Chalk Paint Mirror - Graphite and Old Ochre

For a change, for me, this is a total do-it-yourself posting featuring my favorite paint finish - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) link to website.  Most of my projects (approaching 50) are chairs with woodwork but the upholstery work on these is being completed by my professionals - Mr. and Mrs. Lee of Norcross, GA, so I can't fully claim the DIY mantle!

Mirror at sale - good not great price at $75

I picked up up this oversized round mirror at an estate sale two weeks ago for $75.00 - not a great price but a pretty good one for this size, level of detail, beveling on mirror, and overall condition.  It is destined for my newly renovated lower level (aka terrace, basement) but has not yet been hung - more on that later.

I got the mirror home and propped it on two sawhorses.  My first step is always to clean the surface as well as possible to smooth out the surface and increase the adherence of the paint.  Although ASCP claims that it will go over anything, I have had a few instances where I've had difficulties with adherence - usually in small spots.  Also, who wants to just cover over all that accumulated dirt and oils and smoke residue that is present on most furniture of any use and vintage.  

I use Goof Off link to clean most of my wooden pieces - it works well but does take off some finishes so you want to make sure you are not using it on pieces you are not refinishing.

In deciding how to finish this mirror, I wanted to emphasize the great details on this mirror by highlighting the carvings.  Once before I had used the technique of doing an initial coat in a lighter color and than loosely brushing an second layer of graphite over it allowing the deeper crevices to remain white/light - I thought this would work on this piece.  

Mirror after first coat of Old Ochre - a darker cream color than Old White providing a little more warmth

Mirror after brushing with Graphite over Old Ochre.

Details

I used clear wax to finish mirror and it is ready to be hung in our newly renovated terrace level.

The mirror is ready to be hung - I really like how it turned out - it almost has a "stone-like" look to it with the Old Ochre and Graphite combination.  I have even chosen a place for it to be hung over a narrow console table.  Unfortunately, I do not yet have that table and my husband refuses to hang it since it may have to be moved to center later - so it will stand here until that date - hopefully soon!

Let me know what you think and check out my facebook page here - WYDEVEN DESIGNS FACEBOOK PAGE

I am linking this posting on the following link parties - Home Stories A to Z and Savvy Southern Style and Shades of Amber Chalk Paint Link Party