Kintsugi Marble X Resin Mirror
Introduction: Kintsugi Marble X Resin Mirror
About a month ago I had fixed a broken marble slab with some golden resin using the Japanese art of Kintsugi. I made an Instructable about it, go check it out on the following link: https://www.instructables.com/Stormy-Marble-Repair-With-Gold/. It turned out really well but in the end, it was just that... a Marble Slab! So my dad gave an awesome idea where I could turn it into a wonderful mirror. Then you know I had to make it. I incorporated some of the methods used in the previous build as well as some of my other expertise to fulfill this project. Follow this Instructable to see how I made the beautiful mirror in the picture above.
Step 1: Gathering Supplies and Tools
Supplies:
* A Long Slab
* 17”x17.5” Mirror (This will depend on the size of your frame)
* 2 Part Resin Epoxy
* Golden Mica Powders
* Vaseline (optional)
* Gorilla Glue
* Masking Tape
* Corrugated Plastic
* Hot Glue Sticks
* Paintbrush
* Small Screws (Less than 1" in length)
* Popsicle or Mixing Stick
Tools:
* Protractor
* Set Square/ Triangle (optional)
* Measuring Tape
* Ruler
* 3D printer
* Marble Cutting Saw
* Heavy Weights
* Camping lighter/ Blow Torch
* Utility Knife / Exacto Knife
* Hot Glue Gun
* Chisel
* Rotary Tool with a sanding bit + drill bit
* And don’t forget your Pencil!
Sorry guys I don't have a picture of all of the tools and pictures.
Step 2: Measuring and Calculating
Turn over the slab of marble to its back and measure it. My slab measured out to be just under 68 inches long and 4 inches wide. Now if since we are making a square mirror, we need to have 4 equal sides. 68/ 4= 17 inches. Now we've established the dimensions of our frame which is going to be an estimated 17”x 17”.
Step 3: Step 2: Division Markings
Start by dividing the piece into 4 pieces each in the length of 17”. Mark them by putting a line across the slab. This will act as a guide for the size and angles.
Step 4: Angle Markings for Joints
Now place a protractor where the previous line meets perpendicular to the edge. Now keep in mind that one edge of the slab has a bevel. So, the edge where all the lines meet will be the one outside. I wanted the bevel inside so made all of my angles on the other side. 220
Mark 45 degree angles on both sides of the dividing line as shown in the image above. Do this for all 3 dividing lines. This should make a 90 degree V on all division points.
On both ends, make the same 45-degree angles facing inwards so that each part resembles a trapezoid.
Step 5: Cutting
Ahhh yes the most important step, cutting the slab. The sad thing for me is that I don’t even know how to cut a slab of marble. Luckily, I know someone who can. A good friend’s dad offered to cut the piece of marble for me. If you don't have a friend's dad who can cut marble, you can ask a local stonecutter and they might be able to get the job done.
A handy trick that one of my teachers told me was to add hatch-marks to sides that should join. On the first joint add one hatch mark, on the second 2, so on and so on. This will allow me to correctly align the pieces so that the golden veins transition right.
Step 6: Checking and Aligning
Now take the 4 pieces and align and check them. Shave off and loose bits on the end with a utility knife. Play around with it so that you can get the perfect look in the end.
Step 7: Making the Mold's Net
In order, join the 4 pieces together, we are gluing them together by pouring resin in between the joints. This will allow the joints to resemble the previous cracks. But before we pour the resin we will need a mold. We will again make a custom mold for this project. Now I know that I wrote "corrugated plastic" in the supplies list, but I used foam board for this project. This was because my local dollar store didn't have corrugated plastic boards in stocks but they did have foam board in stock. Something special about this board was that one side was lined with the same material whiteboards are lined with. 556