How to Refinish an Antique Mirror

Take the antique mirror to your workshop, or outside. Do this so that the dust from sanding does not get released into your home. Use painter's tape and newspaper to completely cover the glass of the antique mirror. Run the edge of the tape along the edge of the glass. Avoid covering any of the wood with the tape. Do this to protect the glass.

Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to sand the wooden frame of the mirror, on all sides. Apply only slight pressure while sanding. Avoid using sanding blocks or handheld sanders to prevent oversanding or damage to fine details. Remove all of the old finish, sanding until the bare wood is exposed. Remove all dust particles using a soft cloth.

Apply a color of stain that closely matches the original finish to restore the antique mirror, or choose a different color to give the mirror a new look. Apply the stain using a soft dry cloth. Remove all excess stain promptly using a clean cloth. Apply a second coat of stain to the mirror to deepen the color if desired. Do not wait between coats, as no wait time is required.

Apply a coat of polyurethane using a small paintbrush, either soft bristle or foam. Do not shake or stir the poly before using it, as this can create air bubbles that will blemish the finish. Allow the polyurethane 1 hour to dry, then apply a second coat. Allow the second coat 1 hour to dry.

When the finish is completely dry, carefully remove all the painter's tape and newspaper.