How to Recreate a Timeworn, Antique-Inspired Mirror Finish
, by Danielle Knip,
6 min reading time
If you're drawn to old-world charm and the patina of timeworn pieces, you're going to love this technique. Created by decorative artist and finish expert Lyonella Cook, this finish is inspired by centuries-old European mirrors and combines the rich texture of gesso, layered milk paint, and delicate touches of gilding for a truly elegant transformation.
Follow this step-by-step tutorial to give your own mirror or decorative frame a stunning, aged effect that looks like it’s been passed down for generations.
Start by cleaning the entire piece thoroughly using Clean Slate and a lint-free rag to remove any dirt, grime, or old wax. This step ensures proper adhesion for your finish layers.
2. Apply Wax Resist
Rub Light Antique Wax in areas that would naturally show wear—like corners, edges, and raised details. This helps create a distressed, chippy effect later on.
3. Apply Your Foundation Layer
Roll or brush on One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff as a base to help the gesso and milk paint grip properly. Let it dry completely.
4. Layer with Gesso
Mix your Gesso with water at a 1:1 ratio for a smooth consistency. Apply your first coat using a chip brush and allow it to dry overnight. Repeat with a second coat and again let it dry overnight.
5. Create Your Custom Paint Colors
Base Pink Color: Mix La Gustavian and Strasbourg White until you get your desired dusty pink shade. Let the paint mixture sit for at least 2 hours before using.
Top Green Color: Mix Topiary with a touch of Praying Wife and Como Yellow to get a soft celery-to-olive tone. Let this mixture rest for a few hours or overnight for full pigment saturation.
6. Add More Wax Resist
Add another layer of Light Antique Wax in random areas (different from your first application) to help build dimension and authentic wear.
7. Paint Your Layers
Apply the pink base color using a chip brush. Let it dry at least 8 hours. Add more gesso over the dried pink to give your top color even more depth, and allow that to dry 6–8 hours.
Next, brush on the green top coat for full coverage and allow it to dry thoroughly—overnight is ideal.
8. Distress with Glaze
Using a Sea Wool Sponge, apply Antiquing Glaze across the entire surface. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes. Then, use a lint-free rag to "hit and drag," softly pulling away the glaze for a distressed effect. You can layer glaze and repeat this process until you’re happy with the look.
Pro tip: For crackling and crazing, hit freshly glazed areas with a heat gun. Be careful not to overheat—it can compromise adhesion.
9. Gild for Old-World Glam
Lightly brush off any loose paint or dust, then apply Gilding Size with a small brush to highlight raised details. Let it come to tack (about 15–30 minutes), then apply Gold Leaf. Once dry, gently rub with steel wool to distress and tone it down. Seal with Matte Sealer to prevent tarnishing.
10. Age Your Piece with Patina
Apply a coat of Light Wax with a chip brush and allow it to cure for 6 hours.
Once dry, bring your piece to life with Furniture Tonic, optionally mixed with Pigment Powders for added depth. You can also tint the wax with pigment to further enhance age and tone.
Finish with Dust of Ages—let it sit on the surface for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 for deeper effect), then gently buff it off using a hit-drag motion with a rag.
🪞 The Result:
A mirror frame that looks like it’s been passed down for generations—full of character, layers, and elegant European charm.
