How to recreate a homemade "Foam Cloud Mirror"

For months now, on Instagram and TikTok are popping up photos and videos of influencers taking selfies in front of a "foamy" mirror, as if the old frame had been replaced by a colorful pile of popcorn, marshmallows or clouds. They call it Foam Cloud Mirror and it's the latest DIY trend.

@bulabubble

@ninasandbech

Given the large amount of old and unused mirrors we all have at home, why not try to replicate it? On the surface it may seem like a difficult experiment, but in reality it is very simple, as well as being the ultimate recycling solution; all you need is a mirror and polyurethane foam, which can be found in any hardware store, and that's it! Once the foam is given, it will naturally swell and soon take on a "cloudy", soft and super fluffy appearance. If you want a more minimal mirror, leave it in natural white, if you prefer it in the technicolor version, arm yourself with a spray can and color the whole frame; or again, buy a thread of colored neon light or a garland of flowers, place it around, and the effect will be amazing.

What you need

A mirror; spray polyurethane foam; a towel or newspaper; spray paint (optional).

STEP 1

Start by preparing the work area. Lay the cloth or newspaper on the counter, make sure it is two or three times bigger than the mirror. Warning 1: the spray foam is difficult to tame, so if this is the first time you do it first a little experiment to practice on the shape you want to give to your frame, so there will be no nasty surprises). Also, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.

STEP 2

Lay the mirror face up on the towel and clean it thoroughly to avoid any residual dust.

STEP 3

Now it's time to apply the foam to the mirror. Warning 2: As it dries, the foam will expand to about twice as large. Insert the nozzle and start spraying the foam on the edge of the mirror in a zigzag motion. If some parts came out thinner than others, don't worry, add more foam. Once you're done, let the foam dry for a few hours.

STEP 4 (optional)

As mentioned above, you could leave the mirror as it is, with the white foam, but if you want to add an extra touch of color, spray it with a spray of the color you like. You can also choose if you want a glossy or matte finish. Before coloring it, cover the mirrored surface with newspaper or plastic film to leave it intact. Let the color dry for a few hours, then hang and enjoy your creation.