What adhesive to use?

Sheila
by Sheila
I'm in the process of updating a 70's bathroom. It has the large bare/plain mirrors attached to the walls that was so popular during that era. I want to 'frame' the mirrors but have no clearance around the edges. I'm thinking of using light weight molding and attaching directly to the mirror but do not know what type of adhesive to use that will hold the molding securely. HELP!
  10 answers
  • Shari Shari on Dec 18, 2014
    We did this to the mirror in one of our bathrooms. Any silicone adhesive or something like Liquid Nails will work to hold the molding because it is not very heavy. Tell one of the clerks in the hardware store what you are doing and they will show you several options. Once you apply the molding to the mirror, use painter's tape to hold the molding in place until the adhesive has had time to dry. I think we left ours taped for about 24 hours. One tip: be sure to paint or stain the back of your molding too (the part you adhere to the glass) because the edges will be reflected in the mirror AND don't get your adhesive too close to the edges of the molding because it, too, will be reflected in the mirror.
  • Sharon Sharon on Dec 18, 2014
    Floor does not glue down, just put the baseboards around and you are done
  • LeeAnn LeeAnn on Dec 19, 2014
    Or you can frame the mirror with tiles, or something like sea shells. A freind of mine bought the 12x12 back splash tiles , removed each tile from the backing, glued them to the mirror to "frame" it.. it turned out beautiful!!
  • Stacy | BlakeHillHouse Stacy | BlakeHillHouse on Dec 19, 2014
    To attach lightweight wood to the mirror, you can definitely use liquid nails, or you can even use hot glue.
  • Jennifer Rogowsky Jennifer Rogowsky on Dec 19, 2014
    3M command makes great sticky strips that cling great and dont wreck the wall if you want to take them off later. Anything else and you will have to fix drywall and paint. Not expensive. They hold even heavy mirrors. Make sure wall is clean and dry before applying for best stick :) have fun!
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Dec 19, 2014
    @Sheila understanding you just want to attach to the mirror not the wall you can use any strong adhesive and i say this because of humidity gorilla glue e600 liquid nails if you have a caulk gun the best advice you will get is to ask where you get your molding they can steer you in the right direction i am going to do this to my ugly mirror also after i get the ugly wall paper stripped and a wash tub sink ( i know different huh ) good luck neighbor xx
  • Accentuations! Accentuations! on Dec 19, 2014
    Having already done this, I can tell you that after the mirror is cleaned from any prior residue and you are sure it is dry (I usually wipe down with alcohol) I applied a Liquid Nails product ---I dotted it on the mirror and then onto the framing. Place it onto the mirror and the adhesive will mix with itself and form a bond. Hold it in a place for a minute or two to let it set up. I hope tat helps!
  • Barbara Burnham Barbara Burnham on Dec 19, 2014
    I would think outside of molding framing it. Look at all the 1" x 1" tiles that come in 12" square sheets. The colors, types of materials (slate, rock, mirror, marble, etc.) are endless. Think 4 rows, so 3 rows from each sheet would be wide enough, use premixed "mastic" ( comes in a tub, about $20) or liquid nails, whichever is cheaper to apply tile. Then premixed grout spread and wiped with grout sponge. Unique, as colorful or subtle as you want to go. Match or contrast, your call, but surely gorgeous and one of a kind.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Dec 21, 2014
    Have used silicone. May need to brace it in spots, but once done, it's done.