Reminders from a Reclaimed Mirror featuring etchall® crème

I found this mirror on one of our treasure hunting days in Canton (TX). I actually passed it up (only for a moment) …the price was too good to be true so I didn’t think it was. I looked at and then moved onto the next booth. But it was just nagging at me to go back and to double check the price… So, I did “Is this mirror really $4.00?”. “Yes” was the answer and money changed hands and I was now a proud of owner of a not so perfect mirror that was going to be perfect for my new kitchen wall!

Etching was immediately on my mind.  I love to etch mirrors- it can be a little tricky when removing the crème but with a little a patience and practice, it turns out beautiful every time!! With etchall®, the etching is deep, beautiful and permanent!  On mirrors, the etching also adds to the beauty as it reflects what is in view and the words or images gently create depth and richness. Reclaimed or Used Mirrors are easy to find at treasure (thrift) stores, garage sales and estate sales and sometimes it’s easier and a little less stressful to try something new on an inexpensive item.  Once you’ve finished one mirror, you will be on the lookout for that perfect looking glass to etch your next word or beautiful image!  Let’s get started….

Gather

Mirror

Painter’s tape

Stencils of your choice

etchall® stencil spray

etchall® crème- you may need a larger quantity, depending on the size of your mirror

etchall® squeegee

timer

sponge

paper towels

glass cleaner

rubbing alcohol

Make

1.     Clean mirror with glass cleaner and then follow it with rubbing alcohol. Make sure it is free of lint, dust and dirt.  Let dry.

      Using stencil spray, spray back of stencils.  Give it a minute to get a little tacky and then place on mirror.

2.     Using painter’s tape, tape securely around your stencils and cover every part of your mirror that you do not want etching.  ***This is so important.  As you can see in the photo, I covered the entire mirror.

3.     Using squeegee, spread the etchall® crème over the stencils.  I try to spread it in the same directions so as not to move the stencils or accidentally spread the creame under the stencil.

4.     Set the timer for 15 minutes

5.     Using squeegee, pick up the crème and put it back in the jar! Remember the crème is reusable!!

6.     Using a wet sponge, wipe the remaining crème. Once all crème is sponged up, remove all painters tape and stencils. You can clean it one more time with water but be sure you have all the crème up!! Let it dry.

Until next time,  enjoy your beautiful mirror that also will remind you of just how loved you are!!!

Platters and Paints - A whitewashing technique featuring etchall® etching creme and Chalk it up paints by EarthSafe Finishes

Gather- the platter graces my China Cabinet Ledge

I recently was using the paint technique of white washing on some of my older terra cotta pots.  In Texas, these pots usually do not make it through the winter as we can have freezing temps one day and then warm up in the 70’s- a major no-no when it comes to ceramics…Cracking occurs and then the pots are not really useful.  Or in the outdoors, they do not maintain the beautiful terra cotta color.  Turning old terra cotta pots and platters into new home décor pieces is my way to rescue these pots; painting them is also a fun, addictive and rewarding process.  The Earthsafe Finish Chalk it up Paints are some of the best I have worked with.  The ease in which they work and the beautiful color palette are just a few reasons I love these paints.  They are also good for the environment as well as for us! The whitewashing technique is super simple and yields a beautiful result.  The paint must be painted on unglazed pots for the technique to work.  With my platters, there was a glaze finish so I knew I had to remove it. Using etchall® crème was the answer (normally used for etching glass, slate, mirrors and more). It is a quick 15-minute process that removes the glaze and is now ready for white washing and stenciling. When all is complete, it is now a perfect addition to my dining room and greets everyone as we gather around the table.

Let’s get started…

Gather

 

a few supplies

Terra Cotta platter- used or new

etchall® etching crème

etchall® squeegee

Earthsafe Finishes Chalk it up lighter colors in cheesecake, licorice

Sponge brushes

Paper towels

Cup for water

Stencil brush

Stencil

Painters Tape

Wax Sealer

Cotton Rag

To remove the glaze

1.      With the etchall®squegee, spread the etching crème all over the front of the platter.  Don’t worry about using too much.  It’s all reusable!!

etching creme is spread-now we wait.

2.     Set timer for 15 minutes and let etchall® do its magic!

3.     When the timer rings, using the squeegee, gather the crème and put as much of the crème back in the jar. *you may not get all the crème, and that’s ok.

4.     Rinse in a stainless-steel sink or fill a plastic tub with water to remove any of the crème still on the surface.   Let dry. Now your platter is ready for whitewashing

*This technique works on other surfaces such as china and porcelain. So be careful around sinks and countertops. 

Whitewashing Technique

 

Here, I am adding different directions with the paint
for depth and interest

1.     Using a sponge brush and paint, working in small sections at a time, brush horizontally across the platter. Then go back and paint in a vertical brush strokes if you want a more random result.

2.     With a damp crumbled paper towel, wipe across the paint.  Spreading and removing as much or as little as you like. 

3.     Continue to add paint and wiping with water until the platter is finished.  You can add more paint in areas if needed. Keep your brush strokes in one direction as this will give a cohesive background for the stencil or you can paint in several directions, wiping to blend.

4.     Let dry.

 

Finished project

Stencil and Seal

1.     Using Painter’s tape, tape down stencil to be used. Around the rim of the platter, you may need to bend and manipulate the stencil to lay “flat”

2.      Using the less is more “dry brush” technique, dip stencil brush into the licorice and dab off a little of the paint onto a paper plate.

3.     Begin stenciling (pouncing) on your platter, refilling your brush as needed.  The platter can soak up the paint, you may have to go over areas again but better to start with a little paint than too much.

4.     Once stencil area has been painted, remove stencil and tape. Let dry.

Using a rag to spread the wax

5.     Using a rag, wipe on wax with a light hand and continuous motion all around the platter.

 

Stenciled and Sealed

Now your platter is ready to welcome family and friends into your home.  I set mine on an iron easel.  The Platter is a bit heavy, so it will need a strong support.  This platter was so fun to make that I have 2 more ready to be stenciled.  I am thinking perhaps a holiday stencil or even to personalize it with our last name.  I also have a few small saucers (without the drainage holes), so I am envisioning drinking coasters, place cards, table decorations… the possibilities are endless!  

 

Here's one for the coffee bar!

Until next time, paint up a few platters and then gather around the table for priceless conversation!