How do I make an antiqued cathedral style arched mirror?

Stacey
by Stacey
  5 answers
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Aug 25, 2019

    Do you have a picture of what you want?

    Are you cutting down a mirror? I can try to teach you to cut glass in writing, but suggest you watch YT videos.

    Mirror glass is usually “double strength” which is nominally 1/4” thick and is not a good beginners project for glass cutting. I would suggest practicing on some other glass, first.


    To antique a mirror, I would damage the silver on the back. Wear gloves & a mask when doing this. I would start with Q-tips & acetone & dab around the edges.

    If you wanted to distress the front, I would take some very fine sand paper & make a very light swipe over it. One only.


    Building a gothic frame is going to be tough, so I would cut a piece of plywood 2” larger than the mirror, to mount the frame on. I’d consider items like florists foam, a pool noodle, or something I can bend & cut. Then I would plaster over it & then comb a pattern into the wet plaster.


    The plywood will also give you a hanging surface.


  • John Biermacher John Biermacher on Aug 25, 2019

    Stacey,

    How to answer this question depends a lot on your skill level and the. tools and equipment you have. Easiest is to find a salvage arched window and replace the glass with mirror. This may require patience and a lot of searching find the right window.


    You may be able to modify a arch cabinet door.


    If you are going to actually make an arched frame it could require some sophisticated techniques.


    if you me know your skill level and I can possibly provide some ideas.


    John

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Aug 26, 2019

    I know there are arched mirrors out because I ended up with one, somehow (I found it when cleaning out storage). I have thought about finding it a new home but the donation truck wouldn't take an unframed mirror. Maybe it needs a frame! I had thought about mounting it on wood or an old door and decorating around it's arched top. Then, building up around the mirror to accentuate the arch. Have fun with your project! See what you can find and go from there.

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Aug 30, 2019

    Do you have a picture of what you are trying to accomplish?

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Dec 22, 2020

    Cool idea! I'd get a rectangle mirror and glue something on to give it an arch look