Black mirrors are easily attained in the current market place, or can be constructed inexpensively. The simplest way to make one is to buy a new or used picture frame with a glass coverlet. While a round mirror has some tradition behind it, the effects that lead to good magic don’t depend on that so it probably isn’t worth obsessing over. Oval frames are common enough. Rectangular frames are everywhere and they work equally well. Size matters too. For the current instruction you want the mirror to comfortably frame your face when placed about an arm’s length away, Bigger or smaller than that has proven less than ideal in practice. After the technique is learned.

Once acquired, remove the glass and paint one side with several coats of flat black paint. Follow the instructions on using the pant, with the recommended drying time between coats. When the last coat is fully dry, put the glass back into the frame, unpainted side facing forward. Examine the results carefully. What you’re looking for is a uniform glassy black surface. Take care to protect the painting side of the glass. If the paint gets scratched the mirror will show a defect.

Additional Equipment and Set up