How to Hang a Frameless Mirror

How to Hang a Frameless Mirror With Mounting Clips

1. Determine Mirror Location

   With the measuring tape and with strips of painter's tape, mark off the perimeter of the mirror on the wall.

2. Mark Stud Locations

   Use the stud finder to locate all of the wall studs behind and next to the intended mirror location. Mark each stud location just above the top perimeter line and just below the bottom perimeter line. Mark lightly on the wall or on a short strip of painter's tape.

3. Shift Mirror Location If Needed

   The bottom mounting clips should be positioned about three to six inches from each side of the mirror. Since studs are 16 inches apart from each other, mirrors that are 36 inches wide or wider will be able to meet two studs. Shifting the mirror left or right may help the mounting clips contact two studs.

4. Add Bottom Clips to Wall

   Use the bubble level or run a horizontal laser line to find the locations for the two bottom clips. Each clip should intersect with a wall stud and the level line. Drill a small pilot hole at each spot. Follow by screwing in bottom mounting clips at each spot. Bottom mounting clips usually are fixed, whereas the upper clips are adjustable.

   Tip

   If you're not able to attach the clips to two studs, use a drywall anchor for one or both sides. A drywall anchor helps you hang heavy objects from hollow walls that have no studs behind them. Even if just one side hits a stud, use that. Then, use a drywall anchor for the other side.

5. Mark Location of Top Clips

   Rest the mirror on the bottom clips. Have an assistant hold the mirror in place while you add two short strips of painter's tape at the top. One strip should be located on the same stud directly above the bottom-left mounting clip. The bottom of the tape should be flush with the top of the mirror. Repeat on the right side. Remove the mirror.

6. Add Top Clips to Wall

   Use the top strips of painter's tape as guides to indicate how high to mount the top clips. Keep in mind that each clip slides open and closed. In closed mode, the clip should be about 1/16-inch above the top edge of the mirror. Screw the top mounting clips into place.

7. Add Clips to Mirror (Optional)

   If you are using clips on the back of your mirror, now is the time to mark the locations on the back of the mirror that correspond to your top and bottom clips on the wall. When you are happy with placement, gently screw them into the mirror's back.

   Otherwise, you can proceed with hanging instructions in the next step.

8. Hang Frameless Mirror

   Small frameless mirrors: For small mirrors that are easy to handle, press the top edge of the mirror upward into the top clips, thus raising them. Then swing the bottom edge of the mirror toward the wall and set the edge into the bottom clips.

   Large frameless mirrors: For large mirrors that are hard to handle, have an assistant lift up the two top clips (or hold them up with painter's tape). Rest the bottom edge of the mirror into the two bottom clips. Swing the top edge of the mirror toward the wall. Release the two top clips. Make sure that each clip fully covers the top edge of the mirror.

How to Hang a Frameless Mirror With Adhesive

1. Mark Mirror Location

   Use a tape measure and pencil to lightly mark the intended perimeter of the mirror. Use a bubble level or laser level to ensure that the mirror will be level. Maintain a space of at least 6 inches below the mirror to allow for the temporary mounting brace.

2. Sand Away Paint Behind Mirror

   With the oscillating sander, sand off paint within the marked perimeter, remaining clear of the 2 to 3 inch inside border closest to the pencil line. To avoid abrading the drywall paper, use fine-grit sandpaper and hold the sander lightly.

3. Apply Primer

   Add the paint tray liner to the paint tray. Pour drywall primer into the tray. Fit the paint roller with the medium nap roller cover. Prime the sanded area within the mirror perimeter. Let the primer dry overnight.

4. Add Temporary Mounting Brace

   With the drill, screw a one-by-two or one-by-four board the width of the mirror onto the wall. The top edge of the board should be flush with the bottom edge of the marked perimeter. This will be the very bottom of the frameless mirror.

5. Apply Adhesive to Mirror

   Fit the glass/mirror adhesive tube into the caulking gun. On the back of the mirror, apply long vertical beads of adhesive 2 inches apart from each other. Keep the adhesive 2 inches away from the edges of the mirror.

6. Set Mirror on Wall

   Rest the bottom edge of the mirror on top of the mounting brace. Tilt the mirror toward the wall and press it lightly against the wall.

   Tip

   You can still make minor adjustments such as shifting the mirror sideways up to an inch or correcting the level by 1/4- to 1/2-inch. You'll need to work quickly, though, before the adhesive sets.

7. Press Mirror With Roller

   Fit the paint roller with the thick nap roller cover. Roll the face of the mirror several times with the dry roller cover to press the mirror against the wall.

8. Add Painter's Tape to Mirror

   Run three strips of tape to the edges of the mirror (left, top, and right) to hold the mirror in place while the adhesive cures.

9. Remove Temporary Mounting Brace

   After 24 to 48 hours, remove the painter's tape and unscrew the mounting brace. Patch the screw holes with drywall compound or spackle. When the patch material is dry, paint to match the wall.

When to Call a Professional

Large frameless mirrors beyond 60 inches wide or heavy mirrors can be difficult to handle and hang. Have a general contractor or fix-it person hang these types of frameless mirrors.