How to Glue an Unframed Wall Mirror to the Wall

Fasten the Temporary Support

• 1

  Tap a hammer gently across the wall to locate the wall studs behind the drywall. Softer thuds identify empty space inside the wall, and harder taps signal wall studs. Mark the location of each stud on the wall with a pencil across the area where you will hang the mirror.

• 2

  Place the 2-by-2 board horizontally against the wall with its upper edge at the height you desire for the bottom edge of the mirror.

• 3

  Set a level on the top edge of the board. Adjust the board until the bubble is centered and the board is level.

• 4

  Trace lightly along the upper edge of the board onto the wall with a pencil, and remove the level.

• 5

  Insert one screw through the board and into the wall with a power drill at each stud location mark. If the board moves when you insert a screw, realign it with the pencil mark before continuing.

Hang the Mirror

• 6

  Slice off the tip of the adhesive tube nozzle with a utility knife. Puncture the seal inside the nozzle with the thin, swiveling rod attached to the side of the caulk gun. Insert the tube into the caulk gun, and squeeze the trigger until you see adhesive rising up through the nozzle.

• 7

  Apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your safety and the adhesive’s durability. The instructions may ask you to apply it only on the back side of the mirror or only on the wall, but some adhesives require applying it on both surfaces. Squeeze the caulk gun trigger until adhesive flows through the nozzle and onto the mirror or wall surface. Draw the nozzle back and forth over the surface creating lines, or beads of glue in a zigzag pattern, following the manufacturer's instructions for how much glue to use. Squeeze the trigger as needed to keep the adhesive flowing. Leave at least two inches of clean space around the perimeter of the glued area to prevent excess adhesive from squeezing out the sides of the mirror once it is pressed against the wall.

• 8

  Flip or turn the lever at the back of the caulk gun or under the trigger to release the pressure on the tube and stop the adhesive flow.

• 9

  Put on heavy work gloves.

• 10

  Lift the mirror into place with the aid of a helper, if necessary. Rest the bottom edge on top of the 2-by-2 board, vanity or other stationary object.

• 11

  Press the mirror against the wall firmly, but do not tap it into place.

• 12

  Place a thick, folded towel against the mirror. Press gently against the towel and rub it over the surface of the mirror to remove air pockets and ensure firm, even adhesion across the mirror.

• 13

  Wipe off any adhesive that escapes around the edges of the mirror with paper towels or a rag before it dries.

• 14

  Leave the mirror resting on the support, if you installed a temporary one, until the adhesive is dry based on the manufacturer's guidelines.

• 15

  Remove the screws from the temporary support, if necessary, and pull the board off the wall.

Touch Up

• 16

  Scoop up a small amount of spackling compound on the leading edge of a putty knife.

• 17

  Drag the knife over the screw holes, filling them with compound.

• 18

  Let the compound dry, then sand the area by hand with fine sandpaper.

• 19

  Cover the spackled holes with touch-up paint using a small paintbrush.