New Mirror Trim
by
Gordon F
+14
How can I get this trim off of my mirror? The original owner glued it to the mirror and I have no idea on how to get it off. I am scared to do anything on the fear of breaking the mirror.
Trim around my master bath mirror. It's so ugly!!!
17 answers
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The only good trick I have heard for removing mirrors without breaking them is to use cutout wire, which is what they use for windshields at auto shops. In theory, that would work here, too. You'd have to figure out a way to get it past those edges, but it might work nicely on the other side. Another option might be to cover this with a larger, more attractive trim.
3po3
on Dec 12, 2011
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It looks as though the mirror is glued by the trim? If that is the case, using a sharp knife carefully cut the caulk away. Try heating it a bit with a heat gun to soften the material. If the mirror itself is glued to the Sheetrock wall, then as Steve suggested but will be hard because its against the wall. Using a wire that you can get from an auto glass shop saw the glue with the wire. If you cannot get behind it, then using a heat gun carefully heat the glass up to soften the glue used to hold the glass in place. Do not keep the heat in one place for to long or it will shatter. Move it around and heat larger areas. Also I would suggest that you use duct tape or more of the blue masking tape and cover large parts of the mirror over. This will keep the glass intact so it does not fall all over the place if it shatters. Remember the mirror is not really that expensive, and as it ages it gets more brittle with age. Be sure to work with eye protection and sturdy gloves and long sleeve shirt. or jacket.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 13, 2011
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Just to reiterate...cut mirrors are not that expensive. I wouldn't waste too much of your valuable DIY time trying to salvage it... Tim
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC
on Dec 13, 2011
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Three great ideas...from three great sources...take your pick
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 13, 2011
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This mirror is glued to the wall and the trim is glued to the mirror. The mirror is about 5 feet wide and 4 feet high. I want to replace the trim with something less repulsive. That's what my wife said.
Gordon F
on Dec 13, 2011
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Have you considered getting new trim the same size and apply over it? If you cannot get the exact size, check with a local cabinet shop or trim carpenter (or DIY with a router/table saw)
Designs by BSB
on Dec 13, 2011
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Then like I said. Using a heat gun warm up the trim to soften the adhesive that holds the trim in place and gently pry off. I would first use a razor knife and carefully cut into the sealant so it comes off easy.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 13, 2011
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Try working on the opposite end. You're in a tight spot. Reposition yourself, on the other end and gently pry off the molding. Be careful. You may put undue pressure on the unit and cause the Mirror to crack.
Charles R
on Dec 13, 2011
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Use a Japanese pull saw and cut a series of grooves about 1" apart just shy of the surface of the mirror. Then use sharp chisel to break away the wood. Once you get close, you can use the chisel to gently scrape away the left over wood and adhesive. You didn't mention if you were going to reframe the mirror with wood. If so, use the same width. Or use acetone to remove the glue. Wear gloves because acetone is nasty stuff and can be absorbed thru you skin. I'm with Tim though on this. Unless you just got to have this particular mirror, I'd remove it and install a new one. Probably leave some patching to do in your dry wall. I'd hire a glass company to remove and reinstall. Just a thought.
Harold M
on Dec 13, 2011
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After this long of looking at that crap trim, I went for it. I used a small blade that is used to put spackle on the wall to wedge between the mirror and wood. I also taped up the entire mirror in the fear of shattering the mirror. I finally got the trim off, over 15 feet of trim that had an entire tube of glue holding it on. I now have the daunting tasks of getting the liquid nail off the mirror. Any suggestions of getting 15 year old liquid nail off?
Gordon F
on Feb 03, 2012
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Check the liquid nail tubes at the big box stores to see if there is any chemical solvent for this product listed on the tubes. Or simply check out this web site. http://www.liquidnails.com/faqs/index.jsp A sharp razor blade scraper or perhaps a sharp wood chisel may be able to scrape this tuff stuff off.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 04, 2012
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Sometimes a paint stripping heat gun will "soften" up this glue and make it peel off or more scrapable with a razor blade.
KMS Woodworks
on Feb 04, 2012
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I have finished my mirror marble trim. It took forever!!! Mainly because I was lazy about it.
Gordon F
on Apr 17, 2012
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Looking good...are you planning to grout this?
KMS Woodworks
on Apr 18, 2012
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Looks fab :)
Miriam Illions
on Apr 18, 2012
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KMS, I am not planning to grout the tile. It looks fine to me and of course the wife. I'm not sure how it would turn out to grout the tile. I am going to paint and that's it for the inside projects.
Gordon F
on Apr 23, 2012
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Sounds like a good plan...if the Mrs...ain't happy nobody is happy.
KMS Woodworks
on Apr 24, 2012
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