Bathroom cabinet delima

Carol Smth
by Carol Smth
I have a beautiful bathroom medicine cabinet (36"wide) that's in beautiful condition except the outside edges of the mirror are turning black in places. There's also a few black spots on the bevel line too. I've looked everywhere for a new cabinet but can't find one I like. I was thinking if I could cover the outside edges of the mirror with something at least 1/2" wide to cover these unsightly spots I might be able to salvage this cabinet. Was thinking maybe etching etc. Would love any suggestions from all you talented ladies. One drawback, I am alone (77 years old), I can't take down this heavy medicine cabinet. It will have to be something that can be done while it's on the wall. Suggestions please.

  8 answers
  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Oct 12, 2017

    Hi, Carol, you and I are the same age! 1940s babies! There doesn't seem to be much info out there on this subject, but I know what you mean. I would get a small stencil, maybe of something like ivy, and paint the mirror with it. If you don't like it, then scrape off with a razor blade and get you a thin piece of lath and make a frame out of it. I wouldn't even miter the corners, just put it on "country fashion." Let us know how it went.

    • Carol Smth Carol Smth on Oct 12, 2017

      I really liked the lath idea beings the medicine cabinet frame is white and looks like intricate piece of crown molding 5" deep. A piece of lath would blend right in. I taped a wooden ruler over the glass to see is the door would still open and "Nadda" it won't. That extra thickness causes the mirror to bind against the frame. So I can't use anything that has any thickness to it at all. It will have to be something painted, like a stencil/ painted border etc. I've taken tole painting lessons for 6 years and had a business at one time, so I could maybe freehand a design on the mirror or use a stencil, but concerned about the paint not holding up on such a slick surface. Also thought maybe I could get a 1/2" wide roll of decal tape like one uses on RV's for striping etc. There is so many talented ideas on this website that one never thinks of I know someone has the answer. Thanks Rose for your suggestion. Greatly appreciated. Wish it would work.

  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on Oct 12, 2017

    You could do several things. You could glue a small piece of wood molding all around the edges, or small mosaic tiles or even those little flat glass marbles. You could also use seashells to give it a beachy look. Lots of fun ideas that would be really easy to just glue on. Use a strong glue like E6000 so it will hold up in the bathroom with humidity, moisture, etc. Best of luck with your project!

  • Carol Smth Carol Smth on Oct 12, 2017

    Hi Michelle, appreciate your input. I just checked the cabinet and the doors won't open if I there is any thickness over the mirror. It binds against the door frame. What ever I decide it will have to be something like a decal, stencil, a piece of silver tape would be pretty too if there is such a thing. Thanks for taking the time to reply. LOVE this website.

  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Oct 12, 2017

    Well heck! I wish I'd had the magic answer. Keep watching the board, someone surely has an idea the two of us haven't thought of!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 12, 2017

    I know that sometimes medicine chest mirrors can be replaced at glass shops, depending what style of hinges they are mounted with and how they are removed. Is it possible to post a picture of what style yours is?

  • Carol Smth Carol Smth on Oct 12, 2017

    I might do that Flipturn. I called a glass shop earlier today to see if the mirror could be reglazed they said the price would be out of sight. They said to bring one of the doors in and see what they could do. The mirrors are beveled. I don't know if they could duplicate that but would be willing to lose that feature if I had mirrors that didn't have all these dark spots around the edges. They said that's common for mirrors in bathrooms where there is moisture etc. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Castrang17 Castrang17 on Oct 12, 2017

    Oh beautiful! ...as you describe. Have someone help you with the etching, or DIY, as you suggest, that would only enhance the mirror. There are many patterns/designs to use for etching. This can be done with the mirror on the wall. Save your medicine cabinet/mirror, any way you can, probably not many like it.

  • Castrang17 Castrang17 on Oct 12, 2017

    Another DIY: If you like, use glass paint and the etching stencils, I mentioned above, and paint your design over the trouble spots. Should be beautiful!