How to Frame a Vanity Mirror With Molding

Determine how much material you will need. Measure the sides and the top and bottom of your mirror, and add a foot to each measurement to allow for waste. After selecting your molding, have the supplier cut the molding into four pieces to match these measurements.

Determine the outside measurements of the molding. To find out how long your molding should be along the sides of the mirror, double the width of the molding and subtract the width of the rabbet. Add that figure to the side measurement you found in Step 1. Repeat to find the measurement for the molding along the top and bottom of the mirror. When it is installed, the upper lip of the rabbet will overlap the edge of the mirror and hold it in place inside the frame. Transfer the outside measurements to the back of the molding. Mark the cut lines on each piece of molding with a pencil and carpenter's square.

Cut the first piece to size with a table or miter saw. Continue marking and cutting each piece.

Mark 45-degree miter cut lines on the back of the molding, at each end. These cut lines must extend from the outside corner of the molding to the inside edge of the rabbet. Adjust the slide of your table saw, or the cut angle of a miter saw to 45 degrees. Cut the miters, ensuring that the outside edge of the saw blade coincides with the outside edge of the cut line.

Dry assemble the pieces, and double-check the measurements, making sure they fit the mirror.

Apply quick-drying wood glue to all the mitered joints. Clamp the pieces together with corner miter clamps. Invert the frame so that the back faces upward. Reinforce the joints by hammering shallow miter fasteners into the back of the frame with the fasteners overlapping each side of the joint. Wipe off excess glue with a damp rag. Allow the glue to set overnight.

Paint the frame, or stain and varnish it to suit your decor. Allow sufficient time for the finish to dry thoroughly.

Mix up a usable amount of quick-drying two-part epoxy adhesive, following the directions included with the adhesive. Apply a thin coat of epoxy to the back of the frame, taking care not to get glue inside the rabbet.

Position the frame over the mirror, and press all sides firmly to the wall. Wipe off any excess adhesive between the frame and the wall with a damp rag. Secure the frame in position with multiple layers of special low-strength painter's tape.

Allow sufficient time for the epoxy to cure thoroughly. Remove the painter's tape, and clean up any marks left on the mirror.