How to Make a Mirror Frame out of an Old Window
Bring a unique decorative touch to your home by making a mirror frame from an old window. Follow these guidelines to convert an old window into a beautiful mirror.
Step 1 - Find the Ideal Window
Visit local building supply salvage stores, and weekend flea markets to find an old window for your mirror.
Step 2 - Measure the Window and Obtain the Mirror Glass
Purchase sufficient mirror glass to put inside the window frame. If the window has several panels, measure each one separately to size the glass correctly.
Step 3 - Remove the Old Window Glass
Wearing gloves and safety goggles, pry the old putty out of the window edges with the putty knife. Remove glass pieces intact where you can. Put broken glass into a cardboard box or paper bag inside a plastic bag for disposal.
Step 4 - Clean Out the Frame
With the wire or bristle brush, scrub splinters and putty crumbs off the window frame.
Step 5 - Measure the Window Grooves for the Mirror
Measure the window grooves that held the glass in place to calculate the mirror sections you need. Deduct 1/8 inch at the top and on one side so the mirror glass will slide into the grooves smoothly.
Step 6 - Cut the Mirror Glass
Use a glass cutting tool to cut the mirror glass into correctly-sized panes. Dip the cutting wheel in vegetable oil before cutting so it rolls without binding. Draw your cutting line with the ruler down each edge with the permanent marker. Brace the cutting wheel against the ruler and press firmly to score a thin line into the mirror glass. Place the marked edge of the mirror glass along a straight table top. The section you want to remove hangs over the table edge. Grasp this outer section and push down sharply so it snaps off cleanly.
Step 7 - Insert the Mirror Glass
Put each cut section of mirror glass into the frame, and use the putty knife to push the thin metal glazing points into each corner of the frame section.
Step 8 - Secure the Mirror Glass with Putty
If you want your mirror to look rustic and aged, skip this step. For a professional, neat finish, squeeze a ball of glazing compound from the tube, and roll it into a 1/4 inch diameter "worm", the length plus width of each section. Press the glazing compound into the window groove so it overlaps onto the mirror glass, and make another worm for the other half of the frame, creating a 45-degree angled join at the opposing corners. Putty the rest of the mirror, smooth it clean and flat with the putty knife, and allow it to set for 7 days.
Step 9 - Hang the Mirror
Screw in 2 eye hooks along the horizontal axis of the mirror, and thread your wire or cord through them to make a secure hanger.