How To Create A Mirror Frame

How To Create A Mirror Frame
Materials required:
2 x 1.5m x 90mm x 19mm clear pine
1 x 500ml Selleys Aquadhere Interior
1 x cartridge of Selleys All Clear
Mirror to desired size
1 x 900mm X 400mm x 3mm MDF
Staples (for the staple gun)
2 x 8x30mm Screws
1m x wire or cord to hang the mirror
Minimum Tools required:
Router
Mitre box
Hand plane
Tie down Strap
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Staple gun
Phillips head screwdriver
45 degree set square
1.
Using a router rout a groove 12mm wide from one edge on each piece of clear pine and as deep as the thickness of the mirror you are
going to use. 4mm was used for the pictured project. Remember to use appropriate safety gear for this task (safety glasses, ear muffs
or plugs and a disposable dust mask).
2.
Draw a 45 degree line using a set square or combination square at one end of each piece of timber. If you have a mitre box place
timber in box. Cut to the line using a Tenon saw.
How To Create A Mirror Frame...
3.
When cut through, clean up the ends with sandpaper being careful not to change the shape of the joint on the sides.
4.
Using a measuring tape hook one end on the base of the angled cut and measure to a point at the length you require
for your mirror. In this project the Mirror frame was cut at 800mm.
5.
Carefully draw another 45 degree angle from the mark with the
slope of the set square running back towards the end which the
tape measure is on. Double check that the points of the angles are
on the same edge of the timber and pointing away from each other.
6.
Using the mitre box again, repeat step 3.
7.
Repeat the above steps for the Mirror Rails (shorter sides). In this project the sides are 500mm long.
8.
Place angles of a long side and a short so they meet. Have the rebated sides facing downwards. Check for squareness using the set
square. If there is a gap along the joint use a small hand plane and make a couple of fine cuts and retry joint.
How To Create A Mirror Frame...
9.
Place tie down strap around entire frame and check all angle as in step 8.
10. Once you are satisfied with your work, release the strap and place a generous amount of Selleys Aquadhere Interior on the angles of
the 2 shorter sides. Place all pieces into position and apply the tie down strap and tighten. Wipe off excess glue squeeze out with a
damp rag. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
11. Measure the distance from the inside wall of the rebate to the inside wall rebate on the opposite side i.e. rail to rail (short bits) and style
to style (longer bits). Subtract 1mm of each measurement. This will give you the size of your mirror so you can purchase or order.
N.B. As we all make mistakes, it is much easier to order your finished mirror size one you have constructed the frame. In other
projects this is a good practice to get into when ordering any glass products.
12. Use a cork sanding block and go over the entire frame feathering in the joints and rough bits.
How To Create A Mirror Frame...
13. Soften the harshness of the inside of the frame by lightly sanding the edges with some fine grit paper (180 or 240 is fine).
14. After you’ve picked up the mirror do a dry test fit. There should be about a ½ mm gap around the Mirror to the frame. Remove the
mirror. Using a caulking gun, apply a thin bead to of Selleys All Clear around the entire frame keeping the bead mostly in the area of
where the wall and floor of the rebate form an angle.
NB: Do not cut the application nozzle any further. The existing small hole is all you need to allow a thin bead of All Clear to flow
through.
15. Reposition the mirror into the frame and press down gently with your hand on the Mirror back to settle it into place. If required clean off
any sealant squeezed out from the back.
How To Create A Mirror Frame...
16. Place a bead of Selleys Aquadhere Interior all around the back of the frame about 30mm from the mirror edge place a pre-cut piece of
3mm MDF or thin ply over the back. Have it about 40mm smaller than the overall size of the frame. For added security staple pins into
place using a staple gun.
17. Insert 2 x 8x30mm screws about ¼ of the length from the top using a screw driver.
18. Connect some framing wire or strong cord to the screws and you’re ready to hang your mirror.