Beginner Project: How to Laser Engrave Mirror Wall Art

After learning how to laser engrave mirror with my diode laser, I decided to take it a step further and create a full project using the additional test mirror I had left over. While sketching out some ideas on my iPad, I landed on a cartoon-style graphic with a phrase reminiscent of the 90s to match.

This is a beginner-friendly and fun project you can make on your diode or CO2 laser. Below you’ll find a link to the digital design file for this Da Bomb mirror, along with a step-by-step tutorial to follow along.

Material & Tools List

Materials:

• 1 sheet of 1/8” or 3mm MDF (approx. 12”x24” needed)
• 4.5” 3mm Circular Mirror or 4″ 3mm Circular Mirror
• 220-Grit Sandpaper
• CA Glue
• E6000
• Sawtooth Hook or other
• Rustoleum Spray Primer
• Spray Paint or Acrylic Paint of your choosing
  • Colors Used:
    • Black
    • White
    • Red
    • Orange
    • Yellow
• Cardstock for adding effect to engraving (optional)

Tools:

• xTool M1 or other laser cutter & engraver
• Screwdriver for adding hook
• Calipers for measuring material thickness

How to Laser Engrave Mirror Wall Art

This tutorial will share the process of how to create this specific mirror, however, you can apply these concepts and techniques to your own custom designed mirrors.

Step 1: Designing the Custom Mirror

While there are numerous software options for designing and creating SVGs to laser cut, such as Lightburn, Adobe Illustrator, or Affinity, my platform of choice is usually a mix of Concepts and xTool Studio.

I find it easiest to get designs out of my head and into the world by drawing them out on my iPad using the Concepts app, exporting it, then importing it into xTool Studio to clean it up. Although how you create your designs and design files is personal preference and completely up to you.

For this particular Da Bomb Mirror design, you can download the digital file here.

Step 2: Laser Cutting the Mirror Frame

The material recommendation for this project is 1/8” MDF because it provides a clean laser cut and works well with paints for a smooth finish. For the frame, it will take about 7.5”x15” of your full sheet for the front, back, and fuse pieces.

First you’ll want to measure the correct thickness of your material, so you can adjust the thickness in your laser software to ensure you’ve got the correct focus for your project. Depending on your software, you may have an auto-measure feature or you can do this manually using digital calipers.

Update your material thickness, lock in your material, then cut out your pieces.

Step 3: Creating an Alignment Jig

The design file includes a jig for properly aligning the engraved text for your mirror. This is optional and can be cut out of your remaining material, but it is recommended for accurate engraving.

Once you cut out the jig, you’ll need to set up your mirror for the engrave.

Step 4: Prepare to Laser Engrave Mirror

Next, we’ll want to set up our mirror inside of our laser, so that we get a nice crisp engraving.

The file comes with an engrave test grid to dial in the correct settings for your machine. If you need a refresher on how to laser engrave a mirror, you can learn more in this blog post.

A quick reminder: when engraving a mirror, you’ll want to flip it around and engrave on the back. After placing your mirror inside your machine, ideally lifted from your plate to prevent any flashbacks, you can add the jig around it.

The jig will help you to get the correct framing of the text. You should see your laser frame directly in the center of the jig. After you’ve framed it, you’re ready to engrave.

The file already comes reversed, so if you’re designing your own text or graphic, be sure to reverse it.

You’ll need to wipe the engraving clean with isopropyl alcohol after it’s finished to remove any debris.

Step 5: Rounding Your Edges

This part of the project is optional. If you’re looking to round out the edges of your bomb-shaped frame, you’ll first want to assemble the back and front laser cut pieces using CA glue.

Once attached, you can give the edge a nice rounded sand using 220-grit sandpaper. Have fun with it!

Step 6: Priming and Painting the Frame

MDF is a great material when it comes to painting. You can choose to use spray paints, acrylic paint, or even paint markers. Ideally, you’ll want to prime your MDF first, so your paint is vibrant. I personally went with spray paint, so I used Rustoleum brand filler primer and color paints.

Step 7: Jazzing Up Your Mirror Engraving

Now that your mirror is engraved, you can spruce it up with color, glitter, or a pattern.

To make your engraved mirror pop with color, you can paint the back of it using acrylic paint. Alternatively, you can affix a sheet of textured or patterned paper behind your mirror, which will show through the engraved areas of text.

I chose to use the blade cutting feature on my xTool M1 to cut out a metallic piece of card stock, which will sit behind the mirror within the frame.

Step 8: Assembling Da Bomb Mirror

When all of your pieces are dry, it’s time to assemble.

Using the score lines on the pieces as a guide, you’ll want to attach all of the frame pieces with CA glue.

At this point, if you’ve decided to go with adding cardstock behind your mirror, be sure to adhere it to your mirror before attaching the mirror to the frame.

Although you can use CA glue to attach your mirror, I recommend E6000 since it has a stronger hold. You’ll want to add it to sections on the back of your mirror that aren’t engraved.

Step 9: Adding a Wall Hook

Since this project will be wall art, it’ll need a hook.

You can go with any hanging hook used for picture such as triangle hooks or a sawtooth hook, like I did. Just be sure that your screws are shorter than 6mm, so it doesn’t accidentally screw through the face of it.

Alternatively, you can create your own keyhole hook or download and laser cut my hook set.

Admire Your Laser Engraved Mirror Wall Art

You’re finished! The piece is complete and you’re ready to display your work proudly.

This is a fun and easy beginner laser project that introduces you to both engraving and cutting. This project was made to inspire you and help you think outside of just laser test settings.

If you decided to make one, I’d love to see how yours came out.
Share it with me on TikTok @LinaMakes or IG @LinaMakesArt