Tinfoil Mirror

Mirrors are essential for many projects, but sometimes you may need a custom mirror and are just too lazy to bother trying to find and order one. If you don't need perfect clarity for whatever project you're trying to complete, or are just anxious to test out your mirror-related device while waiting for a real mirror to arrive, you can make a simple mirror with a handful of supplies and tools in under an hour.

• Aluminum foil (obviously, read the title)
• A sheet of scrap acrylic
• A razor blade (preferably a boxcutter, but I seem to have misplaced all of mine)
• Some kind of clear-drying glue (I used Elmer's)
• Microfiber cloth and polish (optional Dremel tool with polishing tip)
• Optional vise and clamp

Use a razor blade and a straight edge to cut grooves in the acrylic, marking out two pieces the size of the mirror. Mine are both about a square inch. Once you get tired of scratching at it with a blade, if you have a vise and some scrap leather, throw it in a bench vise and use your hands to snap the acrylic along the score lines.

Now cut out a square of tinfoil a bit larger than the acrylic, and try to avoid wrinkles (as I say, not as I do). Spread some glue evenly over one side of one of the acrylic pieces, then apply the tinfoil on top (polishing is easier if you put the shiny side up). To remove bubbles and excess glue, first press the tinfoil side against a flat surface, then drag a razor blade across the top of the tinfoil until the surface is smooth. Leave it to dry (as in you have to wait. Don't skip the waiting like I did only for the tinfoil to come off halfway through polishing).

Use some polishing compound and either a Dremel or microfiber cloth to polish the surface of the tinfoil. To keep it from moving, put the acrylic in a vise with rubber jaws. I would recommend using a Dremel if you don't want to develop a thumb cramp, but if your backup Dremel dies after your friend stole your primary Dremel, just curse your friend under your breath and switch to using a cloth.

Glue the other side on. You can clamp it between those scrap pieces of leather from earlier to help with gluing. Once the glue dries, be prepared to bask in the glory of your "mirror."

Admittedly, I think this could have turned out better had I spent more time polishing it or used a Dremel that actually worked. I could also have been more careful in smoothing, keeping the foil free of dirt...everything really. Despite that, it does seem to work for its intended purpose, which is reflecting a simple screen very close to the eye sufficient enough for simple pictures and letters. So, while maybe not quite perfect, I'd wager it's about as good as you're gonna get (given you polish it enough) without resorting to ordering one or being forced to leave your house for the first time in three months.