How to Do Faux DIY Fretwork on a Mirror Using Washi Tape
You know those full-length, back-of-the-door mirrors everyone seems to have owned during the College years?
Well, those $2 mirrors can be completely transformed into a much more sophisticated look with a little washi tape! This fretwork mirror will give that inexpensive mirror a complete makeover!
Step 1: Tape the inside
Tape off the mirror inside the frame using painter's tape.
Step 2: Paint the frame
Paint the wooden frame of the mirror gold and let dry.
You may need a few coats. I wanted mine to look a little more "antiqued" so I roughed it up and let some of the white show through.
Step 3: Peel off the tape
Once the frame is dry, carefully peel off the painter's tape.
Step 4: Measure the sides
Using a ruler, measure 1" in from the frame. Use a light-colored crayon and draw a straight line from the top of the mirror to the bottom.
Step 5: Measure the bottom
Measure 1" up from the bottom of the frame and use your crayon again to draw a line across the bottom.
Step 6: Continue the lines
Continue drawing your crayon lines in the pattern of the fretwork design.
My lines were always 1" inward or upward and my squares were 10" from one another.
This is the fretwork design I used for my mirror. If following the same pattern, you can use this as a guide to help you draw your lines.
Step 7: Apply washi tape
Apply your washi tape over the crayon lines.
Cut each piece straight, so that they line up with the edge as perfectly as possible.
More Washi Tape Ideas
Continue applying pieces of washi tape, overlapping each piece as you go along.
Step 8: Hang the mirror
Hang your awesome new mirror in the place of your choice!
DIY fretwork
I gave mine a more antiqued look by roughing up the edges with sandpaper and letting some of the white show throw.
Comments
Join the conversation
-
I have a shell shaped mirror any suggestion for that it hangs in my bathroom
-
Were you ever able to find something to do with your bathroom mirror?
Melissa77373@yahoo.com
-
-
Can you just use Washi tape to frame mirror. We have one of those large mirrors over bathroom sink and is not framed. Tried to frame it and it did not come out well. Thanks. Kay
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
How many rolls of washi tape did you use on the long mirror? I have that $2 special hanging on my wall and it came in gold. I may use some wood stain in a few places on the frame. But the washi tape fretting would be perfect. I have to clean the grandchild stickers and fingerprints off first! Best wishes 😇
Hi! Great idea. I`ve got an old cottage here in England so it wouldn`t be suitable but I`m sure my daughter would accommodate it!! One question, does anyone know if they sell Washi tape over here?
What is washi tape