How to use contact paper to make a cabinet look MIRRORED

We just finished the funnest project.

We added “mirror” to the front of that buffet.

I am obsessed with all things shiny, so I know this will surprise no one.

Our buffet started out looking like this. And if you really want to see how ugly it was before I painted it this color, go HERE. (I will warn you….. if painting over ugly mass produced fake wood inset looking furniture hurts your heart, don’t go read the article. You’ve been warned.)

This post does contain affiliate links to make your shopping easier and to support this blog! 

I had seen this mirrored paper/film stuff online for sale and wondered if it worked. (PS last time I check it was sold out so you could try these mirror adhesive sheets or this faux metal roll.)

So I thought I would try it to make my own mirrored furniture piece and let you know how it went!

I will warn you that their directions were a bit sketchy and it’s a good thing I had Lizzie with me!

First, you need to wash your surface with vinegar and water so the film will adhere well.

Then you need to “measure” the size of your piece. I always “measure” by using tissue paper and my fingernail. It isn’t perfect, but ain’t nobody got time for a tape measure when you can crease tissue paper. Can I get an amen?

Lizzie used our “tissue template” to trace onto the back of the film and cut out our first piece.

The directions said to dampen your surface with a water bottle. Done.

And after you peel the back off  of your film to dampen the film too. It’s supposed to be so you can re-position the paper easier. Not sure if it really did that or not, but we are rule followers, so spritz it we did!

Then Lizzie laid the first piece of film into the drawer inset.

And she used many tools to try to smooth it out….. a stencil smoother (pictured), a sponge, a rag and a debit card. This is where you NEED to get the big bubbles out.

If your film is a little too big in spots you CAN cut it with a knife, but I really suggest you trim your piece perfectly BEFORE adhering it to your furniture. So much easier!

Then you pull and pray the blue protective film. Great job Lizzie! (and great hair!!!)

Viola!  It’s mirrored!

I was surprised that it’s also very “dimpled” for lack of a better word.

But the dimpled look is consistent on every inset of the buffet and I love it! I actually think if it weren’t dimpled it may look like tin foil, ya know?

See it on the whole thing?  It’s very reflective.

And the reflective-ness changes with the lighting!

Here is my reflection in the film at night! It’s a “dimpled mirror”. lol. 

See? Gorgeous, right?

If you want to check out the mirrored “film” (you can call it contact paper too!), it’s HERE online for sale.

And because I know you will ask, all the details about my rug are HERE. I am obsessed with that too!!!!

And for those of you who are super visual…. you can see me apply some of the film on this video on my Facebook page:

Best,

Jennifer

Please share my mirrored furniture pin on Pinterest and check out my Painted Furniture board.