AboutEileen Cronk Expertise If you are decorating your home on a budget I can answer most questions about what to look for when buying "good old stuff" at garage sales, yard sales or auctions. I can answer most questions about the refinishing, and repairing of wood items. I have had lots of experience in this area and made lots of mistakes over the years which I may help you avoid.
Experience I have been haunting auction sales,flea markets etc. for 30 yrs. I have worked extensively at refinishing, and repairing all the old stuff I bring home. I also work for other people, and do repairs and refinishing for several antique stores.
Expert: Eileen Cronk Date: 1/26/2008 Subject: LARGE Mirror to frame
Question We have a large mirror (4 1/2' x 2 1/2') in our bathroom and want to make a nice frame to go around it with chair rail and will paint the chair rail black. What is the best idea for attaching the mirror to the wall after the frame is added? It is currently held in place with the frequently used little clear "L" shaped brackets and screws. We could leave the brackets there and just attach the frame to the front of the mirror. What is your idea?
Answer Hi Michelle
Good question.
I have done what you are going to do about 5 times I estimate LOL
If you leave the mirror hanging as is with the mirror mounts you have now, you will not be able to get the wooden frame to touch the glass because of them.
You will not only have a gap around the sides where the mirror and frame are suppossed to touch, but the mirror will also reflect the back of the frame which looks awful.
The best way is to construct the frame, secure the mirror into it with silicone caulking.
Then drill 4 holes in the frame, two across the top, two across the bottom.
If your house is built "according to Hoyle LOL" these holes will be 16 inches apart to match the studs in your walls.
Simply screw the mirror onto the wall and fill the holes in the frame with wood filler. Then sand the filler and touch these spots with your black paint.
A mirror installed like this will never fall off.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen
