(Dixie Belle Paint sponsored the products used in this post)
Many years ago, I bought a mirror with a gilded frame that I hung over our fireplace, and I loved it so much… until I didn’t.
True to my nature, I changed it to something I liked better. I painted the gilded mirror silver. I loved the new look for many years… until I didn’t.
Any guesses what I did then, as in yesterday? Yup, I changed it again! I wanted it to be gold (and black) again, but not exactly the same as before.
You might have seen the silver frame in one of my first blog posts about Scale and Proportion.

These are the three products I used for this project. At the bottom of this post, you can find a link to shop Dixie Belle products. Let me show you what I did.

My previous paint effort did bubble up slightly, so my first step was to sand everything smoothly. Here you can see the original finish peeking out.

Dixie Belle chalk paint in the color Caviar worked perfectly for my base coat. I painted the entire frame black.

The Clear Coat followed after two coats of chalk paint that I left to dry overnight.
The sealer looked blue as I painted it on, and I was slightly worried until I saw that it was completely clear once dry.

You might have noticed that I did not use painter’s tape to protect the mirror. Mirrors and glass are easier to clean by scraping the paint off with a blade than taping all the edges. It takes no effort at all.

Once the sealer was dry, I applied the gilding wax to all the raised detail. The gilding wax is my favorite part! The smell is not the greatest, but it looks gorgeous.

I kept applying gilded wax until I was satisfied with the look. I could not be happier!

My original plan was to leave more of the frame black, but I usually change my mind as I go along.

The frame is thick and bulky, so I left the middle section (front to back) black to create a bit of depth and dimension.

In all honesty, taking photos of the mirror was the most challenging part of this project!
I love my “new and improved” painted mirror frame. Now to finish the other three oversized frames that go with it…

Click here To Shop Your Favorite Dixie Belle Products!
(This is an affiliate link. I may earn commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.)
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This post was featured on this Fabulous Friday Link Party
Rachelle
February 24, 2022Congrats, Marieza, you are being featured at the next Friday with Friends link party! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Rachelle
Renae
February 5, 2022This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing on Fabulous Friday Link Party. We sure appreciate you. Hugs and blessings to you.
Lynn
February 5, 2022Hi Marieza –
Thanks for sharing your post with Fabulous Friday. The mirror makeover looks amazing. I’m going to have to try the gilding paint. It adds so much interest to the piece. I love when you say that you loved it, until you didn’t. That’s the story of my whole life. 😂
Marieza
February 5, 2022I know, right?! We decorators and renovators all seem to have that problem!
Lynne Zemaitis
February 4, 2022Your mirror came out beautifully! I love the gold gilding wax! Thank you so much for sharing at Tuesday Turn About!
Barbara at Mantel and Table
February 1, 2022OH my heart! That is stunningly gorgeous Marieza – Wow! This is my first time to your blog, but I’ll be coming back for sure! Thanks for the serious inspiration. I’m going to go find me a beautiful frame to paint!
Marieza
February 1, 2022Thank you, Barbara! That makes me so happy to hear!
Rachel
February 1, 2022It’s STUNNING! Where did you find that mirror in the first place?! Beautiful job!
Marieza
February 1, 2022Thank you, Rachel! In 2008 (or around that time), I bought the mirror from a framing shop that had an odds and ends sale. I’m guessing they made it for a customer and something didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to.
Cindy Rust
January 7, 2022You had me at “until I didn’t” It’s the plight of DIYers! I love what you did with the mirror – and you used the perfect amount of the gilding wax!
Marieza
January 7, 2022Haha! You are so right, Cindy! I’m so glad you like what I did. Thank you for stopping by!
Marie
January 7, 2022It turned out so elegant! Love to see the Christmas decor and kitty in the reflection.
Marieza
January 7, 2022Thank you so much, Marie! Always a kitty somewhere, ready to be snapped!
Crystal Ratzlaff
December 29, 2021I really liked it silver and now I love it black and gold! The gilding wax application is so satisfying to watch! Haha yes, taking photos of mirrors is difficult isn’t it! Great project Marieza!
Marieza
December 29, 2021Yeah, you know all about taking photos of a mirror! I’m glad you liked the short gilding video!
Melba/ Cocoon Raw
December 29, 2021What a great transformation, I love the vintage look of the gold.
Marieza
December 29, 2021I am so glad you like it! I am all in on traditional and vintage decor lately.