How To Install Acrylic Mirrors

Preparing the area for installation

Before commencing work it is important that the area is flat and free from such things as grease, loose paint or plaster, and dirt. Clean the area thoroughly with a mild detergent or sugar soap and dry completely. The area can also be 'keyed' with abrasive paper (80-120 grit) and sealed with PVA or a primer / sealer.

We suggest removing any electrical socket front covers prior to installation. This must be done by a qualified electrician and for the power to be switched off during the installation process. Allowances may have to be made for things such as fridges or freezers. Your electrician can advise on this.

Ensure you have enough working space to lay out all the acrylic panels. This must be a sturdy, clean surface with some protection such as cardboard, sheets or carpet. Although quite hard, the acrylic panels are still subject to scratches or chips from small impacts or knocks so must be handled with care.

Installing your acrylic mirror

IMPORTANT

THE CORRECT LOW MODULUS ADHESIVE MUST BE USED TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE ACRYLIC BACKING. GLUES SUCH AS NO NAILS OR THOSE CONTAINING SOLVENTS WILL DEGRADE THE REAR OF THE MIRROR

DO NOT PLACE AN ACRYLIC MIRROR NEAR A HEAT SOURCE SUCH AS A HOB OR OVEN. IT WILL RIPPLE AND COULD EVEN MELT

You are now ready to install your acrylic mirror. We recommend 2 people for this task.

  1. Check that all the acrylic panels have been delivered and are undamaged.
  2. PLAN AHEAD: If there are several panels in your design you will need to plan the location of each piece prior to applying the adhesive. If the mirrors start at floor or skirting board level use a small spacer (2-3mm) between this and the bottom edge of the mirror. If the mirror is 'floating' on a wall you will need to fix in place a horizontal batten to support the first tile or row of tiles. This can be a batten fixed to the wall, or one supported at various points by chocks (this method eliminates the need to drill and fill holes, but can slip if not done correctly). 
  3. Apply vertical beads of low modulus silicone mirror-adhesive/ in wavy lines across the panel, ensuring an even coverage. Ensure there is a bead of silicone around any apertures or cut-outs. Leave approximately 30mm between the silicone and the edges of the panels.
  4. Place spacers (2-3mm) between the bottom edge of the mirror and the skirting or wall mounted baton to allow for expansion, angle the acrylic and place the bottom edge of the panel at the correct part of the wall. Carefully push the top of the panel towards the wall, applying firm pressure to fix it into place.
  5. Apply even pressure firmly with your hands across the whole of the panel to make sure it’s securely fastened and that the panel has uniform contact with the wall.
  6. Wait 24 hours to allow the silicone to cure before removing any spacers or support batons.
  7. Use a good quality tape to mask the edges of the panel and then seal the expansion gaps using an appropriate sealant, removing the excess with a silicone finishing tool and smoothing with a mild solution of soap and water.
  8. Once the edges are smoothed, you can remove the masking tape, making sure the room is well ventilated to allow the sealant to dry properly.
  9. Step back and enjoy your Made2measure splashback.
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