Repair Fake Wood Dresser Mirror

Have you ever wondered how to repair a fake wood dresser mirror? I seriously have no idea what this dresser mirror frame is even made of. It does resemble real wood, but when you see the broken frame, it's obvious that it's some kind of composite foam? By the way, this project is my Thrift Store Decor Project! Be sure to check out the projects my friends did after you see all of my project details.

Fake Wood Dresser Mirror

This is how it looked when I picked it up from the curb. The mirror was already gone. From a distance, I thought it was wood.

But as I got closer, I saw this. Do you know what material this is? It sort of resembles foam, I thought maybe it was syroco, but I'm really clueless.

Because it's not wood, I wasn't really sure how to fix the crack. It wasn't a perfectly clean break in the mirror frame. There were some small chips missing.

Using a flat prybar was the best way I knew of to start removing the back from the frame.

How to Repair Fake Wood Dresser Mirror Frame

Generally, I just jump right in. But before beginning with any sort of glue to repair the cracked mirror frame, I practiced clamping. I wanted to make sure that the clamps were going to hold the pieces together. I tried random bar clamps too, but these Quick Clamps seemed to work the best.

Gorilla Glue is generally my choice of adhesives, in this case it was their clear Gorilla Glue instead of my favorite Gorilla Wood Glue. The tools I used to make this task work were a small paint brush, a cup of water, the glue and the clamps.

• Use damp paint brush to dampen area to be glued
• Apply Clear Gorilla Glue
• Wipe away excess glue with wet wipe
• Clamp repair, wait two hours to set up

This is how the repair looks on the back. There is a a little glue residue left as well as some of the original debris that needed to be dealt with. All of the staples were removed, and the old original glue was scraped away.

To make the crack a little less noticeable, I lightly sanded the area, hoping that after the project is painted, it will be nearly invisible. The joint is very strong, the Gorilla Glue did just what I knew it would.

Tips for Painting

I used a paintbrush, sponge applicator and All in One Paint (Capri) to paint the fake wood dresser mirror. Top right is after the first coat (brush). Bottom right is after the second coat stippled with a sponge applicator that I had cut up.

So what you do with YOUR project is up to you. However, I love turning these old, unwanted mirror frames into chalkboards. Maybe you think you can't pull it off, but there are options for those who don't like to use power tools.

What Can You Do With a Mirror Frame?

If you would like to turn something like this dresser mirror frame into a chalkboard, you could do one of several things.

• Buy a piece of plywood at The Home Depot that is already coated with chalkboard paint.
• Ask the lumber guy to cut it for you in the size you need.
• Another idea is to tape off a section of your wall, and paint the wall with chalkboard paint. Voila! Hang the frame over the outline of chalkboard on your wall.
• In addition, you could turn your fake wood dresser mirror frame into a memo board using foam core board, fabric and batting.
• If you want to try your hand at cutting thin plywood, follow my steps below.

Using a carpenter's square, I measured and marked off the space I needed for the fake wood frame. I used my battery operated circular saw--it's small and very easy to use. You could use a jigsaw if that's what you have on hand. This scrap piece had already been painted white on one side. I sanded both sides of the thin plywood to prepare it for chalkboard paint and the Capri color on the back.

The Finishing Touches to Complete the Project

• The absolute easiest way to do a quick chalkboard is with Chalkboard Spray Paint. I did several light coats in a short period of time. The can states recoat within 30 minutes or AFTER 24 hours.
• I used the same Clear Gorilla Glue to secure the chalkboard in place
• The back was painted with the Capri All In One Paint
• D-rings were added for hanging the fake wood dresser mirror chalkboard

Easy Fake Wood Dresser Mirror Makeover Complete

What would you do with this oversized dresser mirror frame? How big is this thing? Would you believe it is 36" wide and nearly 50" tall?

Please visit my friends to see their easy thrift store makeovers!!!

• Rusty Trash Can Lid Sunflower Wreath Petticoat Junktion
• Repurposed Thrift Store Glassware House of Hawthornes
• Picnic Basket Makeover Our Southern Home
• Macrame Vase Cover My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
• Frosted Glass Tealights Domestically Speaking
• Repair Fake Wood Dresser Mirror (You're here)

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