A mirror is an accessory that almost no person on earth can live without today. This piece of furniture appeared a long time ago in our lives and it is very difficult to imagine a house, apartment, public space where there is not a single mirror.
This element, in addition to its functionality, serves a decorative purpose. The product is capable of completely transforming the appearance of any space, visually enlarging and expanding its boundaries.
However, quite often there is a need to connect mirrors together (edge to edge) to increase the mirror area or attach them to the wall. Therefore, many people have a pressing question: how to glue a mirror to a mirror, and how reliable and durable will this design be?
NOTE! This is a rather complex, labor-intensive job, therefore, it requires close attention and accuracy. To ensure high-quality fastening of fragile mirror elements, it is necessary to take into account the weight and dimensions of the material, as well as the temperature in the room where the installation of this decor is planned. Therefore, choosing the ideal adhesive composition should be approached with great responsibility.
What you need to remove a crack on a mirror with your own hands
If a mirror cracks, it always upsets the owners. The search for a solution to the problem begins. There's just one caveat. It will not be possible to completely remove a crack in the glass. At home, not a single available remedy will help with complete restoration.
Some try to correct the situation with sanding, foil or even toothpaste, but all this will not make the crack disappear, but will only mask it for a while. For some, this will be an excellent way out of the current situation.
The question often arises - how to decorate a crack in a mirror with your own hands.
It is dangerous to carry out complex work at home, since a mirror is a rather whimsical object and only loves careful professional handling. But you can always find a way out of any situation.
If you can’t remove the crack, you can decorate it beautifully. This will not only save the mirror, but also refresh the interior. This may require various materials.
The most common techniques used for decorating a reflective surface are stencil designs, or their framing, the craquelure method, applying various designs and interesting frames. As you can see, there are really many ways and each of them is good in its own way.
On laminated chipboard or chipboard
To stick a mirror on laminated chipboard or chipboard, you can use mounting tape or liquid nails. The principle of operation is the same as with other surfaces. It is better to leave the glued structure overnight under a light load to create a stronger connection.
When it became clear how to glue a mirror to a cabinet, tile, metal, wood, concrete, or to walls with wallpaper, it was easy to carry out repair work yourself and decorate the interior. Pay enough attention to the choice of glue and follow the detailed instructions. You can't skimp on fasteners when it comes to large mirror plates.
What are the advantages of do-it-yourself mirror restoration?
There are several simple ways that anyone can do.
Not everyone immediately decides to restore a mirror with their own hands. This most often occurs due to ignorance of all the advantages of this process. But independent mirror restoration has a lot of positive aspects that can encourage you to carry it out. These include such aspects as:
- In small towns, or even villages, you can rarely find a master who can properly repair a mirror. Not everyone can restore amalgam. Decorating small flaws yourself is much easier than looking for a specialist restorer of this profile.
- Repairing damage to a cracked mirror is not a cheap pleasure. Most often, such a procedure will cost more than buying 3 new mirrors. And decorating with your own hands involves spending only on a minimum set, which often consists of one stencil.
- If a crack on a wooden surface can be easily covered with wax and this does not require special skills, then restoring glass is a completely different matter. Therefore, again, it is much easier to repair the crack with an interesting pattern that would match the interior. This definitely doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge, just paint and desire.
- It's no secret that a small scratch can turn into a big chip. This most often happens due to the transportation of the mirror to the workshop. And when the piece of furniture has already been delivered, it turns out that it cannot be restored. It is for this reason that it is better to leave the structure in its original place and take advantage of interesting ideas for independent restoration.
Even a slight blow is enough for a crack to appear on the surface of the mirror.
Glue "Titan"
In the market of construction mixtures and adhesives, this composition has established itself as the best and most reliable. It is designed to work with various types of surfaces. Including tiled flooring. The mixture is based on rubber and natural resins. Thanks to these components, tight adhesion of the contacting planes is ensured. Features of the adhesive composition “Titan”:
- formation of a seam that is resistant to moisture;
- ease of use and ease of application;
- high percentage of adhesion;
- high strength;
- availability.
How to repair a crack in a mirror with your own hands
Not everyone knows how to repair a crack in a mirror with their own hands. There are several ways to fix the problem. To do this, you will need a minimum set of tools, a little time and desire to bring the mirror into proper shape.
You can try to disguise the crack using various decorative elements.
Important! Since the methods involve the use of decor, you need to choose the right one for your interior.
How to remove using stencils
Stencils are a universal thing that can save you in different situations, and a crack in glass is no exception. There are many variations of stencils and they will suit every interior. To bring the idea to life, you need to purchase brushes of a suitable size, acrylic paints, a simple pencil, a regular sponge, masking tape, acetone (you can use nail polish remover) and, of course, a patterned stencil.
One of the most effective and simple ways to disguise small cracks in a mirror is to cover them with paint.
You can use this method as follows:
- Preparation of the workplace. It is necessary to lay out all the tools and materials in front of you at once so as not to be distracted by missing ones. Everything should be conveniently located so that work does not cause discomfort.
- It is more convenient to use ready-made stencils purchased in the store. If you wish, you can make them yourself. To do this, you will need the selected pattern and thick cardboard that will not allow paint to pass through.
- Before applying paints to the surface of the mirror, they are checked for color matching. It often happens that the shade in the jar is very different from the applied stroke. This can be done on any piece of paper.
- The stencil is attached with masking tape to the selected area. If the drawing suggests the presence of several colors. Then, for accuracy of execution, they are sealed with tape to prevent other paint from getting in. Without tape, only the place that will be signed first remains.
- There are two ways to apply paint: with a brush or sponge. Many masters who have already done this note that doing this with a sponge is much more convenient and faster. After applying all the colors, you need to correct the contour. A thin brush is used for this.
Now on the Internet you can find a lot of beautiful stencils with butterflies, flowers, patterns and various ornaments.
Stencils
As you can already see, the method with stencils is quite simple and effective. Under a layer of paint, cracks and even small chips will become less noticeable. The advantage of this method is that the stencils can be different, from flowers to cartoon characters. No special drawing skills are required, since the task will only be to paint a finished drawing.
This is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways. An undeniable advantage is that the drawings can be changed whenever you want. They can be easily washed off if you use acetone.
In order for the pattern to be clear and not smudged during the process, the stencil must be firmly glued to the mirror with masking tape.
Important! If the stencil is attached to the mirror with ordinary tape, then traces from it will have to be wiped off for quite a long time and using chemicals. They, in turn, can erase the applied drawing.
Craquelure
Craquelure is one of the most popular and beautiful methods. In addition to mirrors, it is also used for aging furniture. The method is suitable for those who are not afraid to add more cracks to the mirror surface, only this time artificial ones.
As you know, it is best to hide something in a visible place. You can also hide defects on the mirror in this way.
The craquelure technique is to give the mirror texture in the form of small irregularities. This way you can not only hide the resulting flaw, but also add an independent object to the interior, which gives it its own peculiarity and sophistication.
This is done using craquelure varnish and acrylic paint. The color of the paint should harmonize well with the wall or mirror frame. Although the technique does not involve complex machinations, it still requires caution in performing all actions.
This decoration technology is quite simple, but it must be performed with special care.
The first layer of paint is applied to the mirror surface. It must dry completely. Only after this the second layer of craquelure varnish is applied. The two components will begin to interact, forming artificial cracks. The mirror is not damaged in any way. It looks very beautiful, since the mirror surface will look out through the new irregularities, reflecting the light.
Removing a crack using a drawing
The method with a pattern is almost identical to the method with a stencil. Only here you will have to come up with the plot of the picture yourself and draw it.
Anything can be depicted on mirrors. These could be trees, birds, flowers or ordinary geometric patterns. If you used acrylic paints before, now you will need stained glass ones. They are made specifically for painting mirror surfaces.
You can also cover a crack or scratches on a mirror using a drawing.
Frame
If a crack appears on the side, then it can be covered in an original way using a frame. She can be anyone. There are no restrictions in this type of decoration. The main thing is to build on the possibilities of the mirror surface. It is better to refrain from decorating with large massive objects. And they won’t look very nice on a light reflective surface.
Materials such as buttons, beads, shells, decorative stones, clothespins, textured rope threads and even antique coins are often used. The pattern is arranged in such a way as to cover all defects. For fastening, it is better to choose reliable glue.
An original frame will help hide the damaged area on the mirror.
Some useful recommendations
Finally, I would like to give some more useful tips regarding the correct use of certain materials for fixing mirrors on vertical surfaces.
See also
Solid wood kitchen furniture: all the pros and cons
- If you plan to use special construction silicone with a transparent structure, be sure to degrease the walls and the back of the mirror with solvents before application;
- Try to avoid using any types of glue and mastics that smell reminiscent of the pungent aroma characteristic of glue. They contain certain components that can gradually deteriorate the state of the metal layer, that is, the amalgam. This is typical for some types of liquid nails. Be careful when choosing;
- There is no need to apply glue or mastic all over the back of the mirror. Apply several lines in a small, even layer along the entire length of the product. Try to maintain proportions so that there is no more glue in one part of the mirror than in the other;
- Titan type glue is applied to a previously degreased surface. You will probably need to buy a mounting gun separately, and therefore it is better to think about this in advance;
- It is recommended to apply glue starting from 2 centimeters from the edge, and make gaps of about 5 centimeters between the lines;
- After applying the mirror to the surface, you can adjust the position in just a few minutes. Moreover, it will only move by a few millimeters. That is, it is better to apply markings first;
- If you have to install a large and heavy mirror, you should not rely on even the highest quality glue. It is recommended to use additional fasteners. They often have decorative characteristics, and therefore you definitely won’t spoil the appearance;
- If the adhesive contains components such as isopropanol and amino acids, work should be performed strictly in a well-ventilated area. These substances are hazardous to health if fumes are actively inhaled;
- If conditions allow the use of double-sided tape, then it should be glued around the entire perimeter. The sections are applied in the vertical and horizontal direction with a distance of about 30-40 mm. But I still strongly recommend using mirror glue in addition to the tape.
In reality, there shouldn’t be any special problems with sticking a beautiful mirror in your home. Now on the market there is a huge list of different compositions and mastics that cope with their tasks perfectly.
You just need to know the approximate weight of the mirror, its thickness, as well as the parameters of the surface on which you want to install the mirror product. This will allow you to choose the optimal fixation option.
Just keep in mind that even the strongest adhesives cannot always be used as an independent installation material. When the mirror is massive and heavy, it would be absolutely useful to use special fastenings. But here you still have to make a hole in the wall. But this way you won’t have to risk the possible fall of the structure with all the ensuing consequences.
Gluing a mirror is a common and not particularly difficult task to do on your own. If you still have questions, you can ask them in the comments. I will try to answer as quickly as possible.
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How to remove scratches from a mirror
In addition to decorative designs, you can also use the good old traditional methods of getting rid of cracks. True, as has already been said, they will not remove it completely either, but will only disguise it.
You can use toothpaste and flannel cloth. The product is carefully rubbed into a shallow scratch. Then it dries and polishes. And for deeper cracks, colorless silicone sealant or foil is suitable.
It is quite possible to hide problem areas on your own.
Conditions for using adhesives
Professionals adhere to a number of rules when manipulating glass; you can take note of the advice of experienced craftsmen when working independently and avoid most mistakes.
The material is transparent, so some stains can spoil the appearance of the product; such excesses should be avoided.
The surface is quite fragile, in addition to unpleasant cracks due to awkward movements, scratches can form on it; it is not recommended to use metal tools to wipe off excess mixture.
Excessive mechanical impact or pressure should be avoided in every possible way, and stains should be moistened with a solvent before removal. When working with aggressive components, it would be a good idea for the technician to take care of protecting the skin of his hands; thick rubber gloves will be sufficient.
Beautiful ways to decorate a mirror
A beautiful mirror decoration will not only cover cracks, but will also interestingly complement the interior. For this you can use any means and materials. You can often find ways to decorate using shells. They look beautiful next to the mirror surface and give it a special mood.
They are not attached to the mirror itself, but to a specially made frame that will match the shape of the mirror.
Additional Information! By decorating with filled frames, the mirror can be visually enlarged or reduced. Its dimensions will depend on how exactly to place the beautiful frame.
In addition to shells, wine bottle corks can also be used. They are also placed on the mirror in any order, creating beautiful patterns. If you want to add a little depth to the mirror surface, then the plugs are attached in their original form without cutting. A mirror framed with hemp rope looks beautiful in all interiors.
In this process, it is important not to get carried away and not to overdo it with the number of elements so that the frame looks organic.
Loclite glue
An adhesive with a two-component composition, in demand as a high-quality installation product. It consists of an adhesive and an activator. One package of this set is enough to attach 1-2 decorative elements, depending on their size. And the spray adhesive is enough to attach at least 20 reflective surfaces. By the way, rear view mirrors in cars are mounted on Locklight.
Mirror care rules
The rules for caring for the mirror must be followed. Otherwise, there is a risk of re-appearance of various cracks and chips. It is important to follow the following rules:
- The mirror surface does not like humidity.
- It is better not to place mirrors in direct sunlight.
- Mirrors can only be wiped with soft, lint-free cloths (it is better to purchase a specialized one, this will reduce the risk of scratches).
- There is a thin layer of silver on the mirror, so the surface should never be wiped with products designed to clean glass. They contain ammonia, which harms the surface.
After familiarizing yourself with all the possible ways to decorate a mirror, everyone can easily repair a crack in a mirror with their own hands.
The result can pleasantly surprise and even bring some novelty to the design of the room.
Glass is a difficult material to glue
Glass is a very smooth material with low water absorption and adhesion. This is why glass panels are glued together based on adhesion rather than cohesion. The strength of such an adhesive bond is the result of the strength of the surface interaction of layers of physical bodies. The glue itself must have sufficient adhesion so that the resulting connection does not break under stress. Since glass bonding is based on adhesion, it requires the use of polymer adhesives that can form such strong bonds within the joint and on the surface of the materials being joined.
