D.I.Y. grid mirror

[craftyhopper]

A stylish and affordable grid mirror.

• The project
• Materials
• How to make a freestanding mirror

 

The project

I've been wanting a grid mirror for some time, but they are expensive and start at anything from $500. So, I decided to make one.

Firstly I took the measurements (wrong!) and got my board cut by Bunnings. Lucky for me, my measurements were too big. I thought I had 30cm mirrors and they were 28cm instead.

I started with the outer frame using 9mm square trim. I dry fitted the mirrors and used a drop saw to cut each of the 6mm inner frame trims to create the grid. Because the 6mm MDF backing board was cut too big, I used a handsaw to cut it down. 

I then used Gorilla glue to fix the trim and taped it down over night.

I sprayed all the trim with flat black Rust-Oleum and then fixed the acrylic mirrors down with more Gorilla glue. 

The whole process took 1.5 days. It was fiddly getting the grid perfect and the glue needed to settle overnight. There is pretty much no give with the measurements, so next time I’d give myself an extra 1m in each grid.

Materials

• 6mm MDF 2400 x 1200

• 9mm Porta Tasmanian Oak square trim

• 6mm Porta Tasmanian Oak square trim

• Rust-Oleum Flat Black 

• Gorilla Glue PVA for the timber

• Original Gorilla Glue for the mirror

• Acrylic mirrors

How to make a freestanding mirror

Create a full-length, freestanding mirror that can be moved to any room in your home with this step-by-step guide: How To Make A Freestanding Mirror.

[neejysh]

Hi @craftyhopper,

Love your project!

I am looking to do a grid mirror on my courtyard wall, so basically looking for sturdy/ weatherproof options..could you provide me some leads to it

Thanks!!

[EricL]

Hello @neejysh

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us and thank you for sharing your question about how to build a gird mirror for outside use. 

A grid mirror is a fantastic feature to have in the garden. Let me tag @craftyhopper so that they are made aware of your question. Looking at the materials list that was put at the end of the project, the only thing I would change is the MDF panel and paint. I suggest using 2400 x1200 Marine plywood and Taubmans Sunproof exterior low sheen paint. 

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

[neejysh]

Thanks @EricL 

I am looking some easy alternate ways as well being  a newbie for this project ..Is it possible to stick the mirrors in concrete wall and use dowels to create the grid effect?

Could you please suggest any,

- glue to attach acrylic mirrors/ wood dowels to concrete and 

- weatherproof black paints that can be used in dowels?

Any suggestions would do!!

Thanks heaps!!

[EricL]

Hi @neejysh

I suggest using Selleys 480g White 3-in-1 Silicone Sealant it is an all-rounder adhesive and sealant. I recommend the Porta 9 x 9mm 2.4m Tasmanian Oak DAR Moulding as a timber trim. Please note that the trim must be painted to protect it from the weather. I suggest using Taubmans Sunproof tinted to your preferred colour. This paint is formulated for exterior use and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

It is possible to stick the acrylic mirrors to a concrete wall, but I suggest using a panel such as the 2440 x 1220 x 12mm AA Grade Mixed Hardwood Marine Plywood. This panel is rated for external use, I suggest painting it as well to provide an extra layer of protection. 

We look forward to seeing your grid mirror, any updates you can provide while building it would be much appreciated.

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

[craftyhopper]

Hi @neejysh 

Glad you like the grid mirror. I certainly learnt a lot during this project!

As Eric has already suggest, the MDF I used will not be suitable for outside. Marine ply is easily accessible at Bunnings, so definitely suggest that. 
When creating the grid, I used a slightly thicker piece around the edge and a thinner piece between the mirrors. 
When measuring and placing the mirrors into the grid, give yourself an extra 1-2mm so they are not too tight or a fit. 
The acrylic mirrors I bought are foil based? So aren’t perfect, but for outside they’ll be fine. 
Next time I’d be buying real glass mirrors instead. ☺️

Good luck! I can’t wait to see how it turns out 

[neejysh]

Thank you so much @EricL and @craftyhopper,

Really appreciate it

I am now waiting for my glass mirrors to come home as the review for acrylic mirrors are not that good at this stage.

I will defo post details once I am done!!

😊

[MitchellMc]

Please keep us updated, @neejysh. Reach out if you need any assistance. We're here to help.

Mitchell