My No Mirrors Rule
I am always finding mirrors on the side of the road. But every time I really inspect the mirror there is a some type of scratch or ding in it. So I always leave them behind.
There is nothing worse than refinishing the frame of a mirror just to find a scratch or dent in the actual mirror itself. This has happened to me multiple times in the past and it is so frustrating, putting all the time and work into a piece just to realize you can’t use or sell it. So I made a rule for myself. A rule to never again pick up a mirror from the side of the road.
Until I saw this huge one! I loved the size of this mirror and thought it would be a great piece to redo and put over a buffet table in the dining room or in a great entryway. But once again after getting it home and really cleaning the dirt of the mirror, I found a scratch.
Let me tell you, I started kicking my self in the butt, reminding myself about my no mirrors rule. And just as I was about to throw the whole project out, I came up with an idea!
How about ditching the mirror and upcycling the frame into a DIY Chalkboard! Yes, it was not only a brilliant idea, but it was such an easy flip!And I honestly don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner!
My Love For DIY Chalkboards!
I absolutely love chalkboards. I mean who doesn’t. They are fun, versatile, and so easy to DIY! So any chance I get to do a DIY Chalkboard I am all in! Here a few of my past projects that include a DIY Chalkboard: DIY Shutter Door Organizer With Chalkboard, Industrial Chalk Board Sign Upcycled From Old Entry-Way Table and Upcycled Cabinet Door Into DIY Bulletin Board
If you have a love for chalkboards like I do, then keep on reading to see how easy this Upcycle DIY Chalkboard was to create!
DIY Chalkboard
Dissassembling My Mirror
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The first thing I did to create this DIY Chalkboard was to remove the mirror from the frame. To do this I had to unscrew the mdf backing (which was holding the mirror in) from the frame and then simply remove the mirror. Sorry I forget to get a picture of this step! 🙁
Also, when handling any mirror or glass, make sure to always use gloves, to protect yourself from sharp edges. Here is a pair of cut resistance gloves that would work awesome for this kind of project! Bonus they come in pink and grey! YAY – EVRIDWEAR Cut Resistant Gloves
Time To Make My Chalkboard
Next I grabbed a 4×8 sheet of 1/2 inch mdf plywood (you can purchase this at any home construction store near you) and cut it to fit inside the frame, using my mirror as a template. Once I had my plywood cut I, wiped it down with a lint free rag. I wanted to make sure there were no dust particles left on the plywood when painting it.
Now it was time to paint the chalkboard. I used Rustoleum’s Chalkboard paint in black for this project. There are other brands out there but this is the one I always use! And I have never had any issues with it. So as they say, why try to fix something that isn’t broken! 😉 I put 3 coats on the plywood, to make sure I had full coverage, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before adding the next.
The Frame
In between my the drying time of my DIY Chalkboard, I worked on my frame.
I started by filling in a few holes on the frame with wood filler. I use this wood filler but once I finish that tube I am going to start using this color changing wood filler. It goes on purple and dries to a natural wood color. This helps to see when the filler is completely dry.
After the wood filler had dried, I gave the frame a light sanding using 120 grit sand paper, and wiping any dust particles off with my lint free rag. Since I was using Fusion Mineral Paint their was no heavy duty work to be done to prep my frame. #ILOVEFUSIONMINERALPAINT
Then came the fun part! I grabbed my fusion mineral paint in champlaign and gave my frame 3 coats. Now some of you may be thinking, “3 coats?” but I am more than happy to apply 3 coats of my Fusion Mineral Paint versus having to do some heavy duty prepping with multiple grits of sand paper, possibly having to utilize paint removers and on top of that applying 2 coats of primer, which is what most paints require to adhere properly. Not only am I saving all the time and energy but I am saving on the price of all the primer I would have been using.
Assembling My DIY Chalkboard
Once my chalkboard and frame was completely dry it was time to assemble them. This was super easy!
Because this is such a large frame and chalkboard I first laid down some blocks on my table. I did this so the chalkboard would have something holding it up in the middle. (The picture shows the blocks more towards the outer edge, but I adjusted them to the middle.) This becomes extremely important in the next steps.
I also laid down some kraft paper to protect my newly painted frame and chalkboard.
To attach the chalkboard to my frame I used Loctite Power Grab Construction Adhesive. The Power Grab is super durable and heavy duty. My better half uses it in all his construction needs and swears bye it!
I applied a line of the adhesive all the way around the frame. Then I carefully placed my chalkboard into the frame. If I hadn’t placed the boards down first the chalkboard would of bowed downward and the adhesive would have dried with that defect in it.
Once my frame was sitting correctly in the frame I used some weighted items from around my home to weigh my chalkboard down. I wanted to make sure the frame and chalkboard where firmly together as the adhesive dried.
If you would like you could also place a few nails into the edging of the chalkboard into the frame for added security. Other than that this project was finished.
This project was super simple and finished in less than a day! Next time you have a chipped or scratched mirror save it to make your own DIY Chalkboard!
Let Me Know!
What do you think of this project? Are going to attempt it? What color would you have painted the frame? Let me know in the comments below!
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With Love,
Melissa
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Melissa
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