Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 4Cut and glue mirrors
These mirrors come in various sizes (I used 1/2" mirrors) on a fabric backing that is about 2'x2'. I picked mine up at the Kit Kraft hobby store for about $60 each.
To cut strips from the grid of mirrors, I used GLOVES and a sharp utility knife, running the blade between a row to cut the fabric backing. The blade dulls quickly, change often. Keep in mind, mirror edges are SHARP!
Laying the first row of mirrors was the most difficult. I started on the "equator" of each dome. My first try was not level, but luckily the hot glue pulled off cleanly when I decided to try again. This time I also used a laser level to make sure it was a good starting point. Then I started gluing strips of the mirrors up from the equator, offsetting each row in a brick pattern. I cut mirror tiles in half (scoring them with a cutter) to fill in the rows all the way to each edge.
Hot gluing the rows one by one was a time consuming process... but I got both domes covered in a couple nights. I finished off each edge with a row of mirrors as well.
Finished, the ball weighed in about 20+ lbs! A workout wearing that around all night for sure.
To cut strips from the grid of mirrors, I used GLOVES and a sharp utility knife, running the blade between a row to cut the fabric backing. The blade dulls quickly, change often. Keep in mind, mirror edges are SHARP!
Laying the first row of mirrors was the most difficult. I started on the "equator" of each dome. My first try was not level, but luckily the hot glue pulled off cleanly when I decided to try again. This time I also used a laser level to make sure it was a good starting point. Then I started gluing strips of the mirrors up from the equator, offsetting each row in a brick pattern. I cut mirror tiles in half (scoring them with a cutter) to fill in the rows all the way to each edge.
Hot gluing the rows one by one was a time consuming process... but I got both domes covered in a couple nights. I finished off each edge with a row of mirrors as well.
Finished, the ball weighed in about 20+ lbs! A workout wearing that around all night for sure.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
 |
Add Comment
|
