Ever wondered how to make a mirror that is colorful, quirky, or has even an ounce of personality, without having to spend a fortune? You have to see this DIY mirror project!
I’ve been noticing a trend lately that involves using color in a transparent way and became over-the-top obsessed with this idea.
I put together a new Pinterest board to keep track of it and everything.
So, I started playing around with a few ways to incorporate transparent, see-through color into a home decor DIY and landed on today’s project.
I’ve partnered with 3M and ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape to share a color blocked mirror DIY that literally couldn’t be any easier to recreate at home.
You don’t even need a paint brush, so it’s perfect for any skill level. And no, that’s not spray paint. There’s a bit more to it than that. Curious?!
Click through for the tutorial.
How to Make a Mirror
If you’ve ever wondering how to make a mirror that has more personality (and maybe even a little color), this DIY mirror project is for you.
There are so many things you can do to embellish or up-cycle a mirror you already have, but this colorful option is one of my favorites.
It’s easy to do, looks super professional, and provides a transparent color (unlike regular paint), so the entire mirror is still fully functional.
Oh, and did I mention that if you already have the mirror, the entire list of supplies will cost you less than $20!
Not too bad for a full mirror revamp, right?
Materials for Color Blocked Mirror DIY
- ScotchBlue PLATINUM Painter’s Tape (more Amazon options here)
- any mirror (mine is a 24 inch round mirror available on Amazon)
- 4-6 ounces of transparent glass stain (also available on Amazon)
- sharp blade
- glass cleaner and a clean rag (for cleaning mirror surface)
Quick Note: I would recommend using ScotchBlue PLATINUM Painter’s Tape specifically for this project because the tape is made from advanced poly material that helps prevent paint seepage and is perfect for almost every surface – metal, glass, baseboards, and trim. It’s my go-to tape for all paint related projects. With the exception of painting directly onto walls and wood floors – that’s when I would use ScotchBlue™ WALLS + WOOD FLOORS Painter’s Tape, which is for delicate and freshly painted (24 hrs. old) surfaces.
Not sure which type of ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape to use for a project? Find the right type of tape in four quick clicks, using the tape selector tool on ScotchBlue.com/tapeselector.
Instructions for Color Blocked Mirror DIY
1. Proper prep-work pays off, so start by cleaning the mirror with glass cleaner and a rag to make sure the mirror is clean and free of debris and dust.
Mirror Note: I used 3 sizes of mirrors in total, but ended up only using two of the three for the finished entryway setup.
Here are the links to where you can pick up all 3 beveled mirrors on Amazon Prime, just in case… (24 inch round mirror / 12 inch square mirror / 18 inch round mirror).
2. Once clean and completely dry, decide how big of a color blocked area you want to create and apply ScotchBlue™ PLATINUM Painter’s Tape directly to the mirror.
Once the Painter’s Tape has been placed, tear the tape with your hands (the patented micro-replication technology of PLATINUM allows for precise 90 degree hand-tears, making prep and removal quick and easy).
Then, press down firmly over the tape’s surface with your fingers to make sure the tape is secure.
For more tips and tricks on masking, etc visit the “How to Tape” section on ScotchBlue.com.
3. Next, set the mirror on an even surface that can stay put for at least 24 hours.
You may also want to put some scrap paper underneath the mirror all the way around to catch any glass stain run off. Learned that the hard way.
Apply the glass stain (I used three 2oz bottles of each of the following colors: pink, orange, and aqua) directly to the mirror’s surface, using the applicator.
No paint brush needed – the pointy tip works great for evenly applying the stain.
Just apply gentle, consistent pressure to the bottle, without lifting up the applicator from the glass, for even coloring and less chance for air bubbles. If you get any air bubbles, pop them as you go.
Then wait at least 24 hours for the mirror to completely dry before moving onto the next step.
4. Once the glass stain has completely dried, use a sharp blade to score the edge of the tape, along the stain line.
5. Then, slowly remove the tape at a 45° angle and pull the tape back onto itself for best results.
This will give you an ultra sharp line. And that’s it! Once the tape has been removed, its ready to hang.
P.S. If you don’t get around to removing the tape right away, it’s totally okay! This product can be removed cleanly up to 14 days after painting, so you’re good to go.
The results… It’s a small addition, but I’ve really been loving the little pop of transparent color, when I walk by and it catches the light.
Since I used a stain instead of paint, you can see right through the color.
It creates kind of a whimsical 70s vibe when you look in the mirror, through the colorful parts. Super fun.
Entryway Sources: bench Target // pillow Ferm Living // straw basket // rug Overstock // pie chart DIY artwork // planter vintage (similar) // shoes Loeffler Randall (and these are cool too)
What do you think of the finished project? Think you might give this color blocked mirror DIY a try?
14 comments | Click here to reply
I’m just dying to know… what does your pie chart say!?
Jamie[…] for more colorful inspiration? Check out my color blocked DIY mirror idea that uses transparent glass paints to create unique mirrors with tons of personality. […]
How to Create a Modern + Feminine Mirror - Paper and StitchThis is a beautiful idea! How does one clean the mirror once the stain has cured? Normally one can use glass cleaner on a mirror, I would think that is not ideal once it has been stained. So, what do I do once I have created one of these beauties?
CritifurThis is so simple and cheap – anyone can do it – yet looks so unique and chic. Awesome DIY idea!
KMP Furniture Blog[…] A Color Blocked Mirror DIY from papernstitchblog.com […]
20+ Modern DIY Mirrors to Inspire You and Beautify your HomeLooks nice and simple going to have to give it a try!
Eddy[…] DIY ways to makeover your shoes (colorfully) 2. DIY ball pull boxes from Fall for DIY 3. color blocked mirror DIY 4. color blocked storage lockers DIY from Sugar & Cloth 5. unique DIY planter idea 6. how to […]
7 DIYs to Try This Weekend - Paper and StitchThis is a genius idea. Seriously, so good! I need to make one for my entryway (for checking my lipstick on the way out the door) immediately.
xx Hannah // www.HomemadeBanana.com
HannahThis is so cool! I love it <3
gau bong depThanks Gau and Michelle. 🙂
BrittniWow, they look so cool! Never thought of this!
Michellehttps://www.makeandmess.com/
Wow, this is cool! I absolutely do it now <3
Gau TotoroYou totally should give it a try, Karlijn. It’s super easy!
BrittniThis is so cool! Definitely want to make this now 🙂
Karlijn