How to Fix a Wood Molding Border on a Mirror

Slide your flat putty knife under the piece of bowing or damaged molding. Gently pull back on the molding to pop it off of the wall. Use a level to determine whether the molding is straight. Bowed molding must be replaced.

Measure the side of the mirror where the molding has been removed. If necessary, cut a new piece of molding to fit the empty side. Use a miter box to cut the appropriate angels on the ends of the molding so it fits easily against the mirror.

Place your new molding on a drop cloth. Use a spray primer to prime the piece for paint. Spray in long, even strokes moving in the same direction as the wood grain. Also paint the edges about ¼ inch on the back edge. This will help prevent unpainted areas from being reflected in the mirror.

Paint the molding with paint matching the existing molding's color. Paint with a small paint roller or thin paintbrush using long, thin strokes. Be sure to paint the back edge. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Take the flat edge of your putty knife and gently scrape off any adhesive left behind after you removed the old molding. Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand down the any adhesive visible on the wall under the mirror.

Apply a thin coat of epoxy glue to the back of the molding. Press the molding in place along the empty side of the mirror. Use painter’s tape to secure the molding to the wall and the mirror. Quickly wipe up any glue that seeped from the edges of the molding.

Allow the adhesive to cure for the amount of time recommended by the glue manufacturer before removing the painter’s tape. In some cases, the glue may have to cure for about two weeks.