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.
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Hi Mary, once again you work your magic! I do prefer the mirror with the wonderfully named milk paint. Your son has a very nice wall there.
xx
That wall was long overdue for a makeover Debbie. I’m so glad I took care of it on my stay there. And now that I’ve discoved milk paint I’ll be able to do so much more.
Mary the mirror is so pretty! I love how the wood peaks through. You did a great job!
Thanks so much Debbie. As a first timer, I am really happy how it came out.
I have used milk paint before and do like both looks.. chippy and smooth. The mirror turn out just right Great transformation
Thanks Mary. I am looking forward to using it much more and experimenting with it. I really liked how easy it was to use
You have done a wonderful Job Mary!! I had no idea that milk paint has such a great effect! I am in the same mood, I don’t want any more my dark furnitures!
The transformation was huge Eleana. The dining room has no natural light at all and it was very dark with the brown bookcases in there. Now the light from the ceiling hits the white bookcases and bounces all over the room.
Wonderful project Mary, looks great in white can’t wait to see where you’ll go with the next one using OFMP!
I am really enjoying this new journey with milk paint Brenda. There is so much to learn and so many ideas to try out.
You’re such a great mom, Mary. You always do such nice updates for his apt.
The update was for him, but it was for me too really. I mean who could stand to look at that brown blob that it was before.
Great tramsformation!! I really like how it turned out!! Thanks so muchf or stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thank you Debbie, I love how it turned out.
Congratulations Mary on being chosen! I really liked the your transformation and of course I can sleep peacefully now that I saw the books!
Haha , Katerina everyone went into a panic. But this is reality and the books are all tucked away safe and sound.
Very cool mirror and what a great upcycle. I haven’t ventured into milk paint–yet–but your words of encouragement make it enticing. I am glad you showed the “reality” version of the bookshelves. While I loved the staged version, we have to live in the reality version and like you, books are very much apart of our home. Thanks for sharing.
Jolene, I always try to keep things real around here, my house if full of kids and it gets messy. It would be crazy for me to pretend otherwise. The kids have lots of stuff and although we are always trying to de-clutter this is our reality. I cannot bear to part with books unless I know they are going to a good place where someone else will read them and love them as much as we do.
I hope you do have a chance to try milk paint. And if you have any questions I’m right here!
You are right, I’ve never seen a mirror like this one before, but I love it! Very beautiful.
Ivory I was lucky that the hubs bought it home.
That mirror went from being OK but kind of dated to totally in style! I could just see it in one of Joanna Gaine’s Fixer Upper homes on the TV show.
Aww thanks Michele, you’re making me blush! I love everything Joanna does!
Your mirror turned out great. I am a chalk paint fan, but I have never tried milk paint. Going to have to venture out.
It was a new experience for me too. But now I really want to experiment some more!!
The mirror is gorgeous Mary – it looks so good no wonder you were picked as ambasador of Milk Paint you are one talented crafter !!
Thank you so much Amber.
Congratulations on becoming a Brand Ambassador, they are lucky to have you.
Of course I like your post, but Mary do you know the definition of vacation? lol I bet your sons are happy to see you and all the cheery changes your doing for them. Lucky to have your for a Mom that’s for sure.
Thank you Leanna. I’ve still got a lot to learn this is a whole new ballgame for me. But that is the fun of blogging, trying out new things and figuring them out.
As for my sons, well the one that lives in the apartment was good naturedly chastising me for rearranging everything. But I think deep down he is happy with the new look. And he got his books back. 😉
Mary, I’ve never used Milk Paint and I’m so excited to learn more about it from you! Congrats on becoming an Ambassador, they chose correctly!
This mirror is so cool, I can’t believe that someone was throwing it out, the shape is awesome. So unique and I like it so much better after you’ve used the milk paint!
Thanks Nikki. I am really eoxcited to get started with using milk paint. The only thing stopping me is this humid weather.
I was also really surprised that someone threw it out. But like they say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
You did a great job on it Mary! It turned out beautiful! I have tried milk paint several years back, but it didn’t come in a powder form. I like that idea, so you can just mix up what you need. I would think that it would last longer then premixed as well.
Congratulations on becoming a OFMP Brand Bloggers!
Thank you Linda. Because it is in powder form it won’t go bad till you’re ready to use it. And of course you can control the thickness of the paint depending on the look you want.
I loved how it turned out! I have been afraid to try milk paint but might have to give it a try!!
Cheryl, I think of it this way. If I mess up I can always go over it with more paint and correct my mistakes. The really great thing about this paint is that you can adjust its’ consistency by adding more powder or water. So once you get the thickness you want, it’s easy from there on. I highly recommend it.
Congratulations on the partnership with OFMP! The mirror looks so much better painted white. Was your Dad shaking his head before you painted it? Sorry but I know nothing about Michael Walter pieces so I’m of no help there. I need some of that lavender wax – I can only imagine how good that must’ve smelled! Isn’t milk paint fun? I started painting furniture with milk paint exclusively. I loved it’s unpredictability without using bonding agent. Of course working in my basement, I appreciated the no VOC factor. Looking forward to seeing more of your milk paint projects, Mary.
Marie I am so glad you said you know nothing about Michael Walter. Now I don’t have to fret that I killed a master piece. I will just fantasize that Michael was the original “Michael” of the craft stores and leave it at that! 😉
I too really like it for the no VOC’s. No one wants to be breathing toxins in the middle of winter. I too am looking forward to using it lots more on future projects.
Aww, we knew you didn’t throw away those books! I like the mirror. Your hubby has a good eye in knowing what you would like, and the paint looks great on it. That box thing at the bottom is really handy too. Great job Mary!
Florence this was such a find. He really does have a good eye. I love that box storage thing on the bottom. I tell the boys to put all my mail in there. But not the taxes! 😉
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!
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.
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.
Debra I am really loving the OFMP. It went on nice and smooth and I had no problems whatsoever.
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!
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.
That turned out great Mary!!
And of course, you couldn’t get rid of all of the books!!
But I love the bookcases that I see on Pinterest, where they stage it with all the red books in one area, and blue books in another, etc!! Talk about fancy!
Not that I’ve ever done that!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I also love the color staging. And in fact in my living room I’ve flipped all my books over so you just see the pages and not the spines. It looks very serene in there.
Mary, that’s so cool that you’re an OFMP blogger!! Congratulations!! Thanks for giving a run down on what it is and how to use it. I’ve never used milk paint before but I can’t wait to try it. It sounds so interesting. That was so sweet of your husband to pick up that mirror for you!! The makeover you gave it looks fantastic!! I like how you’ve mounted it just above the dictionary stand. I think the reality pictures are great, that’s life. I’m so glad you taught your son the importance of reading, you’re a good mom! 🙂
I can’t wait to use the milk paint some more. It feels like a great mysery whose talents are unfolding in front of me.
The space on top of the stand was the logical place to put it. Although I may work on that color some more when I get back. I think it needs more depth, maybe some dark wax?
As for the reading part. Once I started to read Harry Potter to him he was hooked and took the book away from me to read it himself. We all have JK Rowling to thank for that.
Mary, your husband is so sweet! That is too cool that he left you this little treasure in the basement so you could find it and make it beautiful! Love it and the milk paint sounds like something I’d love to try out!
Katrin milk paint would be perfect for all the little projects you do. It has a wonderful feel to the hand. I hope you can get a hold of some. You will definitely love it and it fits in perfectly with your nordic style.
You are too kind, Mary! Your first project turned out GREAT! I love that you can still see some of the original wood peeping through and all the pigment variations in the color. So glad you joined the OFMP Brand Bloggers. I hope it’s a rewarding experience for you. I’m looking forward to seeing all your future projects. 😀 And thanks so much for the shout out. It’s appreciated. Take care, Cynthia
Cynthia I was stalking your blog before doing this project. I am also very happy I joined. This is a new experience for me and I love learning new things. This paint is very different from other paints and that is what’s exciting for me. Looking forward to many future projects from everyone.
The mirror turned out so pretty, Mary! I love the distressing. Have not tried milk paint yet but you’ve inspired me to follow in your footsteps! Happy Valentine’s Day, friend!
Ohh I’m so glad to hear that Kimm. I was really hesitant to try it but once I did there is no looking back. It is very workable.
What a beautiful blue/grey, Mary on your mirror makeover. All that elbow grease got you great results!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Poppy
Keeping it bright and airy Poppy. The books add more than enough color.
Hello Mary,
I was pretty sure you didn’t get rid of the books – no lover of book can throw any out! But you’ll definitely need a larger bookcase, there’s still sooo much to read out there!
That mirror turned out really lovely! And the little storage box is odd indeed – ever though of putting a (small) plant in there?
Have a lovely day,
Marjan
Next time I go up there I’ll have to go to some yard sales and see if I can find a bigger one. And of course I’ll want to paint that one too.
Marjan what a cute idea to put a plant in there. Won’t it die from lack of sunlight? The dining room has no light at all.
That’s a huge improvement for that space. Great job Mary!
Zografia I really liked this paint. It did not smell like the other stuff and that is so important when you are painting in the wintertime.
Yay, the books are back. I knew you wouldn’t do something bad to them, you love them to much 😉 I love how you’ve transformed the whole space Mary. The mirror fits perfectly between the book shelves and looks great above the dictionary stand. Congrats on becoming a Brand Bloggers for OFMP. I’ve always wanted to try it
How could I do something bad? We even had a discussion about where fiction and non-fiction would go so he would be able to have a general idea as to where everything was. Of course he still has to search about 10 minutes before he finds the one he is looking for but at least now everything is pretty. That must count for something.
Mary!!!!! You did a great job. Don’t you just love the way milk paint distresses?
There is so much to learn Lisa. I really love the way it goes on, smooth and it penetrates the wood. I also want to work on the chippy effect in the future. Thanks for your help.