making a DIY Mirror Frame from old wood/barn wood/reclaimed wood…
MY OTHER PROJECTS
Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project:
Mirror Cutting Supplies:
- Irwin quick grips
- level
- vegetable oil
- paper towels
- mirror/glass cutting tool
- sanding block
Supplies for making reclaimed wood DIY mirror frame:
- frame material (we used reclaimed barn wood)
- table saw
- mitre saw
- Kreg Jig
- 5/8″ drill bit
- mirror clips
- drywall screws
Like OH YEAH, these suckers GOTTA GO.
Mirror, mirror on the wall? More like “mirror mirror” get your [email protected]# OFF my wall!!
And preferably without breaking because I’m not digging that whole seven years of bad luck deal. MJ said, or sang it more eloquently…”I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways.” In this case, let’s just change the MIRROR and leave the man out of it.
How to Cut Mirror:
1.) Using some Irwin quick grips (SUPER useful to have) and a level, set up a straight line/guide on the mirror. The clamps will keep the level steady during scoring.
2.) Rub the area of the mirror that is about to be cut with some vegetable oil (helps prevent chipping).
3.) Using an inexpensive mirror/glass cutting tool, score the glass by running the tool down your straight line, applying some pressure as you go.
4.) Move the scored line to the edge of your work surface, and apply a bit of downward pressure. It should break right along your score.
5.) Using a sanding block, lightly “sand” the cut edge to knock down the sharp edges.
6.) Seal the newly cut edge by “painting” some clear nail polish along it.
7.) Affix mirror to wall with mirror clips (only if you are re-installing the mirror now).
It could have been even easier if instead of angled cuts for the frame we just kept everything 90°. But Dave had gotten a new Kreg jig for Christmas that he had been dying to try out, so he wanted to make the angled cornered frame and use the new joiner.
Steps for making the DIY Mirror Frame:
1.) Rip the barn board down to the desired width using a table saw. We used a width of about 4″, but you could rip them to any size that works for your project.
2.) To make the frame sit on top of the mounted mirror, we used the table saw to cut a groove in the edge of each of the boards. The groove was about 3/4″ wide and 1/2″ deep. This is not hard, just takes about 10-12 passes on the table saw for each board. **Tip: make sure you lower the blade so you don’t cut all the way through the board…that would make for a bad day…
3.) Cut the 45° angle on the boards. We used a mitre saw, so this job was pretty easy. I cut one 45, then measured from the top of the board the “overall” length that you need (outside dimension). I then cut the second 45, in the opposite direction.
4.) Time to join. The Kreg Jigluckily comes with great instructions. Follow these and you will be just fine. Once you have have the holes drilled, lay the boards on a flat surface and screw them together…you will be amazed how well this works…I was!!
5.) The frame is now complete, before you mount the frame to the wall…you need to make notches where the mirror hangers are located. We used a 5/8″ drill bit. Hold the frame up on top of the mirror and mark where the hangers are located. Drill out a pocket for the hangers to go into. You might need to do repeat this process a few times until it fits just right.
6.) Mount the frame to the wall with drywall screws.
OH YEAH we’re done.
Farm Quilter says
Great upcycling on the mirror! Thanks for the links to follow you on facebook, pinterest and twitter!
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Fabulous way to repurpose the mirror. I wish I could get hubby to agree that the giant mirror in the master bath needs to go.
LZ Cathcart says
You had me at barnboard…:) I love doing these kind of projects! Waste not, want not, or however it goes. Anyways, it is stunning!
Carla Benton says
What brand and paint color is on the walls? Love it!
Carla Benton says
What brand and paint color is on the walls? Love it!
Stacey says
It turned out Beautifullly! NOw that songs going to be stuck in my head the rest of the day…Thanks. LOL
Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog says
Love the way you reused the mirrors. It’s just perfect for the space, but don’t trip down the stairs while checking yourself out 🙂