Monday, December 2, 2013

Faux Oil-rubbed Bronze!

I had been shopping for a quatrefoil mirror to put in my entry hall. I'm quite obsessed with that shape, and it's very trendy right now. I found one with a black frame at Hobby Lobby, and at half off, I could feel good about my purchase. Which I did, until I saw one I liked even better at Kohl's. I'm sure this has happened to you.

Priced much higher, the one at Kohl's had a beautiful oil-rubbed bronze finish. I got a good look at it, and headed out to find some spray paint. I'll walk you through what I did.


Here is the original finish. Black, shiny and (gasp!) plastic.

 
 
 
Here is what you need!
 
 
 
 
First step is covering up the mirror! I used left over packing paper.
 
 
 
Here is the miracle in a can!
 
 
 
But, this is what made it even better!
 
 
 
After the spraying is done and the paint dries (it only takes an hour), I put paint in one section of my tray, and filled the center with water. Load a small amount of paint on the sponge brush, and dilute with water. You can test it out on some paper towel. The trick is to go along each edge (and only the edge), adding a small line of paint. Have a paper towel ready to wipe off any areas that get too much paint. You are really looking for a subtle effect.
 
 
 
It helps to stand back every once in awhile. I hope you can see in this photo, the tiny lines of copper along the outside and inside.
 
 
 
You will wind up with a beautiful aged effect!
 
 
 
The after photo was taken under bright light, so is looking lighter than it actually is.
 
 
 
And here it is--gracing my entry hall! I couldn't believe how easy this was!
 
 
 
 
 
I will be joining:
 
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
 Before and After at Thrifty Décor Chick
Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E
 
 
I apologize for the poor quality of the photos. I took them with my iPad.