How to Make Window Mirrors
Don't throw away an old window. Instead of tossing it in the garbage, use the frame to make your own window mirror. With the shabby-chic fad so hot in home décor, this is an ideal way to give a room a much needed makeover. When someone asks where you got that spectacular find, you can take pride in telling her that you made it yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Old window frame
- Mirror
- Tape measure
- Glass cutter
- Glazing points
- Hammer
- Marker
- Straightedge
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Newspapers
- Screw-eyes
- Picture-hanging wir
Instructions
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1
Carefully remove any glass or glass fragments from the window frame. Make sure to wear your protective gear (gloves and goggles) before commencing with the removal.
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2
Lay the window frame face down on a layer of newspapers. Using your tape measure, assess the height and width of the mirror you will need. Measurements should be taken from corner to corner where the grove in which the glass once laid lengthwise and widthwise.
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3
Using your measurements, straightedge and marker, trace out the amount of mirror you will need. If you already measured out the frame before purchasing the mirror, many suppliers will cut the mirror down to size for you. If this is not the case for you, move on to Step 4. If so, skip to Step 5.
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4
Place the straightedge along the areas in which you need to cut and score the mirror by sliding the blade of your glass cutter along the straightedge. Once scored, gently tap the mirror on a hard surface to remove the excess glass. The scored edge will make it easy for the excess to separate from the usable portion.
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5
Carefully place the mirror within the frame. If you’ve measured correctly, it should slide in rather easily.
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6
Measure out the same height and width onto your poplar support strips and cut to length, adding an 1/4 of an inch to the measurement of the strips that will be running up and down. You should end up two sets of two support strips.
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7
Secure the mirror by placing the appropriate support strips on the mirror and frame. Screw in three wood screws at the corners of your support strip and then every 3 to 4 inches around the edges.
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8
Measure about 2/3 of the way up both sides of the window frame. Anchor your picture-hanging wire with a screw-eye (follow the directions on the packaging of this product) on the right and left side of the frame, making sure the points are even on either side.
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9
Hang your new window mirror.
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Tips & Warnings
Dispose of the old glass by placing it in a cardboard box. Tape tightly shut, label and throw in the trash.
Always wear gloves and eye gear when working with glass.
