It is possible to put up a bathroom mirror over tiles and achieve a smooth finish, without causing unwanted damage in this beautiful part of the home. But of course, you’ll need to be suitably informed and well-prepared, including with the right equipment and materials.
So, let’s provide a step-by-step guide that will help you make effective and safe use of drilling and/or adhesive options for the installation of your bathroom mirror.
What Tools and Supplies Do You Need for Installing a Bathroom Mirror Over Tiles?
Naturally, this will largely depend on whether you will be using only adhesives for putting up your bathroom mirror – as tends to be suitable for smaller and lighter mirrors weighing less than 10kg – or combining adhesive with mechanical fixings. You may opt for the latter approach if the bathroom mirror is relatively large or heavy, or simply for added safety.
Ultimately, then, the tools and equipment that you gather may encompass the likes of:
- Mirror adhesive, such as a tile-specific adhesive
- A tape measure and spirit level
- A pencil or other marker for marking on the wall
- Masking tape for temporarily holding the mirror in place
- Cleaning supplies such as isopropyl alcohol and a cloth
- A caulking gun (sometimes called a “sealant gun”)
- Mechanical fixings such as mirror clips, screws, and wall plugs
- A tile-safe drill bit if you intend to use screws
- Fine sandpaper – look for 120-grit
- Safety gear including gloves and safety glasses
5 Steps to Install a Bathroom Mirror Over Tiles
Go through the below stages to make sure your bathroom mirror is fitted securely to the wall, while avoiding any cracking to your tiles:
- Step 1: Plan And Measure
Presuming you will be installing the bathroom mirror above the sink, measure this area so that you can be sure the mirror will fit. It is recommended to allow a gap of 20cm from the sink for splash protection.
Use a stud/pipe detector to make sure there aren’t any electrical wires or pipes behind the tiles. Then, use the pencil to mark where the mirror will be positioned over your tiles, checking with the spirit level that your measurements and markings are accurate.
- Step 2: Get The Surface Ready
Use the isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean your bathroom tiles, removing any grease, soap, or limescale. Allow the surface to dry completely, before using the 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand any glossy tiles, followed by cleaning again. This will help enhance adhesive grip.
- Step 3: Decide On a Fixing Method
If you have decided to use adhesive only, apply the adhesive in vertical strips or dots – with 5cm to 10cm gaps – on the back of the mirror. Make sure, too, that the adhesive is 2cm from the edges to guard against overflow.
Alternatively, you might have opted to combine the adhesive with mechanical fixings. In this case, as well as the above process, mirror clips or J-channels will be greatly useful. If you do use clips, you should fix them to the wall before you carefully slot in the mirror.
Drill pilot holes at a low speed with a tile-safe bit. A piece of masking tape on the tile will help prevent slippage. Always drill slowly with minimal pressure, to prevent the tiles overheating or cracking.
Then, insert the wall plugs, followed by screwing. Tighten the screws gently to ensure as little stress on the tile as possible.
- Step 4: Put Up the Bathroom Mirror
Follow the aforementioned instructions to apply the adhesive. Be mindful of the recommended curing time – this is typically around 24 hours to 48 hours.
Make sure you press the mirror gently into the position you have marked, while using the spirit level again to ensure it is straight. Put masking tape across the mirror to hold it in place while you wait for the adhesive to set.
If you have opted to use clips, as stated above, you should apply them to the wall first. Then, you will be able to slot in the mirror and tighten the screws gently.
- Step 5: Seal And Finish
Once the adhesive is cured, you will be able to take off the masking tape. If the mirror is frameless, apply a thin bead of neutral-cure silicone around the edges to guard against water ingress, followed by using a caulk tool – or a finger dipped in soapy water – to smooth it. Finally, use a damp cloth to clean any residue before it sets.
Hopefully, You Will Now Have a Brilliant Result
There you have it; a method for installing a bathroom mirror over tiles that, if you execute it well, will help ensure a slick-looking and secure result that would make even a professional proud. Would you like to discuss with the Illuminated Mirrors team what you wish your own next bathroom mirror or cabinet to look like? If so, it is a quick and easy process to reach out to our experts via email or “live chat”.
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