[MC HauntDreams]

Help! I found this amazing mirror recently and am starting its transformation. I can't decide though... Do I leave some of the original antige gold peeking thru or go all black? Here are pics of it original and so far (with the gold still showing some.) What do you all think??? Help me decide.
Original

Still some antique gold

 

[Saki.Girl]

I love the look of the gold showing thru the black

 

[ooojen]

You probably can't lose either way. What goes best with the rest of your decor?

 

[printersdevil]

It is so beautiful. I agree with saki, I like the gold peeping through.

 

[MC HauntDreams]

Good point Oojen, but my decor could go either way.
The more I stare at it, the more I believe that it coordinates with a pair of plastic 3 candle each wall hangings that I already own. Have to dig them from the attic to check. Those are currently full black - so assuming I keep the gold them may need some retro fitting.
Wonder if M will be open to trying to find them in the attic this weekend....

 

[DeadED]

Personally I like the gold peaking through. Adds character, all black would flatten it IMHO.

 

[nosefuratyou]

Gold highlights for sure. The over spray has created an almost facelike effect. Like the witch in sleeping beauty in the mirror.

 

[Hilda]

I like the black with touches of gold.

 

[a_granger]

What about a mid range option with more of the gold on the high point but still keeping the black in all the nooks and crannies so it just looks really old and forgotten.

 

[Hilda]

Have you discovered Rub n' Buff yet? Someone on here told me about it last year and now I am addicted to the stuff.
It's metallic paste, that you can rub over paint to give a sheen. (Silver, gold, antique gold, etc.) They sell it in Michaels.
You can use it to drybrush over black for a fantastic old gold shimmer.




I painted this mirror frame black and then dry brushed antique gold rub n'buff over it. You don't have to use THIS much. haha Just a light touch would be good. I got carried away. haha But I love this stuff now.




Just a suggestion. Passing along from someone on here that passed it along to me... and I am so glad they did!


EDIT: That photo may be a bit dark... here is another right after I finished.

 

[Hilda]

Here's something I just did with the Rub n'Buff. I used less on this than on the mirror. Just caught the raised spots with it.

View attachment 277613

 

[MC HauntDreams]

Here's something I just did with the Rub n'Buff. I used less on this than on the mirror. Just caught the raised spots with it.

View attachment 277613

Hilda, the rub-n-buff set off a chain reaction.... I picked up some antique gold (not for this but for the clock I redid) and then fell in love with the metallic lavender/rubnbuff mix I used on it. Ended up doing that on this and it's sooooo perfect. So metallic lavender in the valleys, antique gold highlights and black peeking out between. It's gorgeous IMHO.

The purple is super subtle but adds a richness to it. Here's a closeup so you can see better.


Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[ooojen]

It looks wonderful! I would never have thought of using lavender colorant, but it truly is subtle. It doesn't scream, "Purple!"; it just gives depth and fullness. Nice job!

 

[Hilda]

Oh how WONDERFUL!!!!!!! That is gorgeous.

 

[oaklawn Crematory]

Oh I'm with Hilda...She can swear like a sailor and she knows her sh*t (*trade craft for all you people in California).


That looks awesome !

 

[yoboseiyo]

oooh, so pretty! i love the purple!