I'm going to show you how to turn an old plastic mirror frame into a bulletin board! You won't believe how much better it looks now!
This plastic mirror frame is huge! It's going to make an awesome bulletin board. Do not overlook plastic items at thrift stores etc. I actually got this from a friend who was cleaning out a storage building. Gotta love FREE junk!
When my friend dropped it off, I was away camping. We had some rain, so this happened to the back.
Materials for Painting a Plastic Mirror
I gathered my supplies so I could paint the plastic mirror frame.
- Heirloom Traditions Paint
- Brush
- Deglosser
- Sponge Applicator (not shown)
- Scrub Pad
- Chip Brush
After applying the deglosser with the chip brush, I could immediately see that the plastic mirror frame was covered with nicotine.
The only way to make sure it was thoroughly clean was to rinse it with the hose.
I painted a light first coat of Iron Gate on the plastic mirror frame. The first step to it's new makeover as a bulletin board.
After a couple of coats of Iron gate, the plastic mirror looked awesome! Initially I had planned to do a top coat of white, and chippy it up. But I LOVED how pretty it looked with the black paint.
Add Cork
For the bulletin board, I'll be using cork, batting, and two layers of fabric. I used a box cutter and a carpenter's square to cut the cork to size.
You can see that I had to patch the cork to make it fit. Notice the corners are cut at an angle.
To keep this post short, I'll mention here that this plan didn't work. I had to eventually take everything apart and cut the cork on the short and long side. The fabric added too much thickness, and I couldn't get it all to fit in the frame. So, learn from my mistake so you don't put everything together only to end up starting over.
Why Use Two Pieces of Fabric?
The first time I did this, I taped the inner fabric, and stapled the outer fabric. When I re-did it, I stapled everything. That worked better. I used two layers of fabric, because the outer layer was thin, and I wanted to hide the batting.
The white duct tape? I used it to hold the scrap pieces together. It was actually taped on both the front and back side of the cork.
I spray painted the back cardboard black. It's not perfect, but it looks better than it did.
Part 1 of Plastic Mirror Bulletin Board
This is where everything went wrong and I put it aside for a week or so. The fabric had a pucker. I saw it while I was ironing the fabric, but I thought I was in the clear with an excess of fabric where it wouldn't show. WRONG!
It was hot, so when I tackled this project for the re-do, I did it in the house. After removing all the tape and staples, I cut the cork board (as I mentioned above) and then put it all back together again! I paid close attention to the details and pulled the fabric as tight as I could. Pucker Be Gone!
Plastic Mirror Bulletin Board Complete!
Wow, the plastic mirror bulletin board is finally d.o.n.e. I LOVE it! I used the same black and white photos as I did for the Photo Display I shared with you recently. It's hanging over the Sewing Machine Craft Table.
Sphere Push Pins are holding the photos in place, sort of like photo corners to keep from damaging them.
So, remember to think twice before you pass up a plastic mirror!!!
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Michelle
This is exactly what I was looking for!! I recently ordered a beautiful mirror and it arrived completely shattered but I wanted to repurpose the frame into a bulletin board (especially since it will match my replacement mirror I'm being sent!)
What thickness of cork did you use and is there a specific batting loft you recommend?
Gail Wilson
Michelle,
The cork is about 3/8" thick. As for the batting, I just bought some cotton quilt batting at hobby lobby.
What a shame about your mirror, but happy you feel inspired by my project!
gail
Cheri
I love this! I have a big picture frame I bought at an auction long time ago. I need to get industrious (like you always are) and make something out of it. Maybe a bulletin board! Or...get my husband to turn it into another earring/jewelry holder with hardware cloth. He has made me three already but they are small. Anyway...your projects always inspire me (but then I realize how untalented I am and give up!!!)
Gail Wilson
Cheri,
Never give up!! I'm taking part in an event later this month, all about empowering women. You should check it out. More details to follow.
gail