According to archaeologists, people used mirrors back in the Stone Age, rubbing pieces of tin, gold or platinum until they shine. But the prototype of the modern glass mirror appeared only in 1240, when people learned to blow glass bottles. The inside of the bottle was covered with a layer of metal and broken. The fragments were used as a mirror. They learned to make a flat mirror only at the beginning of the 16th century in France.
The modern glass mirror is familiar to everyone and is a sheet of polished glass, on one side of which a thin layer of metal called amalgam is sprayed. Aluminum is used in the manufacture of budget mirrors, and silver – in expensive ones. The metal film is covered with a layer of varnish on top to protect it from external influences. Therefore, when attaching a mirror to the wall, you must work very carefully so as not to accidentally damage the delicate mirror coating and the glass itself.
Today, when creating the interior of premises, mirrors are widely used, thanks to which you can change the space by visually expanding the walls of the room or raising the ceiling. I also decided to visually enlarge my hallway and hung a large mirror on a column protruding from the wall. The mirror also serves its intended purpose, allowing you to see yourself in full height. My wife really liked the presence of a large mirror in the hallway.
Methods for attaching a mirror to the wall
Large frames for this item are becoming irrelevant, and more and more often you can find the product “floating” in the air, which gives a feeling of lightness to the interior.
There are several options for hanging a mirror on the wall without mounting and invisible fittings, which will ensure safe operation and a beautiful design without a frame.
They contribute to the visual expansion of space and help to install special “diffused” light in the rooms.
Manufacturers offer special compounds that provide good adhesion to the surface, without drilling holes and fasteners.
It is very important to know how to correctly place a mirror on the surface chosen for this.
Sealant and glue
This is the simplest and safest method of fastening, but during installation you need to ensure a perfectly flat surface. A special adhesive-sealant will reliably glue a product of any thickness and size to the base.
The easiest way to install a mirror without a frame is to glue it to the surface using special glue.
The exception to this method is high humidity in the bathroom, smooth surface of ceramic tiles and decorative plaster.
When working with the composition you need:
- make markings in the right place for gluing accuracy;
- apply glue to the back surface of the product dotted in a checkerboard pattern or in stripes at equal intervals;
- press to the base for 5 minutes, if the mirror size is more than 1 m2, the product is fixed for 12-24 hours until the sealant dries completely.
Installation of reflective glass occurs in a matter of minutes.
When the glue has set on the surface, you can glue the decorative frame around the perimeter using the same composition.
The main thing is not to make a mistake with the location during installation. The composition quickly sets to the surface, and it will be impossible to remove the canvas from the wall; you will have to break it and remove it in parts.
If necessary, liquid nails can be used.
Special holders
They are used in the bathtub and on walls with an uneven surface, and during installation you cannot do without drilling holes, but it is the most reliable.
The brackets are fixed directly to the wall. They support the mirror from below or on the sides.
Types of holders and installation methods:
- Through, used when there are holes in the canvas. During installation, it is necessary to accurately drill the holes so that they coincide with the mounting points. Insert a special nail into the hole and thread the product onto the dowel. Such holders are made of chrome and stainless steel with plastic and metal decorative plugs that provide a strong fixation.
- Non-through, made in the form of a profile with plastic gaskets that support the blade from below and from the side for secure fastening. When installing, leave a gap of 2-3 mm between the product and the holder so that it fits freely into the grooves.
They differ in material of manufacture, design features and design.
This installation method is applicable to any base material, regardless of width and size.
Double-sided tape
It is used when installing a mirror sheet on a wall made of tiles, plastic panels and smooth plaster. If necessary, the product can be easily removed from the surface, leaves no marks and can be used in the bathroom.
Double-sided tape is an ideal tool for attaching small mirrors to a smooth surface.
Hanging the canvas with tape is very easy. You need to remove the protective tape from one side and apply it around the perimeter of the mirror on the reverse side, for reliability, add a cross-shaped element in the middle. Remove the protection from the second part and secure it in the desired place.
This is a great option when you need to quickly and effortlessly attach a mirror.
Important. When installing, you need to take into account the size and weight of the product. For fastening weights of 1-4 kg, tape is suitable; for more massive models of 4-10 kg, sealant or glue is needed. When installing large models, it is better to use holders that are designed for heavy weight.
Consumption of double-sided foam tape for gluing mirrors
Mirror area cm2 | Mirror 3 mm thick | Mirror 4 mm thick | Mirror 5 mm thick | |||
tape width 19 mm | tape width 25 mm | tape width 19 mm | tape width 25 mm | tape width 19 mm | tape width 25 mm | |
600 | 14 cm | 11 cm | 19 cm | 14 cm | 24 cm | 18 cm |
800 | 19 cm | 14 cm | 25 cm | 19 cm | 32 cm | 24 cm |
1000 | 24 cm | 18 cm | 32 cm | 24 cm | 39 cm | 30 cm |
1200 | 28 cm | 22 cm | 38 cm | 29 cm | 47 cm | 36 cm |
1400 | 33 cm | 25 cm | 44 cm | 34 cm | 55 cm | 42 cm |
1600 | 38 cm | 29 cm | 51 cm | 38 cm | 63 cm | 48 cm |
1800 | 43 cm | 32 cm | 57 cm | 43 cm | 71 cm | 64 cm |
2000 | 47 cm | 36 cm | 63 cm | 48 cm | 79 cm | 60 cm |
2200 | 52 cm | 40 cm | 69 cm | 53 cm | 87 cm | 66 cm |
2400 | 57 cm | 43 cm | 76 cm | 58 cm | 95 cm | 72 cm |
2600 | 62 cm | 47 cm | 82 cm | 62 cm | 103 cm | 78 cm |
2800 | 66 cm | 50 cm | 88 cm | 67 cm | 111 cm | 84 cm |
3000 | 71 cm | 54 cm | 95 cm | 72 cm | 118 cm | 90 cm |
The final touch is to remove the protective film from the glued pieces and install the mirror in its intended place. Manufacturers of this type of tape provide a guarantee for 10,000 adhesives, so if it is installed incorrectly, you can correct it.
Source
How to mount a mirror on a wall without a frame
Hardware manufacturers offer different wall mounts for mirrors without the use of adhesives. When installing, it is worth considering not only the size and weight of the model, but also the base material, on which the reliability of different methods depends.
Finishing drywall, PVC panels and ceramic tiles involves drilling a hole into the wall material and using dowels to secure the clips and strips that will hold the product.
For plaster, wallpaper and wood panels, use tape or a special sealant.
The main condition is that it is necessary to make an indent from the edge of the product, since it is almost impossible to remove the exposed glue.
Monolithic and brick material will require drilling 5-7 cm deep and installation of special holders.
If you have the appropriate skills and tools, you can make the much-needed holes yourself.
Are there any requirements for glue in dry rooms and in the bathroom?
Exposure to high or low temperatures can affect the materials used in the mirror and the adhesive to varying degrees.
In addition to the requirements for adhesive properties:
- The glue must be safe for human health. Before purchasing the mixture, be sure to read the information on the packaging: the product must be intended for indoor use or have universal use. “Street” types contain more harmful substances.
- The glue must have a structure that ensures a tight fit of the mirror to the plane of the wall.
- A significant factor in the choice is the polymerization time - if the composition hardens for a long time, a supporting structure will have to be installed to fix the mirror.
- If the reflective sheet is installed in rooms with high humidity, the mixture must have high moisture resistance and fungicidal properties. The use of universal glue may cause the mirror to come away from the wall.
- The composition for fixing mirrors should not contain alkalis or acids, so as not to destroy the amalgam and not deteriorate the reflective ability of the product.
Fittings and profile for mirror
Mounting a mirror on a wall can be done using different clamps, strips and profiles.
The elements are made of chrome-plated and stainless steel, plastic and silicone. All fasteners have restrictions on the weight of the product.
If the mirror is without a frame, then you can use various types of fittings available in stores: brackets, profiles, brackets, clamps and strips.
Using connectors, bushings and washers attached to the base, you can create a mirror wall. Silicone and plastic holders do not require drilling holes, are attached pointwise and are held on with sealant, but are only suitable for small models and decorative shaped elements.
With their help, the mirror can be attached either close to the wall or placed remotely - with a gap of 5 mm to several centimeters between it and the wall.
Types of holders for installation:
- Hardware, for mounting which you need to make several holes in the wall. First, the fittings are fixed to the canvas, the fixation points are marked, a hole is drilled, and the mirror element is fixed using plastic dowels. The holders are made for different widths of the canvas; they can be located close to the wall or with a small gap. The attachment point is closed with a decorative plug.
- Profile, when a metal strip is attached to the canvas, and the product is hung on it using hooks and brackets, which are fixed to the canvas with glue or liquid nails. This installation method is invisible and leaves a gap between the surfaces, which prevents the appearance of mold in damp rooms and damage to the internal coating of the mirror.
- Cabinet-type, when a sheet of plywood or plasterboard is attached to the back surface using sealant, which ensures better adhesion to the base. The material is cut out at a distance of 3-5 cm from the edge of the canvas, fixed and hung on the wall using tape, glue or hanger.
Pay special attention to the lower fasteners - they must withstand the greatest load.
When choosing fittings for attaching a mirror to a wall, it is necessary to base it on several criteria - this is minimal disruption of the surface during installation, the strength of the elements, it is advisable to choose from metal with dowels included, and invisibility; the more massive the fastener, the more difficult it is to organically combine it with the canvas without a frame.
It is possible to install the fittings in which the fasteners are installed at the bottom and top, and the mirror is “nested” on the side.
Features of installing mirrors in a frame
The frame-like frame gives the mirror a more solid look. However, the question may arise about how to properly secure it, and what devices will be needed for this. As a rule, the delivery kit already includes the necessary fasteners. If you don't have them, you can contact any hardware store. The hinges, purchased separately or included in the package, are attached to the frame and the structure is suspended on self-tapping screws screwed into the wall, as well as on hinges or hooks.
Before fixing the mirror in the frame on the wall, it is necessary to take into account that its weight is supplemented by the weight of the baguette. To avoid falling, fastenings should be selected with reserve. For heavy canvases, it makes sense to use hanging plates made of metal, to which loops are already attached for hanging mirrors from the frame. The metal fasteners are glued with special glue to the back of the mirror.
Quality hybrid products
Bison "Mirror Adhesive"
The product is designed for standard mirrors. Able to fix the product on any base. Resistant to chemicals and various oils. Contains only safe elements. The glue has good elasticity and resistance to moisture.
adhesives for mirrors Bison “Mirror Adhesive”
Advantages:
- Does not contain acids;
- High adhesion;
- Safety;
- Elasticity;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
Not found.
Tytan Professional
Frost-resistant option, which is suitable for gluing various mirrors. Does not damage the surface. Setting occurs in a few minutes. Does not cause corrosion of metal structures. Forms a reliable elastic seam.
The average cost is 218 rubles.
adhesives for mirrors Tytan Professional
Advantages:
- Famous brand;
- High-quality composition;
- Heat resistance;
- Reliability;
- Does not damage the surface;
- Elastic connection.
Flaws:
Not detected.
Point 93
An excellent hybrid option that can completely replace liquid nails. Designed for gluing mirrors to any surface. In addition, it is suitable for laying tiles and borders. Used for indoor and outdoor use. Does not cause an allergic reaction. After drying, the product retains its positive properties for several years.
The average cost is 125 rubles.
mirror adhesives Point 93
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Reliable grip;
- Forms a waterproof seam;
- Withstands temperatures up to 60 degrees.
Flaws:
Not detected.
Quelyd Mastifix
The best option for installing any mirror. Suitable for mounting on any surface except plastic. The back side retains its original appearance and is not destroyed by prolonged exposure. Can be used in the bathroom and other places with high humidity. Provides reliable fixation for the entire period of use.
mirror adhesives Quelyd Mastifix
Advantages:
- High-quality composition;
- Famous brand;
- Safe operation;
- Small price.
Flaws:
Not found.
Inappropriate areas
As already noted, the mirror should not hang in front of the front door or windows. Eastern teachings also remind us of the power of mirrors to accumulate and multiply energies, so they should not reflect negative objects. For example, the toilet door, trash cans, mezzanine.
It would not be a good idea to hang a fragile object on mobile surfaces - closet doors, the back of the front door. In addition to being unreliable, it can bring anxiety and chaos to the energy flow.
Do not hang mirrors opposite each other. Such placement is considered a magical technique and can cause discomfort among the residents of the house.