Mirror makeover with Old Fashioned Milk Paint
Disclosure: I was compensated for doing this post with product. However, all the opinions stated…
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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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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. 😉
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.
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!!
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!
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.
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!