How to Make a Wood Frame for a Mirror

Build a frame for a mirror.

If you have a mirror attached to your wall with metal framing brackets, you might feel like there is nothing you can do to make it more attractive. However, you can actually frame the mirror without taking it down, and simply attach the frame around the glass itself. You will make use of a special type of trim called rabbet trim, which has a notch cut out of the backside to accommodate the mirror edge and cover the exposed sides.

Things You'll Need

• Rabbet trim
• Pencil
• Table saw
• Paint or stain
• Fast-setting epoxy
• Painter’s tape

Instructions

1. Hold a piece of rabbet trim against each edge of the mirror and make a mark with a pencil where you need to cut the piece.

2. Cut the trim with a table saw along each mark you made on it. The ends should be cut at 45-degree angles so they form a square corner when fitted together.

3. Paint or stain each piece of the trim. The trim needs to be treated on both the front and back, as well as on each side and the cut ends. Let the wood trim rest for 2 days to allow the finish to settle into the trim.

4. Mix fast-setting epoxy according the directions on your specific product. Spread a thin layer of the prepared epoxy on the back of each piece of trim and press the trim in place around the mirror.

5. Tape the trim to the mirror and the wall using painter’s tape and let the epoxy dry. Only remove the tape once the epoxy has cured for as long as the product dictates.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the depth of the mirror before buying the rabbet trim to ensure the best fit possible.

• Do not let the epoxy drip down the mirror; wipe away epoxy from the glass as soon as it appears.

References

• Ask the Builder: Dress Up a Plain Mirror