Painting the mirror is more fun than art. Both paint and mirror are slippery things. Not all types of paints can stay on a mirror or glass surface. You need to go for paints with super adhesion power and durability. This is possible only if you have in-depth knowledge of choosing the one that fits your needs.
Choosing mirror paint depends directly on your purpose of painting. If you are artistic and want to decorate a mirror, the paint type you may chase will be different. For silvering, the paint type will be entirely different. Similarly for painting the mirror frame, you will go for different options.
Here in this post, we’ve tried our best to give a detailed description of all types of paints used for mirrors. If you want to know the best mirror paint, this post is a complete guide.
Our experts try hundreds of paints from different brands to pick out the best of the best for you. Scroll down to check the comparison table and reviews of our top picks.
In a Rush? Get one from here and thank me later on.
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Best Paint For Mirrors: Our Top Picks
No matter if you’re painting, writing, or crafting on a mirror, our top pick will help you to choose the best. Our expert painters tested these paints for adhesion, color quality, toughness, translucency, and dry-off time. After passing through many tests they separated a list of best paint for mirrors.
If you don’t have time to scroll the market, consider our top pick. We assured you that our experts only choose the best products.
These are the 10 best mirror paints 2023:
- Happlee Stained Glass Paint – (Click here to view)
- Caliart Acrylic Paint Set – (Click here to view)
- Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint – (Click here to view)
- Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint – (Click here to view)
- Rust-Oleum Available Chalkboard Paint – (Click here to view)
- Shabby Chic Chalked Furniture Paint – (Click here to view)
- FolkArt Extreme Glitter Acrylic Paint – (Click here to view)
- Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint – (Click here to view)
- Rust-Oleum Professional Spray Paint – (Click here to view)
- SEYMOUR Industrial Spray Paint – (Click here to view)
Types of Mirrors Paints
There are many options for choosing the best paint for mirrors. If you want to just paint, choose glass paints. For crafting, you may have acrylic, enamel, or oil-based paint formulas. For silvering or re- silvering of mirror back, use a coat of silver paint. To give metallic look to glass, use metallic finish spray paints. For writing on the mirror, chose oil-based paint markers.
First, you need to decide whether you want temporary paint or washable paint, or non-washable paint. Below are 6 types of paints used for mirrors:
#1- Glass Paint
Glass paints are specifically designed to stay on glass surfaces. They are slippery and more translucent than craft paint. When you use a translucent finish on glass you cant see the other side of the glass. It is also available in chalkboard finish to write messages on glass surfaces. It’s better to choose glass paint that doesn’t require heat to cure. Because oven-curing is unsafe for frames of mirrors.
#2- Acrylic Paint
The most common paint for mirror surfaces is acrylic paint. It is easier to scrap than any other type of paint. YOu need an artistic brush to apply the paint where you want. This type of paint is used for painting geometric shapes on mirrors. Once the paint dries, you can paint more of the painted color. But you need to dry off the first painted color completely.
#3- Enamel Paints
Enamel paint is of 2 kinds: water-based or oil-based. Both acrylic and water-based paint provide a similar look when it dries off. However, enamel paint takes more time to dry off completely on glass surfaces. This time may extend up to three weeks in humid areas. The good news is that it is washable when cured.
#4- Spray Paints For Mirrors
When painting on a big portion of a mirror you need spray paints. For crafting diagonal stripes and silhouettes in the center of the mirror, only spray paint is used. To do this, cover the area you don’t need to paint. Place the mirror in an airy or ventilated area.
To start painting, hold the spray can at a distance of 12 to 18 inches from the mirror.
#5- Oil-Based Paint Markers
For writing on a mirror or glass surface, you can use oil-based paint markers. They are more like permanent traditional writing markers. They’re available in different colors and shades. Not only this you can also use paint markers for writing on ceramic objects. When choosing a paint marker never go for one that requires an oven for curing. If you want more perfection, sketch your design on paper and craft it on the surface of the mirror.
#6- Silvering paint
The mirror is made by depositing silver through electroplating on the surface of the glass. This silver layer is further secured from scratching by applying paint coating. No mirror is perfectly free from rust as silvering is weak and easily prone to abrasion. Silvering paints are available in spray form or brush-in form. For larger areas, you can choose the brush option.
10 Best Mirror Paint Review
Mirrors enhance the outlook of a room if you paint it elegantly. Nowadays artists and craftsmen are taking more and more interest in decorating mirrors for walls. For this, they write on the mirror, craft on the mirror, and paint on the mirror. All they need is the best color to let the mirror shine on your wall. Let’s check out the reviews of the 10 best paints for mirrors.
#1. Happlee Stained Glass Paint – Best Paint For Mirror Glass
If you’re in search of the best glass paint for beginners, this product is for you. When craftsmen start painting on a mirror, they first learn it through painting on glass jars. YOu may call it the best glass mirror paint. When you want to turn glass objects into decor give it a try.
The good thing is that this paint is available in 12 colors. These colors include Violet, Crimson, Deep Blue, Orange Yellow, Light Green, Cerulean Blue, Black, Rose, Viridian, Burnt Umber, Mid Yellow, and Titanium White. Not only this, but you can also paint your windows, porcelain, and so on.
Specifications:
- Paint Type: Acrylic
- Surface: Wood, Clay, Ceramic, Fabric, Glass
- Brand: Happlee
- Color: Black
- Unit Count: 9.6 Fl Oz
- Package Information: Tube
After All, it is the perfect paint for a wine glass painting for beginners or professional painters or artists. This glossy paint does a great performance on glass cups, glass lampshades, glass buildings, and so on. Everyone would fall in love with your crafts on the glass surface.
Not only this but also if you need or try to find the paint for any of these following needs then this product will work perfectly on there too like:
- Best paint for glass jars
- Best spray paint for glass jars
- Best chalk paint for glass jars
- Best craft paint for glass jars
- Best acrylic paint for glass jars
So, From now make your interior brighter with your art and win the praise of many.
What We Like
- It’s ideal to apply to Christmas ornaments
- Its mainly translucent
- Insoluble in water
- It’s available in multi colors
- Great product for painting rocks
What We Didn’t Like
- The tubes run off quickly
#2. Caliart Acrylic Paint Set – Best Mirror Paint Color
If you’re an artist and love to decorate mirrors for your home, this is the best choice. Why? The reason is that it glides on smoothly, dries quickly, and stays as beautiful as the day they were painted. Whether you’re new to acrylic painting or a professional artist, the paint kit will set fire to your imagination. NOt only this it is great for canvas painting, Halloween Pumpkins, and so on.
It’s easy to clean up and that makes it a wonderful product for kids and art students. If you want to clean up smoothly, add some soap to the water. Moreover, it is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. You need not blow air to dry it. It dries off naturally and quickly.
Specifications:
- Paint Type: Acrylic
- Surface: Wood, Ceramic, Fabric
- Brand: Caliart
- Color: Classic
- Unit Count: 48 Fl Oz
- Age Range: Kid, teen
- Usage: Interior/Exterior
- Special Feature: Non-Toxic
- Finish Type: Matte
- Package Information: Bottle
It is available in 24 color shades. These colors include Lemon Yellow, Medium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Orange, Vermilion, Crimson, Scarlet, Magenta, Purple, Phthalo Blue, Deep Cyan Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Viridian, Monastral Green, Sap Green, Phthalo Green, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Lamp Black, Grey, Titanium White.
Add variety and love to your painting. Decorate your mirrors and win the heart of your guests using these colors.
What We Like
- They are a bit glossy alos
- You can use it to paint a variety of objects
- It dries off in 2 to 3 minutes
- It remains fresh even after years of painting
What We Didn’t Like
- Color bottles run off quickly.
#3. Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint – Best Mirror Gold Spray Paint
Are you looking to add a shiny outlook to your mirror? If so, this one’s for you. It can also be used to paint over the mirror or on the frame of the mirror. If you want to create a silhouette in the middle of the mirror, cover the paint-free portion. Spray it, and see the magic!
Specifications:
- Paint Type: Acrylic,Specialty
- Surface: Metal
- Brand: Rust-Oleum
- Color: Gold
- Unit Count: 11.0 Ounce
- Usage: Interior
- Finish Type: Metallic
- Package: Bottle
- Size: 11 Ounce
- Item Form: Aerosol
Where to use it? Because of its Bright reflective finish, it is perfect for adding a decorative touch to picture frames, candleholders, custom holiday decorations, scrapbook projects, and much more. It is easy to spray. Just keep the bottle 12 inches away from the mirror.
It’s unsafe for kids and pets. So, take all precautionary measures before using them. Moreover use it only in well-ventilated outdoor spaces. It takes time to dry off. If you keep it inside it will never dry soon. It can also be used on wood, metal, ceramic and unglazed ceramic.
What We Like
- It is enough to decor more than 2 to 3mirrors
- Its user friendly and affordable
- It covers the recommended surface reasonable well
- It gives a shiny brassy look
What We Didn’t Like
- It is not easy to remove
#4. Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint – Best Paint For Metal Mirror Frame
Why do we call it the best metallic paint for a mirror? The reason is that it resembles actual plating. It becomes difficult to differentiate between actual plating and paint. When it’s used to craft something on the surface of the mirror, it gives self-color touch, that looks awesome.
Specifications:
- Paint Type: Spray
- Surface: Wood, Metal, Plastic, Paper Mache, Glass, Plaster, Ceramic, Paper, Wicker
- Brand: Krylon
- Color: Original Chrome
- Unit Count: 8.0 Ounce
- Usage: Interior/Exterior
- Special Feature: Reflective
- Finish Type: Metallic
- Size: 8 Ounce
In this way, you can see your image along with the painting as well.
What is more special in this painting?
It is a very smooth, high gloss finish. It’s perfect for adding an on-trend finish home craft or DIY items. When You touch the surface after painting it looks highly sophisticated. Its fast dry feature is not easy to ignore. For large-size projects, it dries off in 10 minutes.
Above all, the name brand Krylon is world-famous for providing services since 1947. Because of such a long reputation, the trust level is very high.
What We Like
- It gives a fine finish to actual plating
- It does not hide the actual image of the mirror
- Its gloss is very smooth
- It dries off quickly
What We Didn’t Like
- The cap is misleading
#5. Rust-Oleum Available Chalkboard Paint – Best Chalk paint for Mirror Frame
If you want to enhance your interior decor to the next level. This paint is the best choice. Rust-Oleum is a well-known company with excellent service on paint stuff Give your mirror a modern look with neat craftsmen
Why do we like it? The reason is that it is not only ideal for glass, but it also works well on multiple surfaces including wood, metal, masonry, drywall, plaster, glass, concrete, paperboard, and hardboard.
Specifications:
- Paint Type: Specialty
- Surface: Wood,Glass,Plastic,Metal
- Brand: Rust-Oleum
- Color: Black
- Unit Count: 30.0 Fl Oz
- Usage: Interior
- Finish Type: Matte
- Size: 30 Fl Oz
- Item Form: Liquid
It is based on an oil-based formula that offers strong adhesive for glass surfaces. It can also be used for writing text on glass surfaces.
It’s easy to clean up also. Use soapy water to avoid scratches on the mirror surface.
What We Like
- It can be used for multiple applications
- You can also use it with painter spray
- It can be used with a paintbrush
- Perfect to paint wine glasses
What We Didn’t Like
- Color bottles run off quickly.
#6. Shabby Chic Chalked Furniture Paint – Best Mirror Paint For Wood
As the name, Shabby Chic states that this paint restores the old outlook of paint. It is regarded as the best paint for wooden frames. It is time-saving due to great coverage saving you time and money. Its durability is unquestionable.
It is designed using a chalk-based formula. You need to paint a thinner layer without premier. While on other surfaces primer is required. It is extensively used for the refurbishment of a wood dresser, vanity, and picture frame.
If you want to write something on a wooden frame you can use it. Even on a crafted frame, it would enhance decor aspects deeply. It contains NO harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents.
What We Like
- It’s available in a big box
- Multipurpose uses like writing painting and crafting frames
- It is designed on the water-based formula
What We Didn’t Like
- Sealer is required
- It spreads far away
#7. FolkArt Extreme Glitter Acrylic Paint – Best Mirror Finish Paint
If you want to make your mirror frame shimmer, this paint is for you. It will enhance the brightness of the mirror by adding more glass to the frame. GIve a sparkling finish to your decor and enjoy!
Not only on mirror frames you can use it on a variety of surfaces like wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more. Because of the spray bottle, it’s easy to apply to the painted area. You can even apply it on dull frames where paint is fading
This paint offers a rich, creamy consistency for exceptional blending and shading. This premium quality paint comes in several specialty finishes such as neon, glitter, chalk paint, enamel, multi-surface, outdoor, and more!
What We Like
- It is available in more shades
- It is washable
- It is user friendly
What We Didn’t Like
- It dries off after a long time
#8. Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint – Best Mirror Chrome Spray Paint
For every DIY project, this paint is fabulous. If the frame is metallic, this paint is ideal. YOu may call it the best mirror chrome spray paint. It enhances the beauty of the frame and makes your mirror shine and shine.
Its golden color is as bright as giving a real gold touch. It seems as if it’s an actual metallic painting. It is durable and long-lasting. With a spray bottle, it is user-friendly. One can hold it easily in hand and spray it. All is done. Wait for it to dry off. Don’t forget to cover paint-free areas.
The paint brand Krylon itself has been trusted by consumers since 1947. We offer a wide selection of spray paint products to help restore, refresh and recolor any project. With Krylon, today we spray.
What We Like
- It gives a high gloss finish
- It can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Its affordable and reliable product
- It dries off quickly
What We Didn’t Like
- More than one layer is needed to give a perfect look.
#9. Rust-Oleum Professional Spray Paint – Best Mirror Finish Spray Paint
Rust-Oleum took the paint market with fire. This company established its reputation very fastly.
When black is mixed with mirror color, it’s a perfect combination. It enhances the beauty of the wall where it is hung. It is the best paint for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
It’s not only paint, it’s a protective shield to provide a rust-free coating on mirror frames. If you want to save your old mirror frame from rust use this paint. For this reason, it is regarded as the best paint for mirrors by professionals.
It is designed on commercial formula and you can spray it from any angle. It’s good to read the user manual before doing paint.
What We Like
- It protects the metallic frame from fading
- It gives a glossy finish
- It has excellent coverage
- A very small amount covers a big area
What We Didn’t Like
- More than one coat is required
#10. SEYMOUR Industrial Spray Paint – Best Industrial Mirror Paint
If you’re worried about your costly frame mirror, use this paint and save it from rust. It creates a layer of chemicals to protect mirror frames from corrosion, dust, abrasion and fading.
This painting is definitely a next-level artistic painting. It gives. Very professional results. Great spray pattern with excellent coverage.
Moreover, it gives high gloss and sprays evenly. You can paint any object you want.
What We Like
- It’s glossy
- It has a great finish
- It does not require extra coating
- The spray bottle has the aerosol feature
What We Didn’t Like
- It is based on the oil-based formula
Best Mirror Paint: What Should To Look
Buying paint for a mirror seems like a buzz as there are a lot of colors and paint types available. Ask yourself what type of paint you prefer for the mirror? Why do you want to paint a mirror? What color do you need to paint of mirror? What type of paint sticks well on a mirror? And What type of painting method is preferable. Besides all these, what does your budget support? So, think well about these questions before buying paint for the mirror.
Below are a few things you need to consider before placing an order:
Paint Type
There are oil-based, acrylic, water-based, and enamel paints available to paint mirrors or glass. If you want quick dry paint, prefer acrylic, not enamel. Almost all types of paints are washable on mirrors. With a bit of soap, you can scrape the paint away. But few paint formulas take time to wash completely. Glass paints are specially designed for mirror surfaces. To get better results in painting on a mirror, use glass paints. But for painting mirror frames you may need acrylic paints or metallic paints.
Paint Packaging
Many people neglect this factor of packaging. If the paint is in the can it’s hard to use. If paint comes in tubes, it will run off quickly. If the paint is packed in a can, never forget to check the amount written on the label. To cover a larger portion, go for a can. Paints in glass bottles are risky to use. They can break at any time. For mirrors, the best paint comes in spray bottles. They are easy to use and store when not in use.
Paint Purpose
Why do you want to buy paint for a mirror? It means you need first to understand the purpose of using paint on a mirror. It can be painting, crafting, decorating, silvering, and re-silvering. If you need paint for painting a small portion, go for glass paint in tubes or bottles. For painting mirror frames, go for acrylic paints in a spray bottle. It may be in a golden brassy shade or matt color. For silvering, go for a metallic paint finish or glass-like paint finish cover in color only.
Pain Quantity
Before buying, don’t forget to read the label for oz or ounces. If the paint bottle comes in ounces 1/4Ounces or 1/2Ounces, this amount is not enough for large coverage. The spray paints come in oz, 6oz, 8oz to 11oz. The more the Oz, the larger the area it will cover. Make sure to have a clear understanding of the area you want to cover with paint.
Painting Method
If you feel comfortable with brush painting go for it. If you feel better with spray paints, choose a spray bottle. Mirror crafting silhouette or middle of the mirror, spray paint is best. For painting mirror frames, both brush-in and spray paints are recommended. For re-silvering, spraying paint from 12 to 14 inches is OK.
Paint Colours
Choosing paint color depends on your choice and purse of painting. For re-silvering, always go for silver paint. For painting mirror frames, go for the metallic silver finish type. For painting artistic sculptures in the mirror, choose different color combinations. If you’re painting on a mirror frame consider the light factor also. For example, painting glossy colors on a mirror frame will add more reflection if the light falls directly on the mirror.
What Is The Best Paint to Use on a Mirror Frame
The best paint to use on mirror frames is tough, rust-free, metallic, and long-lasting. Whether it’s a wooden frame or a metallic frame, the best paint sticks more with zero- abrasion.
Our experts tested different paints on different types of frames and rounded a few:
- Best paint for mirror frame: Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint
- Best spray paint for mirror frame: SEYMOUR MRO High Solids Spray Paint
- Best paint for wooden mirror frame: Shabby Chic Chalked Furniture Paint
From this, you can choose one and test yourself. I hope whatever you may choose you to get the best results.
How Do You Get Paint to Stay on a Mirror?
It’s true that when you paint on glass or a mirror, the paint flows quickly. To keep the paint stay on the mirror, place newspaper atop or trap it in the area where you don’t want to paint. Leave the area flat or uncovered where you actually want to paint. Glass paints are designed to stick on mirror surfaces quickly. They have special adhere components to slip less on the surface of the mirror.
One more thing: enamel and oil base paint formulas are always difficult to stay on the mirror. They take time to dry off and stay liquid most of the time. If you go for acrylic it will dry soon and stay longer.
Will Acrylic Paint Wash off The Glass?
Almost all types of paints on glass or mirror surfaces are washable including acrylic. The reason is that glass is a non-porous substance. It does not allow the paint particles to soak inside the glass. So, paint only stays on the surface. From here it is easier to scrape off and wash out.
If the paint is not washed with simple water, add some soap. You can also scrape it gently from the surface of the glass. Washing it is also easier.
Will Acrylic Paint Ruin Glass?
No, it will not ruin the glass but its stickiness of glass is questionable. If you use a prime coat with it it will never ruin your mirror. The reason is that glass is no porous material, it does not allow acrylic paint particles to soak inside. So the paint will stay on the surface only. From here it is easy to scrape off or peel off.
As compared to enamel and oil-based formulas acrylic is set on a glass surface quickly. It dries off too fast. But it peels off too fast also. So, it’s not durable or suggested for the mirror.
Can you Scrape The Paint off a Mirror?
Yes, you can but with gentle rubbing, not with sharp scraping. To soften the paint, first, use nail polish remover with a soft towel. This will reduce the stickiness of paint on the surface of the mirror. After this use a towel to clean the layer of paint. Rub the remaining mirror gently with scarper to wipe it off
Be careful scrapping too harshly can cause marks. It will be hard to remove these marks from the mirror surface. So, do this procedure with gentle rubbing only.
Final Words
Finally, the end is here. Now you’ve many examples of paints to choose one. Reading the label of paint is a must if you want to know about color, paint type, and quantity. Sometimes people buy paints without knowing more about recommended surfaces. Always read the user instructions carefully to note down whether the paint is safe to use on a mirror or not.
What is your favorite paint for a mirror? Don’t forget to write about your experience with any of these products mentioned above.