an invisible repair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Restoration

1

Dip a soft cloth into warm water containing a drop of dish soap. Carefully clean the mirror and frame, paying particular attention to the edges and corners.

2

Examine the frame, mirror and stand paying particular attention to corners and joints. Apply glue to loose corner mitres using a cocktail stick, and hold the joint together with tape until dry.

3

Sand the frame and stand down lightly with fine sand paper, paying particular attention to any areas of damage. Move the sand paper with the grain of the wood, not across. If you wish, apply a coat of wood stain to bring the mirror to the desired color.

4

Apply a coat of furniture wax to seal and protect the mirror. Work the wax into the grain of the wood using a soft cloth, and allow to dry before applying a second coat. When the second coat is dry, polish the waxed areas to a soft shine.

5

Check the hinges that hold the mirror to the frame. If broken, they will need replacing. Remove the old hinge first, and use it as a template to buy a replacement of the correct size. Screw on the new hinge. If the old hinges are still serviceable, apply a little oil to the joints to lubricate them.

Restyling

6

Sand the frame and support. If you are applying a fresh coat of paint in a different color, you need only "key" the surface of the old paint by sanding it lightly to give a surface for the new paint to adhere to. If you are planning to repaint a waxed finish, you must remove the old surface completely or the new paint won't stick. Wash the woodwork down to remove dust.

7

Apply a coat of undercoat, working in the direction of the grain of the wood. Allow to dry completely, then key lightly with sand paper.

8

Apply the top coat in your color of choice, and allow to dry completely. To decorate the mirror and give it a modern twist, add decoupage to the frame. Cut pictures of flowers or birds from magazines, and paste them onto the frame. Paint the whole frame and stand with a layer of clear varnish to seal the decoration.