Child Item

Glass mirror restoration project

Before 1.jpg Before 2.jpg

I found this glass mirror out on my back patio amidst all the rubbish that was being removed. I knew it could be restored nicely and I need a mirror for the bathroom. So, I am going to restore it. The carpet in the background is getting laid next Monday! Cannot wait.

I am taking photos along the way so I will update as I go.

Wouldy

Find more posts tagged with

Recycling and Upcycling

Accepted answers

All comments

Wouldy

@EricL

This mirror actually weighs around 5 kilos. It's going to hang on my bathroom wall. Can you suggest something from Bunnings that will solidly hold its weight? I don't want to use any nails obviously.

Thanks.

Wouldy

@MitchellMc

I will also tag you in this one 🙂

EricL

Hello @Wouldy

To secure your mirror to the wall, I suggest using a timber french cleat. It's basically two pieces of timber cut at a 45-degree angle allowing the pieces to slot into one another. I've placed an example below for you to see. The timber pieces will have to be mounted to the wall and ideally at least anchored to a stud. You can use hollow wall anchors for the left and right sides of the cleat. If it is possible to anchor both sides of the cleat to one stud each it would be more secure. The other piece has to be screwed onto the timber backing piece of the mirror.

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

Eric

timber cleat attached to back of mirror reverse piece attached to wall and stud

Wouldy

Hi @EricL

I am not sure if I will go with a cleat at the moment. I am super exhausted and I feel a cleat is going to take up the room in the bathroom we do not have.

The two wooden bars on the back of the mirror are vertical not horizontal. I just took the photo with them horizontal.

I am not sure yet what I am going to do. I will keep brainstorming though. Thank you for your advice and suggestion.

Wouldy.

Wouldy

@EricL

I'm actually really liking the exposed beautiful raw wood. I feel reluctant to actually paint the mirror. At this stage I'm considering putting on a nice clear satin varnish just to protect the wood and make that beautiful wood stand out some more. I don't think I would need a 1 litre. Perhaps a 500ml instead. Is there anything you like suggest?

Cheers

Wouldy

EricL

Hello @Wouldy

That timber frame actually looks very nice. If you're after a clear sealer I suggest using Bondall 250ml Monocel Satin Waterbased Clear Wood Varnish. If I recall correctly it also comes in a gloss finish. If you were to accessorize the bathroom with some timber products it would compliment the mirror nicely.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

EricL

Hello @Wouldy

I just wanted to be clear on the position of the cleat. It's actually located above the two wooden bars. It's the same thickness as the wooden bars so it will not be using a lot of space. Since you're not keen on using nails my only other recommendation is using Zenith 50 x 15 x 1.8mm Tri Corner Brace - 2 Pack. The two wooden bars will have to come off, you'll need to mark the corners of the mirror on the wall where you want to install the mirror. If you're lucky and there are studs where the brackets are supposed to go that's wonderful. Otherwise, you will have to use hollow wall anchors to hold the brackets in place. If you get a chance to visit the store have a look at the Tri-Corner Brace and see if it's applicable.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

wouldy mirror8.jpg

Wouldy

@EricL

Hi! It's so funny you mention that specific product because that is the exact one I chose for the job ha ha. I went way before reading your reply just now. It shows I have learnt some stuff along the way of being a restorer/renovator.

Wouldy

Hey @EricL

Thanks for explainng the clear further. I got it now. I'm going to look into the bracket option you mentioned too. Thankfully thus is not a hurried project. More a labour of love so I can take my time. If I need any further advice, I will get in touch.

Wouldy

Got the mirror covered up well. First coat of varnish has gone on. More updates when finished.

Wouldy

@EricL

I finished the mirror last night. I wish I could take better photos. It will have to do.

I'm overally happy with how it turned out. If I had the money I would have replaced the backing. So, I figured no one is going to see that part much anyway.

The finish on the backing and frame I used was Bondall Monocel Clear Satin Based Wood Varnish. I had never worked with a satin water varnish before. Although the bonus is it was quick drying. Heavy duty brass D rings holds up to 25kg.

I learnt a few things of what not do. Definitely will never tape the frame again to protect it. It was a silly mistake which caused a lot of extra work. There are a few markings around the left edging on the piece of glass. I couldn't get it off.

As I said it turned out OK. One less thing that avoided being thrown out.

Wouldy

MitchellMc

That looks fabulous @Wouldy! Great work and well done saving it from landfill.

Many thanks for sharing your results.

Mitchell

Wouldy

Thank you @MitchellMc

Yeah, it would have been a terrible waste of something that still had potential. I enjoyed it. You are always learning something new with every project. I guess I'm a bit pickier as I'm seeing it up close and worked with it so intimately.

However, I am happy with it and it is a beautiful mirror. I think it's a keeper this one.

Wouldy

Child Item