Tutorial: Master Bath Mirror Update

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Finally got around to the step by step for my big mirror redo!  Enjoy!

Step 1: Measure the mirror.  My mirror is pretty much covers the entire wall above the vanity.  So I decided to make my frame the exact size of the mirror, attaching it directly to the glass.  I also accounted for where the top piece of molding would be in relation to the light fixture.

Step 2:  Choose your molding.   Although I’ve never made a miter cut before, there has to be a first time for everything, right?  We went with primed MDF casing.  It came in 8 foot lengths, but I know it also comes in random lengths at some stores as well.  In that case, you can have the store cut it for you and you will have less waste.  I had to purchase (3) 8 foot pieces at about $6/each.

As mentioned in my previous post, I originally chose the same molding and corner pieces used in Rhoda’s transformation.  However, my mirror has an irritating piece of track at the bottom.  The regular door casing worked better for us because you have the ability to play with the angles a bit to account for the extra space that the track creates.  (I promise that this will make more sense while doing the project than when you’re reading it.)

Step 3:  Making the cuts.  MDF cuts very easily with a miter box.  It helps to draw out the frame on paper before making the cuts.  That way you know what angles you need to make for each side.

Step 4:  Painting the molding.  I chose Behr’s Dark Truffle, a deep brown color that compliments our wall color.  Since the color was so deep, I had to do two coats.

Don’t forget to paint the back…you will see it in the reflection of the mirror once it’s attached.  Painting of fingers, however, is completely optional.

Step 5:  Attaching the mirror.  As suggested in other wonderful mirror redo’s (Rhoda and Maryann), I attempted to use a high heat hot glue gun.  However, in the end, I found it easier to use Clear Liquid Nails.  Using the hot glue was just too fast paced for me.  It began to dry before I could get it in place or I put it up so fast that I didn’t get it up straight. 

TIP:  If you need to remove any pieces of molding, take a long piece of dental floss and run it behind the molding. 

The Liquid Nails gave me a time to play with the placement a little.  However, I did use painters tape to keep the molding in place overnight while the glue completely set up. 

I applied a decent amount of the Liquid Nails to each piece of molding, being sure not to get too close to the inner edge.  It will reflect in the mirror and nobody wants to see your DIY magic revealed!!! ;) 

Step 6:  Touchups and DONE!  The next day I filled the small gaps on all four corners where the molding meets up with caulk.  Be sure to use the paintable caulk!!  After that dried, I touched up the caulked areas with my Behr paint and called it a day.

 

A BIG thanks to Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality, Maryann’s @ Domestically Speaking and Sausha @ {show & tell} .  These gals were wonderful at responding to my questions and have great tutorials on framing mirrors.  Please check out all three of their wonderful mirror redo projects!

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