Glass and Mirrors - mirror quality and mounting help

I'm planning on mounting two frameless mirrors in a bathroom we are refinishing and then framing them with a wood molding. My question is whether the quality of the frameless mirrors at Home Depot is the same as I would get at a mirror/glass shop. By quality, I mean do they retain their clarity, looks, etc. My second question is how to best mount these mirrors. I've read about using some type of adhesive, but do I then need to support them in some manner while the adhesive dries? Any other helpful hints from experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

The quality of mirrors can vary greatly... When you look into the mirror you should see more then just your 'flat' reflection, it should have some 'depth' to it. This is what you want to look for when comparing mirror quality.

If you plan to adhere directly to the wall be sure to use mirror MASTIC, this will prevent the mirror from becoming discolored where you put the adhesive. If you plan to frame the mirrors with molding you could just use the molding to hold the mirror in place while the mastic dries.

How large are the mirrors?


~ Khamai ~

Haven't purchased them yet, but I'm thinking something along the lines of one ~36"x48" and one ~24"x60". So, would you recommend going to a mirror/glass shop?

For that size mirror I would definately go with 1/4" mirror from a glass shop. Make sure you tell them you want the edges polished.

Unless you've worked with large glass or mirrors before; it might even be worth it to have them do the basic install. This way you don't have to worry about breaking or chipping one of them. :eek:

Usually mirrors of this size are mounted with mastic and a "J" channel at the bottom. (or some other molding/support at the bottom) You can then frame them however you want.

~ Khamai ~

Oh... PS.... Be sure to shop around... pricing can vary widely between glass shops, I've seen prices from $4.50 Sq Ft - to over $12 Sq. Ft.

~ Khamai ~

I agree with having the glass or mirror shop do the installation with the size you refer too. The home depot mirrors will not be of the same quality especially in those sizes. 1/4" is the minimum I would go with. Installation should not cost much as it doesn't take much time and they will replace it, if they break it. You loose if you break it.

I have a 40" x 50" mirror in my bathroom, not framed. 2 [J]channels and 2 clips at the top, hold this mirror fine.

However I am in the process of remodeling right now and will add a few mory decorative clips.

Good Luck

If you are looking for custom cut and quality mirrors for a bathroom, you need to go to a custom glass/mirror shop. Quality bathroom mirrors are specially sealed on backing and edges to prevent steam and moisture penetration. If you settle for anything less your mirrors will fog and degrade within a short time, despite your investment in them. Expect to pay more for properly sealed and quality mirrors from a reputable glass/mirror shop. Make sure you express that your mirrors will be exposed to moisture and humidity and that they should be sealed.

Thanks for everyone's replies. These mirrors will actually be in a vanity room that is seperated from the bathroom where the shower is located. I'm trying to get quotes for mirrors, but have been hearing some pretty outrageous numbers. Like $160 for each mirror! I don't necessarily need the exact measurements I'd previously mentioned, so I'm going to continue looking and see if some standard sizes exist which would be more reasonable.

Where can I find those mirror clips?

Thanks...
gw


I have a 40" x 50" mirror in my bathroom, not framed. 2 [J]channels and 2 clips at the top, hold this mirror fine.

However I am in the process of remodeling right now and will add a few mory decorative clips.

Good Luck