Hanging Decorative Mirrors on Tiled Bathroom Walls

Hanging a mirror on any wall requires a little more thought and preparation than just banging a nail in. You need to know the wall material: brick, concrete, wood or plasterboard. Then you need to have the right fittings for that type of wall if you want your mirror to hang safely and securely. You need to know the weight of your mirror and make sure your hardware is rated for more than that weight. Hanging a bathroom mirror on a tiled wall requires even more care to ensure you are using the right equipment when drilling holes, as there is a danger you may crack the tiles.

If you want to use mirror mastic or adhesive that is specifically designed for the purpose, it offers a great bond, but removing the mirror at a later date can be extremely difficult and may require breaking the mirror and will probably damage the wall, so remember it is a very permanent fix!

Drilling And Anchoring

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, so be 100% sure about where the mirror is going before you begin anything. Get someone else to hold the mirror in position so you can check the height, and use a spirit level to check it is straight, as you will be looking into that mirror every morning! Make sure the tiles are clean, then mark the desired location with a pencil. Placing masking tape over the holes before marking them can help stop the drill from skidding.

Use only a tile drill or masonry bit and drill slowly through the tile. If you drill too fast, you are in danger of cracking the tile. It helps to spray water to prevent overheating. Tap in the plastic anchors (using a rubber mallet hammer will ensure you don’t crack the tiles) and secure the mirror with the screws and mirror hardware.

Using Adhesives

Mirror mastic can be a safer option – there is no risk of cracking tiles through drilling, and if there is a breakage, the mirror is less likely to shatter than if it were mounted with clips. The mastic can help create a moisture-resistant surface and create a strong bond, even in humid bathrooms.

Ensure the tiles are clean and dry, then apply the adhesive in a staggered pattern on the back of the mirror (avoiding the edges so it doesn’t ooze out). Carefully position the mirror and hold it in place for several minutes, and use temporary supports like wood or painter’s tape to hold it in place for 24-48 hours while the adhesive cures.

Extra Things to Remember

Always make sure your adhesive is compatible with your mirror and tile to avoid discolouration or damage. Check there are no concealed pipes or wiring before you start drilling, avoid over-tightening any screws to prevent the tiles or mirror from cracking, and consider using a laser level to ensure the mirror is straight. Wear eye-goggles when drilling and remember that drilling into grout may be weaker than tiles.

Slow and steady wins the race – you only want to hang it once, so hang it right the first time! For precision drilling on delicate tile surfaces without the risk of damage, professional tile drilling services ensure your bathroom mirror is perfectly positioned and securely mounted. When you need expert installation that protects your valuable tiles while achieving flawless results, All About Hanging professionals have the specialised tools and experience to handle even the most challenging tiled surfaces safely.