Create a Sunburst Mirror

Open up your living room and add style with a dramatic sunburst mirror.
Sunburst Mirror Brightens up the Room

Sunburst Mirror Brightens up the Room

Open up your living room and add style with a dramatic sunburst mirror.

By: Janell Beals

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • mirror with flat frame edge
  • 150 pieces branches or twigs
  • glue sticks
  • glue gun
  • painter’s tape
  • yardstick
  • hacksaw or other saw
  • sandpaper
  • sheet of paper
  • spray primer
  • spray paint
  • hanging hardware

Gather Supplies

Select materials and cut branches to varying lengths between 15 to 18 inches long. Tip: Attach hanging hardware on back of frame prior to starting project.

Materials for DIY Sunburst Mirror

Materials for DIY Sunburst Mirror

Select materials and cut branches to varying lengths between 15 to 18 inches long. Tip: Attach hanging hardware on back of frame prior to starting project.

Tape Guidelines

Tape intersecting lines to mirror surface. Using tape lines and yardstick as a guide, glue first branch to mirror frame surface.

Measure Length of Sunburst Spires

Measure Length of Sunburst Spires

Tape intersecting lines to mirror surface. Using tape lines and yardstick as a guide, glue first branch to mirror frame surface.

Create Radiating Circle

Glue branches in place using guidelines to create a radiating circle around mirror frame, providing guide for attaching remaining branches.

Hot Glue Spires to Sunburst Mirror

Hot Glue Spires to Sunburst Mirror

Glue branches in place using guidelines to create a radiating circle around mirror frame, providing guide for attaching remaining branches.

Glue Branches to Frame Edge

Apply ample amount of glue to frame using a hot glue gun and secure each branch. Tip: Hold branch in place for several seconds while glue sets.

Hot Glue Sticks to Mirror for Sunburst Appeal

Hot Glue Sticks to Mirror for Sunburst Appeal

Apply ample amount of glue to frame using a hot glue gun and secure each branch. Tip: Hold branch in place for several seconds while glue sets.

Vary Branch Lengths

Attach branches to mirror, varying lengths of adjacent branches for a balanced final result.

Hot Glue Stick Spires to Mirror

Hot Glue Stick Spires to Mirror

Attach branches to mirror, varying lengths of adjacent branches for a balanced final result.

Complete Circle

Continue attaching branches around mirror frame until a full circle is created.

Unpainted Sunburst Mirror with Spires

Unpainted Sunburst Mirror with Spires

Continue attaching branches around mirror frame until a full circle is created.

Sand Branches

Sand top sides of branches with sandpaper to remove any excess glue.

Wipe Away Excess Hot Glue

Wipe Away Excess Hot Glue

Sand top sides of branches with sandpaper to remove any excess glue.

Protect Mirror Surface

Cover mirror surface with paper and apply painter's tape around inner line of mirror to protect mirror surface while painting.

Protect Mirror before Spray Painting Sunburst Spires

Protect Mirror before Spray Painting Sunburst Spires

Cover mirror surface with paper and apply painter's tape around inner line of mirror to protect mirror surface while painting.

Prime Backside of Mirror

Spray backside of mirror and branches with primer. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour. Tip: Stacked paint cans provide a convenient stand to place mirror while painting.

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror from Center Out

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror from Center Out

Spray backside of mirror and branches with primer. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour. Tip: Stacked paint cans provide a convenient stand to place mirror while painting.

Prime Front of Mirror

Turn mirror over and place on stand front side up. Prime branches and mirror frame. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour.

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror

Turn mirror over and place on stand front side up. Prime branches and mirror frame. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour.

Paint Mirror

Repeat above steps to paint front and back of mirror. Let dry 24 hours. Remove protective paper and hang mirror.

Painting Sunburst Mirror

Painting Front and Back of Sunburst Mirror

Repeat above steps to paint front and back of mirror. Let dry 24 hours. Remove protective paper and hang mirror.

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