Diy Gold Mercury Glass Mirror

DIY Gold Mercury Glass Mirror: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a stunning gold mercury glass mirror is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can transform any room. This technique, inspired by the antique mercury glass mirrors, creates a captivating textured surface with a shimmering gold finish. With the right materials and a few simple steps, you can achieve this sophisticated look at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a ready-made piece.

Materials You'll Need:

Glass mirror
Gold leaf
Liquitex spray varnish or other clear acrylic spray
Dixie Belle clear wax
Paintbrush
Clean cotton cloths or cheesecloth
Nitrile gloves
Paint tray or shallow bowl
Rubber cement
Alcohol or paint thinner

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean and Prepare the Mirror:
Thoroughly clean the mirror surface with a glass cleaner. Ensure it is completely dry before applying any products.

2. Apply the Rubber Cement:
In a well-ventilated area, wearing nitrile gloves, apply a thin layer of rubber cement to the back of the mirror. Do not touch the mirror surface with your bare hands.

3. Remove the Rubber Cement:
After the rubber cement has dried for 15-30 minutes, carefully peel it off from the mirror surface. This will create a subtle texture on the glass.

4. Gold Leaf Application:
Place a piece of gold leaf on the paint tray. Cut it into small squares or tear it apart by hand. Using a paintbrush, lightly dab some Liquitex spray varnish onto the textured areas of the mirror. Gently lay the gold leaf pieces onto the wet varnish, pressing them down lightly with your fingertips.

5. Varnish and Protect:
Once the gold leaf is applied, generously spray the mirror with Liquitex spray varnish to protect and seal the finish. Allow the varnish to dry completely.

6. Create the Mercury Glass Effect:
Apply the Dixie Belle clear wax to a clean cotton cloth or cheesecloth. Wipe the wax onto the gold leaf surface in small, circular motions. This will create a subtle, distressed look similar to antique mercury glass.

7. Clean Up:
Use alcohol or paint thinner to remove any excess rubber cement or gold leaf from the mirror frame. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the mirror surface.

Congratulations! You have now created a beautiful DIY gold mercury glass mirror. Enjoy your unique and stylish creation.