What To Know
- For added safety, you can use a small piece of tape to secure the lenses to the frames.
- Before you start spraying, shake the can vigorously for at least a minute to ensure the paint is well-mixed.
- If you’re new to spray painting, practice on a scrap piece of plastic or glass first to get a feel for….
Sun-kissed skin and beachy waves are great, but let’s be real, the real star of summer is a pair of stylish mirrored sunglasses. They add a touch of cool to any outfit and protect your eyes from the harsh glare. But what if you could take your sunglasses game to the next level and create your own unique mirrored shades? That’s right, you can! This blog post will guide you through the process of how to make mirrored sunglasses, from choosing the right materials to applying the mirror finish.
Gather Your Supplies:
Before diving into the project, make sure you have all the necessary materials. The good news is, you won’t need a ton of specialized equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Sunglasses: Choose a pair of sunglasses with clear or tinted lenses. Avoid sunglasses with a polarized finish, as the mirror coating won’t adhere properly.
- Mirrored Spray Paint: This is the key ingredient! Look for spray paint specifically designed for plastic or glass surfaces. The color of the mirror finish is up to you – think gold, silver, blue, or even rainbow!
- Newspaper or Drop Cloth: This will protect your workspace from paint splatters.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from the paint.
- Masking Tape: This will help you create clean lines and prevent paint from getting on areas you don’t want to cover.
- Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses when working with spray paint.
- Ventilation: Ensure you have good ventilation while working with spray paint.
- Optional: A clear coat spray: This will help to seal the mirror coating and make it more durable.
Preparing Your Sunglasses:
Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to prep your sunglasses for their makeover. Here’s how:
1. Clean Your Sunglasses: Start by thoroughly cleaning your sunglasses. Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to remove any dirt, dust, or fingerprints.
2. Mask the Frames: Use masking tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint, like the frames and any details around the lenses. Make sure the tape is securely attached and create a clean line.
3. Secure the Lenses: For added safety, you can use a small piece of tape to secure the lenses to the frames. This will prevent them from moving while you’re spraying.
Applying the Mirror Coating:
With your sunglasses prepped, it’s time for the fun part – applying the mirrored coating. Follow these steps:
1. Find a Well-Ventilated Area: Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, preferably outdoors or in a garage.
2. Protect Your Workspace: Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your workspace from paint splatters.
3. Shake the Spray Paint: Before you start spraying, shake the can vigorously for at least a minute to ensure the paint is well-mixed.
4. Spray in Thin Coats: Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the sunglasses and spray in thin, even coats. Avoid spraying too thickly, as this can cause the paint to drip or become uneven.
5. Let Each Coat Dry: Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. This will help the paint to adhere properly. Depending on the paint, this could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Apply Multiple Coats: For a more opaque and vibrant mirror finish, apply 2-3 thin coats of paint. Remember to let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
Finishing Touches:
After the mirrored coating has dried completely, you’ll want to add a few finishing touches to ensure your sunglasses are ready to rock.
1. Remove the Masking Tape: Carefully peel off the masking tape, taking care not to disturb the paint.
2. Apply a Clear Coat (Optional): To seal the mirror coating and make it more durable, you can apply a clear coat spray. Follow the instructions on the can for application and drying time.
3. Let Your Sunglasses Cure: Allow your sunglasses to cure for at least 24 hours before wearing them. This will allow the paint to fully harden and prevent any smudging or scratching.
Tips for Success:
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to spray painting, practice on a scrap piece of plastic or glass first to get a feel for the spray pattern and drying time.
- Be Patient: The key to getting a smooth, even finish is to apply thin coats and let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Don’t spray paint in direct sunlight, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly and become uneven.
- Clean Up: After you’re done, clean up any paint splatters immediately to prevent them from drying and becoming difficult to remove.
Show Off Your Creativity:
Now that you’ve mastered the art of how to make mirrored sunglasses, the world is your oyster! Get creative with different colors, patterns, and designs. You can even experiment with adding glitter, rhinestones, or other embellishments to make your sunglasses truly unique.
Beyond Mirrored Sunglasses:
The techniques you’ve learned for creating mirrored sunglasses can be applied to other DIY projects as well. You can use mirrored spray paint to create fun accents on anything from phone cases and laptops to furniture and home décor.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use regular spray paint for this project?
A: While you can use regular spray paint, it’s not recommended. Mirrored spray paint is specifically designed for plastic or glass surfaces and will adhere better and create a more durable finish.
Q: How long will the mirror coating last?
A: With proper care, the mirror coating can last for a long time. Avoid scratching the lenses, and store your sunglasses in a case when not in use.
Q: Can I use this technique on polarized sunglasses?
A: No, the mirror coating won‘t adhere properly to polarized lenses. It’s best to use sunglasses with clear or tinted lenses.
Q: Can I use this technique on prescription glasses?
A: It’s not recommended to apply mirrored spray paint to prescription glasses. The paint could interfere with the anti-reflective coating on the lenses.
Q: What if the mirror coating gets scratched?
A: If the mirror coating gets scratched, you can try to touch it up with a small amount of paint. If the scratch is too deep, you may need to start over.
Now you’re ready to take your sunglasses game to the next level. Go ahead, experiment and have fun creating your own unique mirrored sunglasses! You’ll be the envy of all your friends.
