How to Install Mirror Tile

The light reflecting quality of mirrored tile lends itself to many projects.

Mirrored tile is a versatile decorating tool that nearly anyone can install. Circles, squares and hexagons are available at home centers and 1 inch mosaic tiles are found at craft stores. Install 12-inch tiles on walls to reflect light into a hallway as suggested by NYCItyMoves.com. Add them to chests of drawers, table tops and light fixtures or use them with markers as a dry erase board alternative as demonstrated at Apartment Therapy. Although keeping mirrored tile free from smudges is important, the sparkling result is worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Rags
• Sandpaper
• Pencil
• Level
• Tile mastic (adhesive)
• Masking tape
• J-channel support (for large or heavy tiles)
• Screwdriver (optional, for installing support)

Instructions

Occasional Tiles or Random Designs

1. Clean the surface where you plan to install your tiles with a rag dampened by rubbing alcohol. If the surface is shiny or glossy, consider roughing it with sandpaper before cleaning. Mirror mastic (adhesive) bonds better to clean, non-glossy surfaces.

2. Position one tile on the surface and lightly mark around it with a pencil. Continue placing and marking tiles individually until you have completed your pattern. To level square tiles on a vertical surface, place a level across the top of the tile. Make sure the bubble is centered before marking its position.

3. Apply mirror adhesive, also called mastic, to the wall where one tile will go. Allow the adhesive to set for as long as recommended by the manufacturer. Press the tile against the surface to bond it with the adhesive. Always use special mirror adhesive to prevent discoloration of the mirror, notes Bob Vila. If the tile begins to slide, apply a piece of masking tape across the surface and attach it to the wall. Remove the tape once the mastic is set. Install each tile in this manner.

Flat, Horizontal Surfaces

1. Sand the surface lightly with sandpaper if it is glossy. Clean it with a rag dampened by rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or smudges.

2. Place the mirrored tiles on the surface and arrange them into a pleasing design.

3. Remove one tile and apply mirror adhesive to the surface beneath it. Let the adhesive set as long as the manufacturer recommends. Replace the tile, pressing it into the adhesive. Continue this process until all tiles are set.

Large Vertical Spaces

1. Prepare the surface by sanding lightly and cleaning with a rag dampened by rubbing alcohol.

2. Install a metal J-channel strip to the wall to support the bottom row of tiles. Make sure the channel is level by placing a level across the top and centering the bubble before installing the screws that secure it to the wall.

3. Apply mirror adhesive to the wall above the supporting channel and let it set as long as the manufacturer recommends.

4. Place the bottom row of tiles into the groove of the supporting channel and press them against the adhesive on the wall. Butt the tiles together snugly. Place the second row of tiles above the first row in the same manner. Continue until you have built up as many tiles as you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean excess tile adhesive off the surface and off tiles as soon as possible using the method recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.

• Frame square installations with trim moulding for an interesting look.

• If you don't like the appearance of a supporting J-channel in large area installations, temporarily attach a level strip of wood on the wall to support tiles and remove the strip once they are set.

• Mirrors are best cut by a professional. Cut mirrors have razor sharp edges that are impossible to smooth without special tools and techniques.

• Don't leave mirror adhesive unattended on a surface for too long before setting the tiles. Once dry, you will have to scrape or sand it off and start over.

• Don't skimp on adhesive. If too little is used, mirrors can fall and shatter.

• Ordinary mirror tiles are fragile and unsuitable for counter tops or floors. Always use specially designed mirror tiles for those applications.

References

• NYCityMoves.com: Some Different Kinds of Tile for Your House Including Mirrored TIle
• Apartment Therapy: Mirrored Tiles Made Modern
• Bob Vila: Installing Mirrors for the Bar

Resources

• walltile.org: Mirror Tile