What paint do you use on a mirror frame?

When it comes to painting a mirror frame, the type of paint you use is extremely important. The wrong type of paint can cause the paint to peel, crack, or not properly adhere to the mirror frame. In this article, we will discuss the best types of paint to use on mirror frames to get a durable, long-lasting finish.

Should You Paint a Mirror Frame?

The first question many people have is whether you should paint a mirror frame at all. There are a few things to consider:

• Covering natural wood – If your frame is made from beautiful natural wood, you may want to refrain from painting it to showcase the wood grain
• Damaged finish – If the existing finish on your frame is cracked or peeling, painting can give it a quick facelift
• Updating the look – Painting a dated metallic or 80s-style plastic frame can modernize the look of your mirror
• Match your decor – Pick a paint color to coordinate with your room’s decor for a pulled together, stylish look

So in summary, painting a mirror frame is a great option if you want to update the look of an outdated frame, conceal flaws, or make the frame tie in with your room’s decor. But for top quality wood frames, they often look best left natural.

Prep the Frame for Painting

Once you decide to paint the frame, proper prep is crucial for the paint to adhere correctly. Here are the key steps:

1. Remove the mirror from the frame and set it aside safely
2. Clean the frame with soap and water to remove dirt and oils
3. Sand the frame lightly to rough up the surface so the paint can adhere
4. Wipe off any dust with a tack cloth
5. Apply primer to the frame and let dry completely

Priming ensures the paint bonds properly to the surface. For best results, use a high quality primer designed for metal, wood, plastic, or whichever material your frame is made from.

Types of Paint for Mirror Frames

When selecting the type of paint, you need to consider the material of your mirror frame.

Wood Frames

For wood frames, a high quality latex acrylic paint is an excellent choice. Latex paints provide good coverage, dry fast, and are easy to apply. They flex as the wood naturally expands and contracts minimally with changes in humidity and temperature. OIl-based paints do not flex well, and the paint may crack over time. Stay away from craft-type acrylic paints and instead select a brand designed for home use such as Behr, Benjamin Moore, or Valspar.

Metal Frames

For metal mirror frames, opt for oil-based or enamel paints. The hard finish of enamels resists chipping and stands up well to bumps and wear. Rustoleum and Krylon are two popular brands for spray enamel paints that work great on metal. You can also brush on oil-based trim paint.

Plastic Frames

For plastic frames, acrylic latex paints also provide the best adhesion and flexibility. Be sure to scuff sand shiny plastic before priming and painting. Krylon Fusion spray paint bonds extremely well to plastic, so this is an easy option for plastic frames. Just be sure to choose a satin or matte finish instead of gloss, which can look plasticky.

How to Apply the Paint

When applying the paint, work in thin, even coats using a good quality brush, small foam roller, or spray paint. The key things to remember are:

• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time between coats
• Lightly sand between coats for the smoothest finish
• Apply at least 2-3 thin coats for best coverage and durability
• Use slow, even strokes and avoid overbrushing

Applying multiple thin coats prevents drips and runs in the paint and creates a smooth finish. Once fully dry, you can reinsert the mirror into the freshly painted frame.

Tips for the Best Paint Finish

Follow these tips for getting flawless results painting your mirror frame:

• Choose satin, eggshell, or matte finishes – glossy paint on frames can look cheap
• Lightly sand between coats for a silky smooth finish
• Use painter’s tape for crisp paint lines if your frame has decorative molding
• Paint the edges and sides – don’t miss small details
• Work in a dust-free area
• Allow the full drying time before recoating
• Seal with polyurethane for added protection on wood

What Types of Paint to Avoid

When it comes to choosing paint for mirror frames, there are a few types you’ll want to steer clear of:

• Craft acrylic paint – Too thin, not durable enough for furniture
• Glitter and textured paints – Can look cheap and tacky on frames
• Chrome or gold spray paint – Has a fake metallic look
• Gloss finishes – Show imperfections and can look plastic-y
• Oil-based paints on wood – Can crack as the wood expands and contracts

Stick with the recommended paints for each frame material for the most attractive, lasting finish for your mirror.

Painting Mirror Frames by Material

To recap, here are the best paints to use for different mirror frame materials:

Frame Material	Best Paint Options
Wood	Latex acrylic paint
Metal	Oil-based enamel paint or spray paint
Plastic	Acrylic latex paint or spray paint for plastic

Paint Sheen Recommendations

The sheen of the paint also impacts its appearance on a mirror frame. Here are the recommended sheens by frame material:

Frame Material	Recommended Sheen
Wood	Satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss
Metal	Satin or matte finish
Plastic	Matte or satin

Choosing Paint Colors for Mirror Frames

When selecting a color for your mirror frame, consider these tips:

• Neutral colors like white, black, gray, and beige are versatile and fit any style
• Bold and bright colors make the frame a focal point
• Match existing decor for a cohesive look – blues, greens, and browns complement traditional style
• Metallics like silver, gold, and copper add glamour
• Distressed finishes like chippy or aged paint create vintage appeal

Look at design inspirational photos online or in magazines to find mirror frame paint colors that you love. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams annual color trend forecasts are also great sources for on-trend paint shades.

Conclusion

Painting a mirror frame is an easy weekend project that can instantly update the look of a mirror. With the right type of high quality paint suited for the frame material, proper preparation, and attentive application, you can achieve beautiful, professional looking results. Use satin, matte, or eggshell finishes in versatile neutrals or bold, vibrant colors to make your mirror frame a stunning focal point.