Mounting a mirror in the bathroom can be quick and hassle-free. A very popular solution is currently non-invasive installation, which does not require drilling holes for plugs in tiles or walls. All you need is a special glue.
How to glue a mirror to tiles? Move on to the next part of the article and see how easy it is!
What do you need to mount a mirror on the wall?
Generally, mounting a mirror comes down to drilling one or two expansion plugs with a hook. In the case of a bathroom finished with ceramic tiles, the situation may be a bit more complicated than with smooth walls. Remember that drilling holes in tiles will irreparably damage them. Furthermore, poorly made holes may lead to cracking tiles.
If there are tiles or panels on the wall of your bathroom, it will definitely be a better idea to glue the mirror directly to the surface.
Here are the basic items you will need to glue a mirror to the wall:
- special glue for mirrors, glass, and ceramics or special silicone,
- glue or silicone gun,
- measuring tape,
- level,
- pencil.
Both glue and silicone will work for installing the mirror—both solutions are equally effective. Silicone will additionally seal the space between the mirror and the wall surface and will prevent moisture from getting underneath.
If you are looking for an alternative solution, you will find bathroom mirrors at mexen.pl, which you can hang on a wide band.
How to prepare the surface for gluing the mirror?
If you want the mirror installation to go smoothly, you need to ensure that the wall is clean, dry, and, most importantly, degreased.
To do this, wash the tiles thoroughly with warm water and detergent. Then let it sit for a few minutes or wipe the surface dry.
In the case of stains or deposits, they need to be scrubbed thoroughly. Finally, it is good to wipe the wall with a solvent to remove any remnants of cleaning agents.
The back side of the mirror must also be dry and clean; otherwise, you may have trouble spreading the glue properly.
How to glue a mirror to tiles: step by step
After preparing the wall for mounting, you can proceed to gluing the mirror to the surface.
Here’s what you need to do:
- once again, measure the mirror precisely,
- mark the location for mounting the mirror on the tiles with a pencil,
- prepare the glue according to the manufacturer's instructions,
- if you will be using a glue or silicone gun, place the tube in the gun holder,
- apply glue to the back of the mirror using the applicator—apply parallel strips of glue at a few centimeters apart,
- carefully place the mirror in the chosen spot and gently press it to the wall,
- check with a level whether the mirror is mounted evenly,
- remove any excess glue that may have squeezed out beyond the mirror frame,
- thoroughly clean the edges of the mirror—you can use a solvent for this.
If your new mirror is large, ask for help from another person; this will ensure that the process goes smoothly.
How to check if the mirror gluing was successful?
To verify whether the mirror has been installed properly, follow these steps:
- use a level to check if the mirror is mounted evenly,
- gently grasp the edge of the mirror and try to move it; if the mirror’s surface can be shifted, it may indicate that too little glue was applied. In this case, try repeating the entire process again. Dismantle the mirror using a putty knife or wallpaper knife—gently lift the mirror. You can also try applying more glue by sliding the applicator between the mirror and the tiles,
- again, remove excess glue from the edges of the mirror and wait for the glue to harden sufficiently.
Conducting a thorough inspection after the mirror gluing process will ensure that the installation was successful and that the mirror is securely mounted.
Is gluing a mirror to the wall an irreversible action?
A mirror glued to the wall with glue can be dismantled, but it is quite difficult and may result in damage to the tiles or the mirror itself.
To detach the mirror from the surface, you must arm yourself with patience and follow these steps:
- remove glue around the edge of the mirror with a wallpaper knife or another tool,
- then, use a putty knife to gently pry the edge of the mirror. A good solution may be to use a hair dryer—the hot air will soften the glue.
If necessary, you can use a solvent or glue remover.
Installing a mirror on bathroom tiles - summary
If you decide to glue a mirror to the wall, remember to choose a specialized glue intended for securing glass and ceramics. For large mirrors, get help from another person.