Outdoor mirror

DIY project from NZ Gardener magazine

Add colour and create the illusion of space: upcycle or build one from scratch.

Create an outdoor mirror

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

How to upcycle an old window frame into an outdoor mirror:

Step 1 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 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. - clean, clear glass 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 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 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 C
Drill 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 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.