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Select a mirror for the center of your copper mirror. You can have one cut to size at the home store, or select a ready-made bathroom mirror without a frame. The edge can be beveled or not, as you prefer. You can also use mirror tiles to create your homemade copper mirror. You'll also need a 1/2-inch thick plywood backboard cut to fit the overall size of your mirror and the copper borders. Opt to have the wood cut at your home store to save yourself the step.
Pick up mirror mastic to attach the mirror to the plywood backboard. Other adhesives will eventually bleed through the face of the mirror. You'll also need clear construction adhesive to attach the copper to the wood and a small hammer to create a hammered look. -
Measure and cut a section of copper to fit the borders of your mirror. Copper foil cuts easily with household shears. When you measure the copper, allow for a 1/2-inch strip under the edge of the mirror, all the way around the perimeter. You should also allow enough width to wrap the copper around the edges of the plywood and up to 4 inches on the backside of the plywood. Have the length sections extend to the full size of the plywood and butt the width sections against them or overlap the sheets. You can also create mitered corners with an angled cut. Each option will give your homemade copper mirror a different design element.
Attach the copper to the plywood with clear construction adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry before you create the hammered effect. If you wish to leave the copper smooth, you can attach the mirror with mirror mastic at any time.
Hammering the copper is as simple as it sounds; simply strike the copper with a small hammer. Overlap the strikes so that the copper looks hammered, rather than dented. Hammer over the entire front section of your copper mirror frame, including the edges. When the hammered look is complete, attach the mirror in the center. Let the mirror mastic dry according to the manufacturer's directions before you stand the mirror upright.
