Mounting a mirror in the bathroom can be quick and hassle-free. A very popular solution is currently non-invasive installation, which means it does not require drilling holes for plugs into tiles or walls. All you need is a special adhesive.
How to stick a mirror to tiles? Read on to find out how easy it is!
What do you need to attach a mirror to the wall?
Typically, mounting a mirror involves drilling one or two expansion plugs finished with a hook. In the case of a bathroom finished with ceramic tiles, the situation can be a bit more complicated than with smooth walls. Remember, drilling holes in tiles will irreversibly damage them. Moreover, ineptly making holes can lead to tiles cracking.
If your bathroom walls are covered with tiles or panels, it's definitely a better idea to stick the mirror directly onto the surface.
Here are the basic things you will need to stick a mirror to the wall:
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"specialist adhesive for mirrors, glass, and ceramics or special silicone,"
"glue or silicone gun,"
"measuring tape,"
"spirit level,"
"pencil."
Both adhesive and silicone will work when mounting a mirror - both solutions are equally effective. Silicone additionally seals the space between the mirror and the wall surface and prevents moisture from getting under it.
If you're looking for an alternative solution, at mexen.pl you will find bathroom mirrors that you can hang on a wide strip.
How to prepare the surface for gluing a mirror?
If you want the mirror installation to go smoothly, you need to make sure the wall is clean and dry and, most importantly, degreased.
To do this, wash the tiles well using warm water and detergent. Then it's worth waiting a few minutes or wiping the surface dry.
In the case of stains or deposits, you need to scrub them thoroughly. Finally, it's good to wipe the wall with a solvent, which will remove the remnants of the cleaning agents used on the wall.
The back of the mirror must also be dry and clean, otherwise, you may have trouble properly applying the adhesive.
How to stick a mirror to tiles: step by step
Once the wall is prepared for installation, you can proceed to stick the mirror onto the surface.
Here's what you need to do:
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"measure the mirror precisely again,"
"mark the mirror's mounting location on the tiles with a pencil,"
"prepare the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions,"
"if you will be using a glue or silicone gun, place the tube in the gun holder,"
"apply the adhesive to the back of the mirror with a dispenser - apply parallel glue strips at several centimeters intervals from each other,"
"carefully place the mirror in the chosen spot and gently press it to the wall,"
"use a spirit level to check if the mirror is evenly mounted,"
"remove any excess adhesive oozing out of the frame,"
"clean the mirror edges thoroughly - you can use solvent for this."
If your new mirror is large, ask a second person for help to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
How to check whether the mirror adhesion was successful?
To verify if the mirror was mounted correctly, follow these steps:
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"use a spirit level to check if the mirror is evenly mounted,"
"lightly hold the edge of the mirror and try to move it; if you can shift the mirror's surface, it may mean that too little adhesive has been applied. In this case, try repeating the whole process again. Dismantle the mirror using a putty knife or a wallpaper knife - gently pry the mirror. You can also try applying more adhesive by inserting the applicator between the mirror and the tiles,"
"again remove excess adhesive from the edges of the mirror and wait until the adhesive hardens sufficiently."
Conducting a careful inspection after the mirror adhesion process will ensure that the installation was successful and that the mirror is mounted in a safe way for household members.
Is sticking a mirror to the wall irreversible?
A mirror glued to the wall using adhesive can be dismantled, but it is quite difficult and may end up damaging the tiles or the mirror itself.
To detach the mirror from the surface, you need patience and perform the following steps:
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"remove the adhesive around the edges of the mirror using a wallpaper knife or another,"
"then gently pry the edge of the mirror with a putty knife. A good solution may be to use a hair dryer - the hot air will soften the adhesive."
If necessary, you can use a solvent or adhesive remover.
Mounting a mirror to bathroom tiles - summary
If you decide to stick a mirror to the wall, remember to choose a specialist adhesive designed for attaching glass and ceramics. For large mirrors, ask for help from another person.