Have you ever used plastic clips to frame the mirrors? Now you can easily DIY with the help of this blog.
Many users who want to frame a bathroom mirror with clips cannot find the right instructions or tutorials related to this task.
Here in this article, I have added all the details that you need to fix a bathroom mirror with clips. This will help you find ways the task can be done safely and securely.
Firstly, I want you to know that the clips can make a great frame for your mirrors. Plastic mirrors can make a real difference.
A bathroom mirror is an essential accessory. It allows you to have a clear and crisp image of those standing in front of the mirror.
Read Also – How High To Hang A Bathroom Mirror?
A bathroom mirror permits the user to have a final look at his or her appearance before leaving the house. These mirrors come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. The bathroom mirrors come as framed and frameless too.
The frameless mirrors look impressive, but at times they start cracking or chipping from the edges. The frameless mirror starts looking boring and unimpressive if it stays there in place for a very long time without any frame.
Adding wooden or metallic frames can be a source of renovation for the bathroom. You can create frames to give a completely different look to the mirror and the entire bathroom.
What Are Mirror Clips?
There are two types of mirrors available in stores. The framed and frameless mirrors. The frameless mirror looks light in weight and easy to manage besides the impressive look it has.
These mirrors require a secure way to get fixed onto the walls. The purpose of a mirror clip is to hang them securely against the wall. The decorative mirrors also need mirror clips for proper mounting.
The clips are available in sets of four. Two of these are added to the top, while the other two are fixed at the bottom.
You will often get the clips so that the bottom ones are fixed and the top ones are spring-loaded. The users can, therefore, easily insert or remove the clips as they like.
Where Are The Mirror Clips Located?
Mirror clips are fixed to the wall either at the top or at the bottom of the mirror. You need at least two mirror clips for installing the mirror.
The number may vary depending upon the size and weight of the mirror. The clips need to be installed a few inches from the side edges of the mirror.
Make sure you have enough clips for your mirror. If the length and width of the mirror are extensive, you need additional sets to get the job done.
These additional ones are required for the secure placement of the mirror against the wall.
The Pre-Installation Tips
Before starting the installation, it is essential to know what you must have to complete the installation. All the prerequisites must be there to complete the installation successfully.
These tips can let you install the clips successfully.
Read Also – Best Bathroom Mirror Cabinets
- Before getting the molding, get a miter box. It is a plastic tool that helps you make the cutting at an angle of 45 degrees. It is one of the essential things needed for molding. It has its miter saw.
- Check the molding around your doorways. It will let you make the right cutting.
- If you are applying the liquid nails, you need to get a caulking gun. Using these with a gun can save you from the unwanted installation hassle.
- Don’t compromise on the number of liquid nails. Make sure to add the liquid nails to the center of the molding. Make sure that the edges remain untouched. In this way, it will not seep onto the mirror as you press it.
- If the moldings look bowed after the installation, there is no need to worry or feel bad. This does not mean that you stop thinking of the home improvement tasks. There is no need to stop working on this project. There is an easy remedy to the problem. Take some more liquid nails and add them. Wait until they dry completely overnight. You will see the molding getting better.
What Do I Need To Frame The Bathroom Mirror?
- Miter saw
- Drill and bits
- Orbital sander or fine-grit sandpaper to support manual sanding
- Kreg jig K4
- Pocket hole screws
- Clamp
- Loctite mirror adhesive
- Paint
The Steps In The Installation
Once you have prepared for the installation and got all the stuff ready, get the bathroom mirror framed with the clips.
The installation will not be challenging, provided you are prepared for it and well informed about each step.
Measuring And Cutting
Take proper measurements from all four sides. Make sure to be accurate in measuring. Once done, cut four pieces according to the right size.
If you want a sophisticated look, it is recommended to avoid mitering the joints. In this way, they stand out more.
The pieces are cut in such a way that they can be sanded well. The final product thus comes with concealed joints.
Such frames that are sanded properly look elegant and modern. The chances of error are minimized as well when you are assembling the frame.
Removing The Mirror Clips
Before adding the frame, you have to make sure that the mirror clips are removed. With clips on, it is not possible to get the mirror framed.
Thus, you need to remove them safely without causing cracks, scratches, or chipping. If you have installed the top spring kind of mirror clips, you have to do this, but if your mirrors come with different types of clips, things can be different.
Even then, you don’t need to worry much. The clips of all kinds come with an instruction manual that you can use to get them installed and removed easily.
- Hold the sides of the mirror firmly.
- Push the sides upwards, expanding the spring on the upper clips.
- You can now let the base ease over the bottom clips.
- Lower the mirror carefully with a gentle pull. It is time to remove it from the top clips.
- Take out the mirror and place it securely.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the clips from the wall.
Magic With Kregjig
In the next stage, you need to use KregJig. The device can be used to make two holes on the ends of the vertical pieces.
The number of pocket holes can vary from product to product. In the case of the two horizontal components, there are no pocket holes.
On the contrary, if the Kreg jig is missing, the pocket holes cannot be created. Kreg Jig is a convenient way to join the two pieces of wood.
The other ways to enter the wooden pieces in the frame are wood glue, clamps, and a nail gun.
Fixing The Mirror
After the frame is assembled, you get closer to the stage of fixing the mirror to its right place. Remove the two clips on the top. Get the glue that is specifically designed for these mirrors.
Smear it on the back of the mirror and fix it against the wall. There is no need to experiment with regular glues.
It may cause the decoloring of the mirror back. In the worst conditions, it will bleed through the mirror, making it look unimpressive and shabby.
Once the glue has completely dried, it is time to put back the clips with the drill to maintain stability.
The Final Stage
Once all the additions are fitted in their position, it is time to proceed to the frame’s finishing. For a finer look, sand the frame thoroughly.
Use good quality paint to cover the surface in the color of your choice. Your personal preference should be to get it colored with any paint after adding the first coat of primer to the surface.
The primer protects the wood and gives it just the right shape. It is quite beneficial in the case of knotted wood.
At times when the frame includes knotty wood, there is a possibility that the knots will bleed. This can only be saved once the primer is added to the surface.
If you are thinking of skipping painting the back, you are making a big mistake. Adding the paint at the back means adding something that will further add some grandeur and sophistication to the mirror.
Mounting Back
Take a mirror adhesive. You can use the same glue that you have used to install the mirror before framing. Push it back and place it firmly in the exact location.
Exert a slight pressure for some time. The glue will start setting up quickly. Make sure that the mirror is back in its position.
This firmness can be checked by trying to pull it after the glue has dried. If the frame is too thin, then don’t try to use a nail gun for reinforcement. It can cause the mirror to break.
Final Word
You can now easily frame a bathroom mirror with clips by following these simple steps. I have tried to include all the details so the task can be an easy one for you all.
If there is anything you would like to know regarding installation, mention it in the comments below and I will get back to you.
Let’s save money and believe in DIY!
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