Asked on Mar 28, 2016

How to break mirror glass in to small pieces

861650
by 861650
After trying to break mirror glass in small to medium pieces, I noticed the edges are frayed and some of the mirror finish is gone. Some pieces are too tiny and others are too big. Have done a lot of research on "what to use for breaking mirror glass," and some info said to use a small hammer; one person used the edge of a candle. I also tried the edge of a can of soup. In other words, I have made a big fat mess! Can anyone give me suggestions?
  5 answers
  • Marsha Potter Sturgill Marsha Potter Sturgill on Mar 29, 2016
    try putting masking tape on the back of the mirror before breaking. lay tape side up on a thick folded towel, place another folded towel over tape side and tap with a hammer lightly this should break in slightly larger pieces. do not remove tape use a razor blade to cut the tape where the break lines are. if you must remove tape you can try spray paint in chrome shade on back. Hope this helps.
    • 861650 861650 on Mar 29, 2016
      @Marsha Potter Sturgill Thank you so much your ideas.
  • Wayne Sheppard Wayne Sheppard on Mar 29, 2016
    You can score the glass with a glass cutter to get a more predictable break pattern. Scoring the back will tend to keep the reflective material from splintering so badly. Experiment with hitting the back and front to see which works best.
    • See 4 previous
    • 861650 861650 on Mar 31, 2016
      @Wayne Sheppard Appreciate it. However, I must be dumb as dirt! I have been using paper and plastic bags to break the mirror glass. OOPS! Marsha wrote (above) to use a thick towel. One more question. What is the best place to lay the mirror on? Carpet, hardwood floors, counter top, cement or what?
  • Linda Quirk Linda Quirk on Mar 29, 2016
    I was going to say glass cutter, too. Score first.
  • Kelly Kampf Sullivan Kelly Kampf Sullivan on Mar 29, 2016
    I recently did a mosaic class and the tool they had worked great, this may help you. I found it on Amazon and it is called Wheeled Cutters Mosaic Glass Tile. I am sure you can find them less expensive. Good luck.
    • 861650 861650 on Mar 29, 2016
      @Kelly Kampf Sullivan Thanks for the info. Will check it out.
  • Cindi Cindi on Mar 29, 2016
    Not sure about mirrors, but I mosaic using crash glass. I put a piece of tempered glass on a sheet or in a box, to contain the pieces, and stand the glass on end, on one corner, then hit the opposite corner with a hammer, and it all falls into a pile of glass. I don't know if I'd try that with a mirror though, maybe score it, then tap it with a rubber mallet? If nothing else works you might try crash glass, you can put colors, glitter, etc under it, glue glass in place, then grout. I think it's gorgeous.