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How to mount a mirror on the wall flush with surrounding tile?

14 years ago

My question du jour... ;)

In our guest bathroom remodel, there is a small 36" vanity with sink, and I'm looking for advice regarding the mirror. We plan to create a border the width of the vanity using 3 or 4 rows of small art glass tiles we really like, creating a "frame" for a mirror. So ideally, the mirror would be at the same depth on the wall as the tiles, not sticking out in front of the tile. Can the mirror be permanently affixed to the wall, possibly even grouted in? (I realize this could be problematic if the mirror ever breaks, but I wouldn't think that's terribly likely.) If so, what type of adhesive would be used? Or is there some other way to achieve the effect of mounting the mirror flush with the tile?

Thanks in advance!

-- Eric

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Comments (6)

bill_vincent
14 years ago
There is a mirror mastic with which it can be adhered right to the sheetrock. You don't want to grout it to the tile, though. Use a siliconized latex caulk in the same color as the grout.
jacobse
Original Author
14 years ago
Bill, thanks! As always, great information, with a great picture of one of your spectacular projects to illustrate.

-- Eric
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debrak_2008
14 years ago
check out the mosiac forum. Lots of tile framed mirrors.
johnfrwhipple
14 years ago
I would have to disagree with Bill here about using sanded chaulking between the mirror and the tile. Once sanded chaulking dries it tends to collects dust and when scrub it can discolour. I have done lots of testing with this product and prefer in the type of installation you mentioned to lap the tile over the mirror an 1/8".

Great care to have full coverage up against the mirror on the edges is key so you don't view through the thickness of the glass and see voids in your setting material.

I like to use Grani Rapid for this type of work because it dries nearly black in colour.

Tape off the mirror with painters tape about 3 layers and under the lapped tile about 1/16" of an inch. Use care not to scratch the mirror when grouting and it's wise to use cardboard as well as painters tape to protect the mirror.

Most mirrors are lightweight and can install wavy unless properly fixed to the wall. You can mount the mirror to 1/2" plywood or rig up some kind of brace to pin the mirror flat to the wall. This wall should be poker straight before you even start.

Good Luck.
MongoCT
14 years ago
Definitely use mirror mastic to adhere the mirror to the wall, other adhesives can ruin the silver on the back of the mirror.

I'd never capture a large glass mirror with thinset or grout. I'd use caulk.

Reflectively,
Mongo
bill_vincent
14 years ago
I'm sorry-- you use grout and it'll crack back out before you know it.

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