Owning a shabby chic mirror does not have to be costly, especially if you can’t really find what you love either in the nearest store or even online. Keep reading to find out how to have an inexpensive shabby chic mirror.

Create Your Own Shabby Chic Mirror

What you need to create a mirror that reflects what you love:

1. A glass from any of the following: Old window, Tabletops such as coffee tabletops, Picture frames, Any framed glass
2. Mask – preferably a painter’s mask or any mask
3. A pair of goggles or eyeglasses
4. Gloves
5. Lint-free cloth
6. Glass cleaner or soap and water
7. Vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio) in a spray bottle
8. Newspaper, plastic, cardboard, or drop sheet to protect the surface and other items around during the spray-painting process
9. Paper towel
10. A wood of your choice as long as it can hold your glass; the size depends on the glass that you’ll be using. You can re-use those from the picture frames if you find them stylish to use.
11. Antique Mirror spray paint or a mirror effect spray paint

Step-By-Step Process to Create a Shabby Chic Mirror

Assuming what you have on hand is an old framed glass with still a finely looking frame, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Find a well-ventilated area but doing it outdoors is the better option. Especially if there are children inside the house. Additionally, make sure they will not go with you outside. Have someone look after them before you proceed outdoors.
2. Thoroughly read the instructions and guidelines that are written on your spray paint bottle.
3. Wear goggles to ensure you are protected from any objects that may hit your eyes.
4. Carefully detach the board from the frame.
5. Remove the glass and place it on old cardboard.
6. Clean the glass with soap and water or glass cleaner. Do make sure that it is dirt free. Clean both sides.
7. Dry it thoroughly using a newspaper or a lint-free cloth. 
8. Tape off areas that you don’t need to be painted. This will also prevent the paint from leaking underneath and ruining your masterpiece.
9. Wear your gloves and mask.
10. Lightly spray the glass with your vinegar-water solution.
11. Dry with a paper towel and spray again with the solution.
12. Spray the glass with the antique mirror paint.
13. Let it sit for a few minutes and respray with the vinegar-water solution.
14. Do another coat of spray paint.
15. Leave for a few minutes, and lightly blot the excess solution with a paper towel.
16. Spray 1-2 more coats of the paint, allowing it to dry in between coats.
17. Leave for an hour.
18. Spray the backing board you have detached earlier in flat Black, and allow it to dry.
19. Frame the glass with its reflective side down.
20. Add the backing board with its painted side down. Attach the backing board to the frame using tapes.

Note that you may no longer need the vinegar-water solution for other types or brands of mirror-effect spray paint. Likewise, the number of coatings may vary on the spray that you’ll be using. Hence, it is very important to read the instructions well.