How to Make a Wall Mirror Out of an Old Window Frame
Wood framed, multi-paned windows have an old-fashioned, plain look that complements rustic décor. If your home has newer windows, you can purchase an old-fashioned one from a building salvage store and convert it to a handsome wall mirror. Replacing a window's clear glass panes with mirrors is a deceptively simple process requiring some inexpensive hardware supplies. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Heat gun
- Putty knife
- Flat tipped screwdriver
- Wire brush
- Measuring tape
- Mirror
- Corrugated cardboard
- Craft knife
- Glass cutting tool
- Grozing pliers
- Glazing point
- Swivel hangers
Instructions
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1
Soften the glazing on a section of windowpane with a heat gun and remove it with a putty knife. Repeat this process for each section of glass.
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2
Pry out the old glazing points with the putty knife or a flat tipped screwdriver.
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3
Remove each section of glass and clean out any debris in the frame with a wire brush.
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4
Measure the dimensions of each opening in the window frame. Subtract 1/8 inch from each of these dimensions to leave room for glazing.
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5
Cut sections of mirror and cardboard equal to these dimensions, using a glass cutter for the mirror and a craft knife for the cardboard. You will need a section of mirror and cardboard for each opening in the frame.
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6
Back each section of mirror with a piece of cardboard and place it into a window frame opening. If a mirror doesn't fit, go over the problem edge with grozing pliers.
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7
Drive glazing points into the window frame every 4 inches, using a putty knife. The glazing points will hold the mirrors in place.
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8
Screw two swivel hangers into the back of the window frame, 1/3 to ½ of the way down from the top.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear protective goggles and gloves when working with cutting and heating tools.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
