Removing an old wall mirror

Question

I would love to remove this old mirror glued to my bathroom wall. Any ideas on how to remove? I tried prying it off with a tool but it started to break & I was afraid of tiny shattered pieces everywhere.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Caroline McRae I think that @Kim @ Curtain Queen Creates has given good advice to use masking tape to hold pieces together. You could also put a cloth or newspaper down to catch the smaller fragments - adhere to wall with tape or tacks. I think you have gone this far you need to take it all the way. You will likely have to pry parts off - be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses too. Here are a couple of sites with more information; http://www.ehow.com/how_2142339_remove-mirror-glued-wall.html http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/bed-and-bath/remove-a-bathroom-mirror/project

John · Answer

It is most likely going to break as the mirror is removed. Using a couple of suction cup handles would allow you to pull on the mirror and hold it at the same time to maintain control. The tape is a good idea. It will break but will mostly stay in large manageable pieces. You will probably have to repair the drywall behind the mirror.

Linda · Answer

Would covering it help the potential danger? I'm thinking contac paper, duct tape, whatever. The stickier the better, to contain/prevent dangerous shards or splinters. Certainly don't envy your job! Good luck!

Home Repair Tutor · Answer

@Caroline McRae you could try to run a wire (the kind used for hanging pictures) behind the mirror to cut through the adhesive. This might help. Also, you can tape pieces of cardboard to the mirror with duck tape and this will help.

Rose Mary · Answer

Just remember PLEASE,  it will be very very heavy and you probably shouldn't do it alone like I did.  When I did it, it fell, shattered, and broke off my tile cup and soap dish. It could have cut me seriously, I was lucky I have such good reflexes.  Good luck and get some help.

Janet Smith · Answer

It is absolutely a two or more person job. The mirror I removed was a really big one (8 ft x 6 ft) so I used a glass cutter to score it into several pieces. Then I covered it with cheap 'contact paper' It broke into several pieces, mostly along the scored lines, but the contact paper kept shards from falling and saved a lot of cleanup.

Kate C · Answer

cover it with contact paper and then use a thin.. but not too thin wire and start in the corner and use the wire between the wall and mirror to 'cut' the glue... I used to work for a glass shop and they said that that is the most dangerous job they could do... be very very careful.. I would advised 3 people .. one to hold the mirror ... one to cut and one standing by to call for help! best of luck

Donna Steward · Answer

I don't know the answer to this question, but I have another concerning an entire mirrored wall from ceiling to floor. Since the job is to big for me alone, I was wondering if it could be painted the same color as the wall? What type of paint would be needed to adhere to glass & not scratch off?

Ken Strampe · Answer

well no matter how you do it you will have some damage to your drywall so my idea is to just cut the drywall around the mirror and take it out in one whole piece and yes i would also tape up the mirror so if any breakage does happen you will contain it. then simply just replace the drywall and paint and hang a new mirror properly.

Kat Tellez · Answer

I would suggest renting an industrial heat gun to melt the adhesive. They can get REALLY hot though, so be careful using it. Definitely a two (or more) person job. I like the idea of cutting the mirror into pieces first. That would make the job much easier to handle.

Custom Installation Services, LLC · Answer

First use eye and hand protection. If the mirror is thin it's going to break, so do all the above taping. I just removed one by pushing several wedges evenly along the longest edge I could get to. I was able to break the adhesive out of the drywall as it was evenly spotted several places on the back. I got the mirror off in one peace and it had the adhesive and some drywall attached. I didn't try to remove the adhesive from the mirror as it would remove the silver from the glass and ruin the mirror.  I also tried to cut thru the black adhesive but it gets sticky when cutting. I ended up patching the drywall and giving the large mirror to Habitat for Humanity.

C&K Custom Remodeling · Answer

Get yourself some floor protecting tape from home depot, I believe it comes in 30'' x 25' rolls. Then adhere the plastic film to the entire mirror so if it does break you will not be cut. From that point you can either pry it off and let it break or intentionally break it off.

Higgins const. · Answer

no one here knows what they are talking about. Hire some one. Very dangerious.

Originals by Rhonda · Answer

Tacky shelving paper on top is the safest and then either bust it up or get a small piece of wire cable (purchased at home centers usually in picture hanging area) that is longer than the mirror and have 2 people with gloves to take it over top of mirror and then behind an SAW it off. Depending on the adhesive this works great and you may get it off in one piece.

Tegma · Answer

HGTV uses suction cups which I believe you can rent, but it takes two people to handle the mirror weight and size.  They just crisscross with tape before using the suction cups.

Colleen Greene · Answer

One alternative I have heard of is to keep the mirror and surround it with a large, decorative frame. Some sort of glass etching would be pretty, too. I have the same issue with a large, plain, ugly mirror over my sink. 
I'd love to hear about others' experiences with other alternatives.

Jan · Answer

I think I'll just hire a professional. It's got to be cheaper than a trip to the ER!

Norma Roca · Answer

Tape the mirror with masking tape. Then take a hammer and crack it. Sorry first take an old sheet or blanket. Lay it down under where your removing the mirror. You can use the wide tape to cover more area . Use protective eye wear and leather gloves while doing this.. hope this helped.

Removing an old wall mirror

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Removing an old wall mirror

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