Make an antique mirror or picture frame

Here’s how to make an antique frame that looks stunning around a mirror or picture and won’t cost you a fortune. Our mirror frame project uses polystyrene crown moulding strips for a mirror frame that has plenty of detail and a light enough to mount anywhere.

 

   

YOU WILL NEED:

1 length of detailed polystyrene moulding

Mirror – cut to size

*Note: (allow a 10mm border around the mirror for attaching to the back of the frame)

Picture framing kit

Black craft paint

Sponges

Damp rags or cloths

Rust-Oleum Universal aged copper spray paint

Duct tape

Mirror brackets and small screws

Cordless screwdriver

Optional: If you don’t have a Framing Kit you can also use a mitre box and saw, and a Bosch Tacker or staple gun.

You can buy everything you need for this project at your local Builders Warehouse. Print out this project and take along with you.

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. Use a mitre box and back saw to mitre the edges of the moulding strip to the required lengths.

2. You should have a top and bottom of equal size, and two sides also of equal size.

3. Apply Rust-Oleum aged copper spray paint over the front and edges of the frame. Let this dry.

4. Use a sponge to dab on the black craft paint and quickly use the damp rag or cloth to wipe the paint away. Repeat this process until you are happy with the antique effect.

5. Included with a Framing Kit are joining brackets and a punch. Ensure that the brackets are inserted with the sharp end facing out, press onto the moulding and tap the punch with a hammer to position the brackets along the joins. If you aren’t using a Framing Kit you can substitute with a Bosch Tacker or staple gun.

6. To mount the mirror to the back of the frame place the mirror face down and align. Place a strip of duct tape around the entire mirror. This helps to secure the mirror. Attach the mirror brackets with small screws on each corner of the mirror.

Note: This project is not intended for a large mirror. For mounting onto the wall use picture frame wire threaded through three hooks on the back of the frame.