How to make an outdoor mirror
DIY project from NZ Gardener magazine
Add colour and create the illusion of space: upcycle or build one from scratch.
You will need
Upcycling option:
- A window frame with the old glass removed
- Sandpaper and filler
- Paint – Resene Quick Dry Primer and topcoat
- Mirror glass cut to fit
- Clear glass silicon sealant and applicator
- Cost: $85, excluding paint.
New option:
- 8m of 100mm x 18mm dressed treated pine
- 4 x 65mm x 8g screws
- Router, drop saw, screwdriver and countersink bit, sandpaper & filler
- Resene Quick Dry and topcoat
- Clear glass silicon sealant and applicator
- Cost: $320, excluding paint.
Insructions
Step 1
Remove old putty, fill holes, then sand and undercoat the frame. Apply two coats of topcoat. I used Resene St Tropaz.
Step 2
Using the silicone applicator, apply a bead of silicone to each of the four edges where the mirror glass will sit. Ease the mirror into position and apply gentle pressure to ensure a good bond.
Step 2 cont.
Once dry, trim any excess silicone from where the glass meets the front of the frame using a sharp blade. Clean the glass. Attach a hanging fitting to the back.
Insructions
How to make a new oudoor mirror:
Cutting measurements for treated pine: Sides – 2 x 2000mm; Top and bottom – 2 x 850mm; Braces – 3 x 735mm.
Step A
Using the router, cut a 5mm deep x 40mm wide strip from the back face of the side and top and bottom pieces.
Step B
Ensuring that the routed strip is to the inside, cut a mitre at each end of the top and bottom pieces so that the outside measures 775mm. Then, again keeping the routed strip to the inside, cut a mitre at each end of the side pieces so that the outside measures 1900mm.
Step CDrill through each side 40mm down from the top edge. Countersink the holes. Matching the edges, screw into the top and bottom to create the frame.
Step D
Undercoat, then topcoat the whole frame back and front. I used three coats of Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path Paint in Resene Landscape Grey to add some texture. Cut the mirror glass to size – allow for a 5mm gap between the glass and frame. Apply glass silicon sealant and insert the mirror, gently pressing to get a good seal.
Step E
Apply a strip of glass silicon sealant to the back between the glass and edge.
Step F
Undercoat, topcoat and attach three cross braces to the back. If required, attach a suitable hanging device.