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What's a good glue to use on hand mirrors?

5.9K views 20 replies 12 participants last post by  Reaperwoodworks  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am making some hand mirrors for Christmas gifts and am about to glue on the mirrors. What type of glue should I use?
 
#5 ·
Kaleb,
While researching I saw where someone said to use "mirror glue", but they didn't say what it was or where to find it. Just like your suggestion, I was thinking about using some clear caulk, but wondered how hard it would be to replace a broken mirror.
 
#8 ·
For anyone that is interested:

"Troy Systems Mirror Glue" can be purchased online at:
http://www.dullesglassandmirror.com/
Click on their "Online Store"
Then click on "Mirror Adhesive"
It can be purchased for $7.99 a tube with a $2.99 shipping charge. Since it is not distributed in my area, there is no Sales Tax. It is shipped in 1-3 business days.
The reviews are mixed, so I guess I'll find out how good it is.
Sonny
 
#11 ·
I have a 36" x 36" mirror that is attached to the oak frame I made using clear silicone. There is no problem with it yet…. This was done 25 years ago.

- Jim Finn
There are lots of different kinds of Clear silicone on the market.
Clear Silicone that has a "Nuetral Cure" will work fine.
I've used silicone on mirrors and after 3 years you can see the trails of silicone coming through.
If it were me I would just use something that says it's made for mirrors and not roll the dice.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
For anyone that is interested:

"Troy Systems Mirror Glue" can be purchased online at:
http://www.dullesglassandmirror.com/
Click on their "Online Store"
Then click on "Mirror Adhesive"
It can be purchased for $7.99 a tube with a $2.99 shipping charge. Since it is not distributed in my area, there is no Sales Tax. It is shipped in 1-3 business days.
The reviews are mixed, so I guess I ll find out how good it is.
Sonny

- sonnyr
Follow up:
I used this glue on a project and like some of the reviews the glue was hard to get out of the tube. Once out it dabbed fairly well and the tube still felt pliable. There is a note on the tube that states "Products are manufactured to conform to strict quality assurance specifications for up to 10 months of the date of manufacture." The code on my tube was 150220D1. I have no idea if the tube that I purchased was within that 10 month period. At nearly $11 for a tube shipped to the house, and the small amount that I used, it just doesn't seem cost effective to buy again.
Sonny
 
#13 ·
Believe it or not, I used titebond II. Held great but not sure what the long term effects will be. Just used a small coating on the back with light pressure so I didn't crack the mirror. I did this on my castle box project. Comments?
 
#15 ·
Jeff,
I posted a project "Lollipop Hand Mirrors" yesterday. On it I used a forstner bit to recess an area in the wood for a dab of glue. This allowed the glue to spread out evenly, lessening the chance of a bulge between the mirror and wood that might crack the mirrors when pressure was applied.