Best Glue for Mirrors in 2022 – 7 Options for Every Case (That Last)
Glue can be used to repair mirrors, mount mirrors on other surfaces, or stick things to mirrors.
However, it’s very important to use the right kind of glue as the reflective backing of any mirror is made from very sensitive materials which can be easily damaged by some of the chemicals in glue.
There are various kinds of glue, they all have different properties, and not all of them will work on mirrors. To narrow down your options and help you make the right choice, here’s a compilation of some of the highest-rated glues for mirrors on the market along with a breakdown of their pros and cons.
Contents
List of the Best Glue for Mirrors in 2022
- Best Overall – Permatex Clear Silicone Glue for Mirrors
- Second Runner – Liquid Nails Mirror Glue
- Best on A Budget – Gorilla Heavy Duty Adhesive
- Best for Non-Porous Surfaces – Gorilla Epoxy Glue
- Best Control – Loctite Power Grab Express All Purpose Construction Glue
- Best for Large Areas – Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive
- Best for Car Mirrors – 3M High Bond Mirror Adhesive
Top 7 Best Glues for Mirrors in 2022
Without further ado, here are the 7 best glues for mirrors in 2022 and what makes them a great value for your money.
1. Best Overall – Permatex Clear Silicone Glue for Mirrors
The Permatex Clear Silicone Glue is one of the best glues when it comes to mirrors. It can be used to repair broken mirrors as well as attach mirrors to other surfaces including glass, metal, and plastic.
This glue will form a strong long-lasting bond when applied to a surface. The bond created is water-resistant and will maintain its strength in high temperatures, up to 400°F (204°C).
It’s easy to apply and will dry clear, however, it might take a long time to fully cure and you need to wear a protective mask while working as it will emit a strong odor throughout the drying process.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It creates a strong long-lasting bond
- It can withstand high temperatures
- It can be used to repair broken mirrors
- It works on various other surfaces
- It’s water-resistant
- It’s easy to apply
- It dries clear
Cons
- It will emit strong odors while drying
- It takes a long time to cure
Bottom Line
The Permatex Clear Silicone Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for an overall strong glue that can be used to repair mirrors or attach them to other surfaces.
2. Second Runner – Liquid Nails Mirror Glue
Liquid Nails Mirror Glue is most ideal for fixing mirrors to various other surfaces like brick, stone, marble, ceramic, and plastic. It can also be used to repair broken glass as it can expand to fill up the gaps in between the pieces and it dries clear.
This glue creates a strong bond when applied without causing any damage to the reflective backing of the mirror or the surface it’s glued to. The bond created will also be water-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures, up to 300°F (148°C).
It’s flexible and allows making adjustments or repositioning the surface as it takes a few minutes to set, however, it can take a long time to fully cure.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It creates a strong bond
- It doesn’t damage the reflective backing of the mirror
- It can be used to repair broken mirrors
- It can be used to fix mirrors to other surfaces
- It allows for making adjustments and repositioning
- It’s water-resistant
- It can withstand high temperatures
- It dries clear
Cons
- It can take a long time to cure
Bottom Line
Liquid Nails Mirror Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for glue that will create a strong yet flexible bond that will allow you to make any adjustments or reposition the material.
3. Best On a Budget – Gorilla Heavy Duty Adhesive
Gorilla Glue is one of the most versatile and affordable glues on the market. This heavy-duty construction adhesive can be used to bond mirrors to wood, metal, plastic, and many more surfaces.
It creates an extremely strong bond that’s 100% waterproof, weatherproof, and can handle extreme temperatures. All of this makes it safe for both indoors and outdoors use.
Once the glue is applied on any surface, it will set within 30 seconds the dry and cure fast. It also dries clear providing a smooth finishing layer on the surface.
However, you need to be careful while applying the glue as it’s applicator can be easily clogged which can create a mess. You also need to seal and store it properly when not in use as it’s prone to drying inside the container.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can strongly bond mirrors to any kind of surface
- It sets, dries, and cures extremely fast
- It’s completely waterproof and weatherproof
- It can withstand extreme temperatures
- It’s suitable for indoors and outdoors use
- It dries clear and smooth
- Its cost is cheap compared to other kinds of glue
Cons
- Its applicator tip is easy to clog
- It’s prone to drying inside the container
Bottom Line
This product is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable glue that can strongly bond mirrors as well as various other surfaces.
4. Best for Non-Porous Surfaces – Gorilla Epoxy Glue
This Gorilla Epoxy Glue is one of the best kinds of glue when it comes to bonding mirrors to non-porous surfaces such as metal and plastic.
The container is designed with two barrels to keep the components of the glue, the resin and the hardener, separate until you’re ready to apply the glue. It comes with a syringe-like applicator tip which allows you to apply the glue easily and with precision.
Once it’s applied, it will form an extremely strong, water-resistant bond with the surface. It will also set fast and dry clear providing a smooth finishing look on the surface.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s suitable for use on non-porous surfaces
- It forms an extremely strong bond
- It allows for easy and precise application
- It’s water-resistant
- It sets fast
- It dries clear
Cons
- It doesn’t work with all kinds of metals
Bottom Line
The Gorilla Epoxy Glue is the best option for you if you’re looking for a strong glue that will bond mirrors to other nonporous surfaces while providing a smooth clear finish.
5. Best Control – Loctite Power Grab Express All-Purpose Construction Glue
The Loctite Power Grab Express All-Purpose Construction Glue can be used to fix mirrors to various surfaces including metal, wood, plastic, and ceramic.
It’s easy to apply as the container comes with a convenient applicator tip. It’s also easy to control and spread across the surface without causing a mess because of the glue’s gel-like consistency which makes it easy to control.
Once it’s applied on the surface, it will create a strong bond that is water-resistant and impact-resistant. It also dries clear and doesn’t require the surface to be clamped or supported throughout the drying process as it cures very quickly.
However, make sure to seal and store the container properly when it’s not in use as this glue tends to dry inside the container.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s easy to control and apply
- It can create a strong bond with various surfaces
- It’s water-resistant and impact resistant
- It cures very quickly
- It doesn’t require clamping or support
- It dries clear
Cons
- It’s prone to drying inside the container
Bottom Line
The Loctite Power Grab Express All-Purpose Construction Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a strong mirror glue that will be easy to apply and control.
6. Best for Large Areas – Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive
The Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive has the power to bond mirrors to wood, glass, metal, plastic, leather, and many other surfaces.
It’s easy to apply to a large surface area as it dispenses a fine mist of adhesive providing full coverage in much less time.
Once it’s applied to a surface, it will form a durable watertight bond and you will be able to make adjustments or reposition the surfaces for up to 30 minutes. It also dries completely clear and won’t yellow over time either.
However, you need to be cautious while using it as the spray is highly flammable and contains toxic substances that can be harmful to inhale for extended periods of time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It creates a durable watertight bond
- It can bond mirrors to various surfaces
- It can cover large surface areas
- It allows for making adjustments and repositioning
- It dries fast and clear
Cons
- It can be messy to apply
- It’s highly flammable
- It contains toxic materials that are dangerous to inhale
Bottom Line
The Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a strong mirror glue that’s easy to apply and can large surface areas in a short time.
7. Best for Car Mirrors – 3M High Bond Mirror Glue
The 3M High Bond Mirror Glue is a two-part acrylic glue that can create a strong stable bond with various kinds of surfaces, but it’s most ideal for fixing car mirrors.
The glue comes with two components, the adhesive, and activator, which need to be thoroughly mixed before application otherwise the glue won’t be effective.
Once it’s applied to a surface, the bond created will maintain its strength when exposed to challenging conditions as it’s water-resistant, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant. It also dries completely clear and cures in only 15 minutes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It creates a strong and stable bond
- It’s designed for use on car mirrors
- It also works on various other surfaces
- It’s water-resistant, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant
- It dries clear
- It cures extremely fast
Cons
- Its price is relatively high
It takes time to apply as its components need to be mixed
Bottom Line
The 3M High Bond Mirror Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a strong glue that’s specifically designed for use on car mirrors.
All You Need to Know About Gluing Mirrors
Why Do Mirrors Require a Special Kind of Glue?
Most kinds of glue might not be suitable for use on mirrors.
The main reason why mirrors require a special kind of glue is that the reflective backing of any mirror is made from very sensitive materials which can be easily damaged from the chemicals in glue.
So, you need to make sure you’re using a kind of glue that will effectively bond with the mirror surface without causing any damage to the reflective backing.
Factors You Need to Consider when Choosing Glue for Mirrors
There are some factors you need to consider when choosing glue for mirrors, so let’s take a closer look at these factors:
Intended Purpose
You need to consider what’s the intended purpose of the glue to make sure it will effectively bond with the material as some kinds of glues can only bond with porous materials, while other kinds of glue can bond with both non-porous and porous materials
If you’re going to use the glue to repair a mirror, you need to use clear drying glue that can bond with the glass. However, if you are going to stick a mirror to another surface like a wall or wood, you need to use glue that will create a durable bond with these surfaces.
Color of the Glue
You need to consider the color of the glue when it dries because some kinds of glue do not dry clear.
If you are going to use the glue to stick the mirror to another surface, then the color might not matter. However, if you are going to use the glue to repair a mirror, then it’s definitely recommended to use glue that dries clear so that the damage wouldn’t be too visible.
Drying Time
You need to consider the drying time of the glue as you will have to support the mirror properly until the is completely cured.
The drying time of the glue also depends on the amount of glue applied and the temperature of the room you’re working in. You can learn more about how long do different kinds of glue take to dry and how to make glue dry faster here.
Water and Temperature Resistance
You need to consider whether the glue is water and temperature-resistant.
If you’re going to stick the mirror to a surface that’s frequently exposed to moisture and heat, such as a bathroom wall, you need to make sure the bond formed by the glue will hold up.
What Kind of Glue Is Best for Mirrors?
As mentioned before, there are many different kinds of glues with different properties. So, let’s take a closer look at the kinds of glue that are best for mirrors:
Liquid Nails
Liquid nails are a kind of latex-based construction glue.
They can effectively bond with various surfaces including glass. They can also expand and easily fill up gaps in between surfaces which makes them ideal for repairing broken glass. However, they take a long time to dry and cure completely.
Also, keep in mind that liquid nails can be harmful and emit unpleasant odors, so make sure to wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid damaging your skin or inhaling the smell of glue.
Epoxy Glue
Epoxy-based glue a two-part glue because it’s consists of two components which are resin and a hardening fluid.
The glue’s components come in separate containers and need to be mixed thoroughly before they’re applied on the surface otherwise they will not effectively form a bond.
It might take a long time to dry and cure, however, it can create an extremely strong bond with different kinds of surfaces including glass, metal, and plastic.
Silicon Glue
Silicon-based glue provides incredible bonding strength when applied on various surfaces.
It’s flexible and resistant to moisture and extreme temperatures so you can use it to hang mirrors as well as everyday repair. However, it can take some time to dry and cure completely.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla glue is a polyurethane-based glue.
It can form an extremely durable bond with various kinds of surfaces including glass, metal, plastic, wood, stone, and ceramic.
It’s also completely water-resistant and can withstand a significant amount of pressure.
Two-Part Acrylic Glue
Two-part acrylic glue is ideal for bonding mirrors without damaging the backing material.
It might need UV exposure to bond with the surface and can take a longer time to fully cure compared to other kinds of glue. However, the bond formed will dry clear and will not yellow over time.
How to Apply Glue on a Mirror?
You can apply glue on a mirror, either to repair it or to stick it to other surfaces such as walls, wood, or tiles.
However, in order to achieve a stronger and longer-lasting bond when applying glue on a mirror, you need to make sure that you’re using the right kind of glue and that the surface you’re applying the glue on is properly prepared for bonding.
Here are the steps you need to follow to effectively apply glue on mirrors:
Step 1: Preparing the surfaces for bonding.
You need to prepare the surface for bonding by making sure it’s completely clean and free from any dirt, dust, or grease because these contaminants can interfere with the glue’s ability to form a bond.
To clean the surface, you need to wipe it off the dirt and dust with a cloth soaked in water and mild soap. You also need to apply some rubbing alcohol on the surface to remove any accumulated grease.
Make sure to dry the surface after you’re done cleaning and try to avoid touching it with your bare fingers so you do not contaminate it again.
Step 2: Applying the glue
If you’re using the glue to stick the mirror to another surface, you need to apply a thin layer of glue on both of the surfaces you want to stick together and make sure to cover the surfaces entirely.
Keep in mind that bonding will be more effective if the surfaces you’re sticking together are equal in size. If you still have some gaps between the surfaces, try filling them up with Liquid Nails Gue.
If you’re using the glue to repair a broken mirror, you first need to apply a thin layer of glue on the edges of the pieces you want to stick together. Make sure you have all the broken glass pieces and align or dry-fit them to form the original shape before applying the glue.
It’s recommended to apply the glue using a brush so you can cover more surface area as well as have more control over where the glue is applied and how thick the glue layer is.
Once you’re done applying the glue, you need to scrape off the excess glue with a razor blade then press both surfaces firmly together until the glue starts to set.
Step 3: Leaving the glued surfaces to dry and cure
Make sure not to disturb or move the glued surfaces during the drying process, otherwise, the glue will not achieve maximum bonding strength and you will need to re-apply it.
Also, keep in mind that temporary supports or clamps might be required to stop the glued surface from sliding down or separating until the glue is completely cured.
Can You Remove Glue from a Mirror?
Removing glue from a mirror surface or separating a glued mirror from another surface can be challenging as you might accidentally break the mirror which will create dangerous shards that might cause you some serious harm.
It also depends on the kind of glue used as some kinds of glues can be easily removed, while others might cause significant damage or discoloration to the sensitive silvering on the back of the mirror.
If you’re not sure whether the kind of glue used can be safely removed, it’s recommended to test the glue on a small area before applying it to the entire surface.
It’s also recommended to wear safety goggles and gloves through the removal process to protect yourself in case the mirror breaks.
Now, let’s take a look at how you can safely remove the glue from a mirror:
Removing Glue That’s Dried on Mirror Surface
To remove glue that’s dried on a mirror surface, you will first need to soften the glue. You can do that by using a strong solvent like acetone or by applying heat to the surface with a hairdryer set to low heat.
Once the glue is soft enough, the bond it formed on the surface of the mirror will be much weaker and you will be able to easily remove wipe off the glue using a soft cloth.
Separating The Glued Mirror from Another Surface
If the mirror is accessible from at least three sides, it will be much easier to separate from the surface it’s glued to than a mirror that’s glued flush to the sidewalls
You first need to apply duct tape to the entire surface of the mirror as a safety measure. The duct tape will help hold the glass together and protect you from dangerous shards in case the mirror breaks.
Next, you need to soften the glue by applying heat to the surface. You can use a hairdryer set to high heat or a heat gun if available.
Once the glue is soft enough, insert wooden shims or a pry bar between the mirror and the surface it’s glued to so you can separate the surfaces.
Finally, while wearing gloves, pull carefully on the mirror to take it off of the surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Does Glue Dry?
Glue can dry in about 10 to 20 minutes, then it will take between 12 and 24 hours to fully cure before you can use the surface. The speed of the drying process of glue mainly depends on factors like the kind of glue used, the kind of surfaces the glue is applied on, the amount of glue applied, and the temperature of the room you’re working in.
What Safety Precautions Are Needed When Applying Glue?
The safety precautions that are needed when applying glue include wearing protective gloves and mask while working as well as keeping your working area properly ventilated. That is because most kinds of glue contain harmful chemicals that are dangerous to inhale for a long time and can cause skin irritation.
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