How to Make an Acrylic Mirror

Acrylic mirrors are a great choice for kids' lockers, young children's rooms, traveling or camping because they are less likely to break. Making your own acrylic mirror can be significantly less expensive than buying one, and allows you a bit more personalization with regard to size and framing. Additionally, it is easy enough for older kids to make themselves. All you really need is a photo frame without the glass--but make sure it has the backing--a thin sheet of plexiglass that will fit in the frame, some shiny silver craft foil and thin clear-drying glue.

Things You'll Need

• Clear-drying glue
• Small bowl
• Thin plexiglass to fit frame
• Paint brush
• Shiny (not matte) silver foil
• Photo frame (without glass, but with backing)

Instructions

1. Pour a small amount of the clear-drying glue into a small bowl and evaluate its thickness. The glue should be the same thin, pourable consistency of white school glue (but not the same color)--if it is not, thin the glue down with water.

2. Lay the plexiglass out on a clean, dry surface and brush a very thin layer of the glue over the entire area.

3. Lay the foil shiny side down onto the glued side of the plexiglass, being very careful not to wrinkle the foil.

4. Starting from the middle, carefully smooth the foil across the plexiglass, ensuring that there are no air bubbles between the foil and the plexiglass. Allow the glue to dry completely.

5. Trim any excess foil from the edges and place the plexiglass into the photo frame with the foiled side toward the back. Attach the backing and your mirror is ready to use.