Creating a Wall Mirror

Merlin Mosaica stocks a range of wall mirrors – 100mm-250mm in acrylic mirror, and 300mm in glass.

So how do you centre you mirror on your substrate, and what substrate is best to use?

1. Select your substrate

Almost any rigid material larger than your mirror will do as a substrate.  Merlin Mosaica has a range of MDF and Thermasheet shapes that would work well.
Remember, when working with mirror, you need to use a neutral cure adhesive, such as Soudal Crystal Fix-all or Prep Multi-Use Adhesive.

If using Thermasheet, make sure to install your hanging hardware BEFORE commencing your mosaic.

2. Position your mirror

1. On the front of your substrate, use a ruler to draw a line across your substrate at the widest part. (If you piece is an irregular shape, draw the line across in the centre).
2. Rotate your substrate 90º and repeat Step 1.
3. Take the diameter of your substrate (D) and subtract from that the diameter of your mirror (M) and divide by 2. For instance, using a 150mm mirror on a 250mm substrate leaves 100mm.
4. Dividing this by 2 gives you the width (W) you should have between the edge of the mirror and the edge of the substrate.
5. Make cross marks on the horizontal and vertical lines this distance in from the edge.

   Formula:  W = D – M / 2

   For Example: Using a 150mm (M) mirror on a 250mm (D) substrate.
   D (250mm) – M (150mm) / 2= W (50mm)

6. Now place the mirror within the hash marks and check to make sure you like the placement.
7. Draw around the mirror, and put aside.   Make sure you leave enough space around the mirror for your grout (2-3mm approx).
8. Mosaic your frame.
9. Apply mirror using a suitable adhesive. Make sure you glue to the edge. Grout seepage underneath the mirror can damage the mirror over time.
10. Grout.