From Plastic to Patina: A Mediterranean Mirror DIY with DIXIE BELLE PAINT!

Real Rust on a plastic mirror!

We’ve all seen them—those inexpensive, plain plastic mirrors at thrift stores or even in our own basements. While they might look a bit "cheap" in their original state, they are actually the perfect blank canvas for a high-end, old-world transformation.

Today, we’re using Terra Clay Paint and a Patina finish to turn a "freebie" into a Mediterranean treasure.

The Vision: Earthy, Weathered, and Ancient

The goal is to move away from the "plastic" look and toward something that feels like it was pulled from a villa in Italy. By using clay-based paints, we create deep texture that mimics stone or aged plaster. Want to watch the video tutorial of the process? Click Here!

Step 1: Prep the Surface

Even though we want a weathered look, your paint needs to stick.

• Clean: Use a degreaser (like Dixie Belle’s White Lightning) to remove any oils or dust.

  

  Before

Step 2: Building Texture with Terra Clay Paint

Terra Clay Paint is porous and thick, making it ideal for creating "movement."

1. Choose an earthy base color (like a warm terracotta or deep sand).

2. Apply the paint using a "stippling" or stabbing motion. Don’t worry about brush strokes; in fact, the more texture, the better!

3. Let this dry completely. The clay paint will feel chalky and layered, providing the perfect "valleys" for our metal paints to settle into.

4. Find all colors of TERRA here!

   
   

Step 3: Applying the "Real Metal" (Iron and Copper)

This is where the magic happens. Dixie Belle’s Patina Paint contains actual metal particles.

1. Apply a coat of Patina Paint in Iron in some sections and Copper in others.

2. Let the first coat dry.

3. Apply a second coat. While this second coat is still wet, move immediately to the next step.

   
   

Step 4: Activating the Rust and Verdigris

To get a real chemical reaction, you need the Green Patina Spray.

1. While your second coat of Iron and Copper paint is wet, spray the Green Patina Spray over the surface.

2. Wait for the science: You won't see the change immediately. Over the next 2–6 hours, the spray will react with the metal particles.

   • The Iron will turn into a deep, authentic Orange Rust.

   • The Copper will develop a beautiful Green Verdigris (patina).

   

Step 5: Sealing the Masterpiece

Once you are happy with the level of rust and patina, you must stop the chemical reaction.

• Wait 24 hours for the reaction to fully stabilize.

• Seal the frame with a clear coat (like Gator Hide or Clear Coat) to protect the finish and ensure the rust doesn't rub off on your walls.

• You can also try PATINA GUARD.

  

Why this works

The Mediterranean look is all about "perfect imperfection." By layering the heavy texture of the Terra Clay with the organic, unpredictable nature of real rust, you’ve turned a piece of plastic into something that looks like it has a centuries-old story to tell.

Ready to try this on your next thrift find? Grab your spray and let the oxidation begin! Need to watch another video on how it works? CLICK HERE!

The AFTER!

Want to try your own Dixie Belle Paint products? Click here! 

Thanks for joining me on my painting journey! Stay tuned for more! Want to learn more though VIDEO? Find my YouTube channel here!

Melissa

***This post contains affiliate links at no added cost to you but help me as a artist on my own brand building journey! Thanks!