DIY: Mirror mirror on the door

Greig Morgan shows you how to enhance your image.

Modernising your walk-in wardrobe with mirrored doors doesn't have to be expensive. Re-use and paint the old doors and hinges, then glue a mirror to the front, plus some new handles.

Step 1
Remove the hinges from the doors. Also remove handles and catches.

Step 2
Sand both sides of the doors, including all edges, with 80 grit sandpaper to remove old varnish or paint, as well as removing any marks or dings that have occurred over the years. Then finish the backs and edges for a nice, smooth paint finish with 150 grit sandpaper, leaving the door front ready to be glued.

Step 3
Paint the door's back and edges and in about 10mm around its front with primer undercoat, then wait for the recommended drying time before applying two top coats. For best results, follow the instructions on the paint can.

Step 4
Take the painted doors to a glazier, along with new handles, for holes for handle placement. Make sure they cut and fit the mirror about 3mm less than the door all the way around. Also ensure the pre-drilled holes on the mirror are a couple of millimetres larger than the screw when drilling and fitting the handles and hinges, to avoid the mirror chipping or cracking.

Tips
* Use a wood filler to fill in any deep scratches or dings that can't be removed by sanding.
* Use a good quality roller sleeve for painting as this will give a sprayed-finish look.
* Wrap the doors with enough blankets for protection when you take them to the glazier.

Materials
Old doors
Mirrors to fit doors
Handles
Door catch
Undercoat and paint
80grit & 150grit sandpaper
Wood filler
Tools
Safety gear
Screw gun
Paint roller & roller sleeve for a door finish
5mm drill bit
Putty knife
Finishing sander