When my husband visited the boys last year he went on a walk and came home with all sorts of goodies – actually the neighbors were moving. The mirror below was one of them. He told me “when you go to New York make sure to go to the basement and see what I have for you.”
How lucky can a girl get? And so today I’ll show you a mirror makeover with Old Fashioned Milk Paint.
Like I said, I was nervous. I didn’t want to mess it up.
I watched videos and asked my friends. And then the big moment came and I opened up the bag with the sealed plastic bag inside. I measured it out and added one part OFMP in Oyster White and one part warm water. I stirred it for a few minutes and then let it rest about 20 minutes.
Now here’s the thing. Milk paint is meant to be used on porous surfaces. It will penetrate the wood and stay on. However, if you have a finish on your piece then once you use the milk paint it will chip off and leave that wonderful chippy look we all love so much which is in style now. In fact you can see what it looks like on my friend Cynthia’s blog, Clockwork Interiors.
If you don’t want that particular look you can use the “Safe Paint” version of true milk paint. This will create a bonding agent for the paint and make sure that it stays on your furniture. In fact it was specially made for walls. Or you can just buy the bonding agent separately and add it to the paint mixture.
My mirror was porous, but I was not totally sure so I decided to use the “Safe Paint” version. Also I was lazy and didn’t feel like sanding it.
The nice thing about this paint is that it goes on smoothly and penetrates the wood. I had mixed it on the thin side because I wanted it to look a little like a wash. But you can always add more powder to give it a thicker consistency. It is very forgiving.
I then added a second thin coat of paint and let it dry.
This is the reality photo. No staging here. He’s got his books, pens and a stereo system with the speakers on top. It may not be as pretty as the staged photos but it is reality. And it is still tons better than the brown disaster I showed you last week.
I hope that answers your much asked question about his books. Did you think that I would throw them out?
I have to admit that it was not as scary as I thought. If a newbie like me can tackle this so can you! And the mirror makeover with Old Fashioned Milk Paint turned out pretty good considering this was my first attempt. Have you ever tried Milk Paint?
Go on over to Cynthia’s blog,Clockwork Interiors and see how she uses OFMP. I still have a way to go before I get to her level.
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image!
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Mid Century Modern Sideboard upcycled with Old Fashioned Milk Paint - The Boondocks Blog
Friday 9th of July 2021
[…] for 20 minutes and came back to find a nice thick paint. This was in marked contrast to last month’s Mirror project where I had also used Old Fashioned Milk Paint. […]
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Wednesday 4th of November 2020
[…] it lightly to get this weathered look you see below! I’ve also used oyster white on a mirror makeover […]
Laurie
Monday 13th of February 2017
What a fantastic mirror. I've never used milk paint before, I'll have to give it a try sometime! Love that you kept the antique look with the mirror. I have to tell you that I have the exact same dictionary/library stand that you have. Mine could use a makeover as well . . . Hope you have a great week Mary!
Mary
Tuesday 14th of February 2017
Laurie it was my first time and I really liked how it went on smooth and penetrated the wood. As for that dictionary stand it was nice but it stood out like a sore thumb with all those different colors in the apartment. I am really glad I painted it along with the bookcases.
Debrashoppeno5
Monday 13th of February 2017
The mirror is fabulous. What a unique piece, I like how you brightened it up with the white. OFMP is the perfect look for the mirror giving it an updated look with the chippy charm.
Mary
Tuesday 14th of February 2017
Debra I am really loving the OFMP. It went on nice and smooth and I had no problems whatsoever.
Jas @All that's Jas
Monday 13th of February 2017
Nice job, Mary! Congrats on the brand partnership. I've never heard of powder paint. Interesting. I love the photo of you on top of your son's bookshelf. Wish it was more of a close-up. You were a stunner (and still are)! You know, now the mirror has that old French-style charm to it. But instead of French I'd add graphic/text in Greek. Something meaningful to your family or just your son. Maybe next time you're in NY? ;) Happy Valentine's Day!
Mary
Saturday 18th of February 2017
Now there's a good idea Jas. Maybe Ancient Greek to remind them of their favorite subject in school (insert sarcasm here)! Nothing is ever really finished in my house, there is always room for improvement.