Inspiration

Gilded French Rustic Mirror

by Annie Sloan

This mirror was originally a door of an old French armoire – you can still see the keyhole – and has been repurposed by Annie with Chalk Paint™ and Brass Leaf.

Gilded French Rustic Mirror painted with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan from Colour Recipes book published by Cico. Photo by Christopher Drake

Annie chose to paint the frame of this mirror in the slightly cool-toned Old White to contrast with the warmth of the gilding and to suggest a classical French look, typified at the Palace of Versailles.

Gilded French Rustic Mirror painted with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan from Colour Recipes book published by Cico. Photos by Christopher Drake. Step 1 and 2

First, Annie used a Flat Brush and slightly diluted Chalk Paint™ to achieve a smooth finish with Old White. Next, she used a Detail Brush to apply Primer Red to the moulded parts of the mirror as a base for the gilding. Once dry she applied Gold Size over the Primer Red. Gold Size looks milky on application and as it begins to dry it becomes more translucent and stickier, so Annie recommends waiting a few minutes until it is completely clear before you lay the Brass Leaf over the Gold Size. Use a Detail Brush to push the leaf into the details of the carving and to sweep away excess.

Gilded French Rustic Mirror painted with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan from Colour Recipes book published by Cico. Photos by Christopher Drake. Step 3 and 4

Once you’re happy with how the Brass Leaf looks, use a clean and dry lint-free cloth to apply Clear Wax over the Brass Leaf and paintwork to protect. Unwaxed Brass Leaf will tarnish as it oxidises.

Step by step taken from Annie’s book Colour Recipes for Painted Furniture and more, published by Cico books. Photography by Christopher Drake.

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Gilded French Rustic Mirror painted with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan from Colour Recipes book published by Cico. Photo by Christopher Drake
Annie Sloan Paint Swatch Old White

Old White

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Annie Sloan Paint Swatch Primer Red

Primer Red

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Gold Size

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Loose Metal Leaf Booklets in Brass (Gold Imitation), Aluminium (Silver Imitation) and Copper by Annie Sloan

Loose Metal Leaf Booklets

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Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax

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Flat Brushes

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Detail Brushes by Annie Sloan box

Detail Brushes

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Colour Recipes for Painted Furniture and More by Annie Sloan book published by Cico front cover

Colour Recipes for Painted Furniture and More

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