- 1). Measure the mirror to determine how much molding you need for both the horizontal and vertical framing. Add a minimum of 10 percent to the measurement to allow for mistakes in cutting the material.
- 2). Choose a decorative molding that you wish to use to trim the mirror. Decorative molding comes in molded plastic and wood, some prefinished with stain or paint and others with a coat of prime only or no finishing at all. If you have a picture framing store nearby, you can also choose picture frame molding as long as it is available in lengths long enough to frame the mirror.
- 3). Sand the molding with fine-grit sandpaper and finish the molding with the paint or stain of your choice. You will probably have to apply more than one coat of paint or stain to achieve the color desired. Sand the molding in between each application of paint or stain. Allow the molding to dry completely. Skip this step if you purchased prefinished molding.
- 4). Cut the molding to fit the perimeter of the mirror with the outside edge of the molding resting even with the outside edge of the mirror. Cut each piece of molding with 45-degree angles in both corners. The outside edge of the molding should be the longest side with the 45-degree angle running into the inside of the molding. The easiest and most accurate way to cut a 45-degree angle is using a miter saw or table saw with a miter gauge.
- 5). Hold the individual pieces in place on the mirror to ensure the length is correct. Place all the molding pieces flat on the floor to ensure the corner angles fit properly. Make any additional cuts necessary to perfect the fit of the molding. Do not worry about small gaps in the corners.
- 6). Clean the perimeter of the mirror with rubbing alcohol. Allow the alcohol to dry completely.
- 7). Apply a line of glue suitable for glass and the material your molding is manufactured from to the back of the molding in a repeating "S" shape. Home improvement stores and craft stores are the best place to purchase strong adhesives.
- 8). Place the molding on the mirror with the outside edge of the molding even with the outside edge of the mirror and hold the molding in place long enough for the glue to bond. Check the glue manufacturer's instructions for a recommended drying time. Continue fitting the molding to the mirror until all the molding is attached.
- 9). Fill corner cracks with paintable/stainable caulk and touch up the caulk with the paint or stain that was used to finish the molding. If the molding was purchased prefinished, touch up the caulk with paint or stain that matches the prefinished molding.
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