Make a Decorative Framed Mirror
I finally got round to making up the large framed mirror for the wall above the vanity basins. The new vanity replaces a pedestal sink with a dinky bathroom cabinet above. There is now plenty of space in the vanity for all our bathroom essentials and I can now replace the cabinet with a large, framed mirror.
The mirror was sprayed with Rust-Oleum Universal - titanium silver - which ties in beautifully with the new whisper grey walls. The new colour makes the bathroom look so much brighter, and using matt paint disguises the horrible plaster finish on the walls.
The metallic silver mirror also has a small shelf at the bottom that will come in handy for everyday items. The frame and shelf were made separately and then the shelf screwed to the base of the frame.
YOU WILL NEED:
1. Measure up the area in order to cut the required lengths for the top, bottom, sides and shelf for your picture frame. Cut the frame pieces with a 45-degree angle at the ends. Find tips here for cutting angled ends.
2. Using a biscuit joiner is the easiest and fastest way to make picture frames, but you could simply join the sections at the back using steel angle braces and screws.
5. Start off sanding with 120-grit sanding pads to remove the roughness left by the cutting blade and then sand again with 240-grit for a smooth finish.
6. Wipe clean to remove any dust before spraying the entire frame with Rust-Oleum Universal spray paint. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying a further coat. A little trick I have is to spray one side, let it dry and then wipe down with Mr Min furniture polish. This prevents any tackiness when I turn the project over to spray the other side.
7. To mount the heavy frame onto the wall I am using the French cleat system. This involves two block of wood on either side, each block cut in half with a 45-degree angle. For this you will need a compound mitre saw or jigsaw with adjustable plate. Make the angled cuts first and then cut the blocks to size. In this way you don't have to worry about having your hands too close to the blade when making the angled cuts.
8. One part of the French cleat is mounted to the back of the frame using wood glue and screws. Note the angle of this section and how it will slot in the lower section once mounted.
Now all that you need to do is lift up the mirror and slot the two French cleat brackets together to securely hold the frame in place.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
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2 of 22 comments
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There's nothing wrong with your comment Val. It was probably an accident as suggested above.
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The use of a French cleat was brilliant. with a frame larger than the mirror this could be done without moving the mirror at all.
I love those Rustoleum metallic spray paint. I should own stock in the company LOL.
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