How to Update Mirrors for a Completely New Look

worstontheblockOctober 17, 2023

Have an old piece with a finish you aren’t crazy about? This post will show you how we found and updated our vanity mirrors to fit in with our new dream DIY bathroom for just $60 using Rub N Buff!

For every DIY project and renovation in our home, I try to be not only frugal but also environmentally conscious. I would much rather find something second hand than purchase something new in the store.

I’m also a big fan of that vintage look, and incredible authentic pieces can be found for so much less money. It’s a win-win.

When I was looking for mirrors to go above our DIY dresser-turned double vanity, everything online was SO expensive, and not really what I was looking for.

I wanted something grand, quite large to fill in some of the space for our high ceilings and I wanted an oval shape. It was impossible to find in budget.

So I ditched the search to find something new and went to my old trusty Facebook Marketplace.

I soon came across these mirrors and was SO EXCITED!

I wanted two large, arched matching mirrors to fill the space, and these completely fit the bill, which was only $60 for the pair! Similar mirrors would have cost several hundred dollars in store.

Check these guys out. I love them and loved the gold.

That is, until I got them home and realized they were just a little bit too gold. And while they were beautiful, I really wanted to tone them down a bit to match the rest of the space.

This was such a simple fix that can be done with minimal supplies and just a few bucks using Rub n Buff, which can be found on Amazon or your local craft store.

Keep in mind that you can use Rub and Buff on any metallic surface, so you can use the same process for
other home décor items like lamps, knobs, fixtures or any other tchotchke that needs an update.

Here’s the how-to…

Collect Supplies:

cleaner of your choice
an old rag
gloves
paint brush (a simple chip brush will do)
Rub & Buff (I used Antique Gold)
painter’s tape
old newspapers/magazines/circulars

Clean

Make sure to get off any grease, grit, and grime. You don’t want the product to stick to the dirt instead,
so make sure you clean it well.

I used a simple all-purpose cleaner and wiped them down with a rag.

Protect surrounding surfaces

Painter’s tape and newspaper works wonders to protect both the mirror and surrounding surfaces. I love to keep all those circulars they send in the mail for this purpose.

Simply tape under the frame to protect the mirror, while simultaneously taping the circulars down over the mirror.

And if you’re also completing this DIY in your kitchen (or on any other surface you care about), put paper down underneath your project as well to protect the surfaces it’s on.

Apply product (Rub)

I used an old paint brush to apply the Rub and Buff to the mirror frames. You can also just apply with your finger, but I opted to use a brush since I had such a large area to complete.

I was going for a more aged look, so I thinly applied the product using both brush strokes and a stippling action with the brush to create this antiqued look.

If you want more even coverage, make sure to cover your piece entirely with the product.

Clean off excess product (Buff)

Using a soft rag, go along and buff the product. You kind of want to rub it in while wiping off the excess at the same time.

The more you rub, the shinier it gets, so the look you’re going for will depict the amount of buffing you should do.

Allow it to dry

It will feel dry to the touch as soon as you apply it, but I generally allow it to dry for about an hour
before handling.

Remove painters tape and newspaper

And that’s really it! It is such a simple process that provides HUGE impact.

(Don’t mind the drywall, sinks, or Dewalt boxes in my kitchen. This was during the bathroom renovation and yes, we lived like this for far too many weeks. Check out my post about surviving during a DIY renovation so you don’t lose your mind while creating the home you love)

Check out how these came out! It’s a subtle difference but they are much more subdued and really fit in with the rest of the bathroom.

This was also the point where my vision for the bathroom really started to come together. They made a significant difference in the space, highlighting the ceiling height and making the room brighter by reflecting so much light.

I couldn’t help myself but to add a little decor with my fig and pretty dish, even though we clearly still had so much to do to complete the space. I was so happy with the choice and how much money I saved in the process! Go DIY!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mirrors38.jpg

To sum up…

This was such a simple project that I was able to complete in about an hour or two before work. It truly is the easiest way I have found to give new life to your home decor pieces, and Rub n Buff has an array of different colors to choose from to fit your personal style.