Get The Statement Mirror Of Your Dreams With This Thrifted DIY

Sometimes, the best part of art is the frame itself. If you've ever loved a frame but wanted something different from it, this DIY trick might help you begin to look outside the box and find ways to build the decor of your dreams with just a little patience and some creativity. Upcycling or repurposing thrifted items is all the rage, and it's sustainable as well. You don't have to spend a lot for a kitschy mirror, just head to your local thrift store and scout out a really interesting frame. You'll add your own mirror glass to transform this clever craft into a one-of-a-kind find. Affordable and definitely a conversation starter, your DIY mirror could become your favorite item in the house!

While you can always turn a basic mirror into a vintage work of art, flipping this process is even more rewarding since you're starting off with such a unique border. The first step, and the most fun part, will be finding your frame. Take your time checking out thrift stores in your area to find what will work best for both your home's aesthetic and this project. You will need a cut piece of mirror glass, which you can get at a local glass shop or hardware store. If your framed artwork comes with its original glass in great condition, you can also opt to transform it into a mirror with Krylon Looking Glass Paint, but this requires a bit more time, attention, and some experience.

Shopping for vintage mirrors can get pricey, and if you find one on-budget, you may also find that it's not in great condition. However, creating your own is fairly simple. When searching for your frame, find a size and shape that will fit your desired space. Look for a frame that is ready-to-go, or be prepared to sand, prime, and paint a wooden frame that has scrapes, scratches, or gouges. After preparing your frame, it's time to add the glass. If you're choosing to go with a new piece of mirror glass, measure the back of your frame and order a piece slightly larger than the frame's opening so the glass can be attached securely behind it. You might need tools like a hammer or staple remover to take apart the backing on the frame, sandpaper to smooth, and gloves.

You will need a sturdy backing for your frame, to protect the back of the glass and provide a surface for attaching for framing hardware. A large piece of scrap wood, cut-to-size, will work well. Visit your local lumber yard to find out what is cheapest, or source a sheet of affordable plywood or MDF from a hardware store. Construction adhesive or Gorilla Glue will keep the two pieces attached, and you can also use one of these to glue the mirror to the frame. Make sure to press everything together while they dry for maximum adhesion. Allow this to dry fully before adding in the hooks and hanging. 

If you decide to reuse the original glass from your thrift shop find, you will have to use a reflective paint like Krylon Looking Glass Paint to transform it into a mirrored surface. Some reviewers of this product on Amazon note that it is best for a cloudier, "antiqued" mirror effect. If you don't mind a slightly different finish produced by this paint, remove your plastic or glass from the frame and place the glass or plastic on a tarp or cardboard in a well-ventilated area, then begin spraying one side. Your paint should look watery, this is normal. You will want to spray five different coats, allowing each to dry in between for about a minute. 

Allow to dry fully before reattaching it inside the frame with the unpainted side facing the back. Once you reattach the glass, you can attach hanging hardware directly into the frame, or source a piece of scrap wood slightly larger than your glass to glue to the back, just like you would have done with a piece of mirror glass. You may want to stick a piece of black paper between your mirror backing and wood frame backing, to get a more polished finished look. Once your frame is put back together, you will have turned it into a brand new statement mirror that feels like a one-of-a-kind addition to your home!