How Not to Silver Leaf

I found this great mirror at Goodwill for $1.00 last week.  I think it is the perfect size and shape for my dining room.  It had a poorly done coat of metallic silver spray paint that was very bumpy.

 I gave it a light sanding just to remove the bumps.

Part of the reason that I was able to get the mirror for a $1.00 when it was originally marked for $4.00, was that it had a crack in one of the sections.  I just added some wood filler that I had on hand and sanded it down.  It looks good as new.

I've been wanting to try using silver leaf for some time.  I once bought a side table at Ikea (before my thrifting days) with the intention of silver leafing it.  After buying the supplies and the table, it would have been like a $250.00 project.  I returned the supplies, disassembled the table, and returned it.  Especially not knowing how to do it, I didn't want to take the risk.  I figured this mirror was small enough. 

So I applied the silver leaf adhesive and as per the instructions let it sit for 45 minutes or until tacky.  I then applied the sheets of silver and used a small brush to rub it in. 

 The silver wasn't sticking, so I applied more glue. I didn't wait the 45 minutes at this point and ruined the silver.  This is what I got.  It looks bumpy and the silver was not sticking correctly.  I don't love it. 

Luckily, I had only used about half of one pack. I think I need to try something else.  Any suggestions? I really don't want to do the metallic spray paints, I don't really love the way the finish turns out.

Edit to post:  I've gotten some really great ideas today.  Feel free to give me any ideas.  I love reading your comments. 

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