How to make a custom mirror frame for your bathroom…
- Remove existing full wall mirror (builder’s grade crap as we call it around here)
- Take old mirror to local glass cutter and have them cut to smaller size (support local business and recycle)
- Mill wood to profile that you like
- Turn on glue pot and make some hot hide glue (trust me this stuff is better than epoxy)
- Carefully miter the corners so the frame fits the mirror
- Rub hide glue on the miter joints and clamp for a few hours (go have a beer)
- Sand the frame with 120, 150, 180 grit sand paper (by hand….no power tools here)
- Apply shellac based primer let dry overnight
- Sand with 200 grit paper
- Apply shellac based primer let dry over night
- Sand with 320 grit paper, frame will be glass smooth
- Apply grey primer, sand when dry with 320 grit paper
- Apply raw umber glaze let dry 24 hours
- Apply Waterlox varnish let dry over night
- Apply burnt umber glaze, let dry over night
- Mix some shellac and alcohol, when shellac is in solution apply two coats to frame
- Let shellac dry overnight, then apply a quality furniture wax
- Cut back panel to size
- Insert mirror into frame
- Screw back panel into frame and hang on wall
Whoa…..that took a long time ……..