How to Install Molding Around a Bathroom Mirror

Given the current economy and housing market, cheaply adding value to a home seems to be a top priority for many Americans. Installing molding around a bathroom mirror not only adds value, but it also gives your bathroom mirror a custom finish. If the mirrors in your bathroom are nothing more than boring sheets of glass, follow these steps and transform the look of your bathroom without ever having to take the mirror off the wall.

Measure each of the four mirror length from corner to corner. These figures will be the measurements for the inside of the molding pieces, or short measurement, closest to the mirror itself. Since the molding will be cut at 45 degree angles, there will be a short and a long measurement on each piece. The long measurement should extend beyond the length of the mirror at the aforementioned 45 degree angle. Record these measurements on a sheet of paper.

Put on your safety goggles and begin cutting the molding into four pieces using a miter saw. Cut each piece at a 45 degree angle using the measurements you jotted down in step one. Make sure to cut the backside of the molding to get a cleaner cut. Remember to measure twice and cut once to minimize scrap.

Once you have all four pieces cut, place them together to check for fit and accuracy. Often times the corners will not be exactly 90 degrees, so you must use a coping saw or high grit sandpaper (120 grit or lower) to make the joints fit together snuggly. Continue coping or sanding until all four of the pieces fit together nicely.

Apply small amounts of the construction adhesive directly to the outermost edges of the top, bottom, and sides of the mirror. Apply a small bead of adhesive to the crown molding as well. Start with the top piece and press it into position on the wall just above the mirror. You will have to hold the piece into place until the adhesive becomes tacky, or you can tack the piece into place using a staple gun or finishing nails. Assemble the remaining three pieces of crown molding making sure to keep the seams as tight as possible.

Once the molding is installed and the adhesive has dried, countersink any staples or finishing nails you have used during the installation process by utilizing a nail set and hammer, and fill the void with wood putty. Let the putty dry and sand it smooth. Using a caulking gun, apply a light bead of trim caulk into any gaps that you see in the molding and smooth it out with your finger. If you apply too much, immediately wipe off the area with a damp sponge. Once the caulk is dry, you can now paint the molding to match your bathroom's décor.