• Working time: 30 mins to one hour
• Total time: 1 to 1½ hours
• Skill level: Easy
• Project cost: $25 to $50, depending on the tools on hand
Many bathrooms feature large mirrors that are glued directly to the wall without a frame or nails. This method is a fast and effective way to mount a mirror. However, if you are ready to upgrade the look of your room with a nicer hanging mirror, the steps to remove a mirror glue to a wall can be tricky without the proper tools and know-how. It does take some patience and is doable for a new DIYer. Follow the steps below to learn how to remove a mirror from a wall.
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Find A General ContractorWhen To Remove Mirror Glued to Wall
There are two reasons to remove a mirror glued to a wall: to update or to fix a damaged mirror. Frameless mirrors glued to a wall can look dated and less refined. Swapping your dated mirror is an inexpensive way to update your bathroom instantly. If you are ready for a new look, gather your tools and remove that old, glued-on mirror.
Safety Considerations
Since you will be working with a large piece of glass, safety concerns must be taken into account before you start. It is not recommended to break the glass for removal, but you need to be prepared for breakage. Dress in long sleeves, long pants and closed-toed shoes, and wear heavy work gloves and eye protection at all times while you work. Enlisting the help of a partner is a good idea if you are removing a large mirror.
Tools
• Heavy canvas drop cloth• Heat gun or blow-dryer• Drywall/putty knife• Safety glasses• Heavy work gloves (preferably leather)• Wire saw
Materials
• Duct tape or packing tape
Instructions
1. Protect Yourself and the Area
Before you start the demolition, make sure all obstacles are removed. If your mirror is over a vanity, remove all the clutter from the countertop. Put on your safety gear then cover the floor or countertop with a heavy canvas drop cloth.
2. Tape the Mirror
Cover the mirror with strips of tape, crossing in several directions. You can cover the entire mirror or place strips of tape every few inches. The tape prevents the shards of the mirror from flying everywhere if it shatters.
3. Heat the Glue
This method works best for smaller mirrors (2×2 ft or smaller). Apply heat to the corners and the edges of the mirror with a heat gun or blow-dryer, then work your way toward the center. Hold it 6 to 12 inches away from the surface of the mirror. Leave it pointed at the mirror for at least 15 minutes to melt the adhesive in the back of the mirror.
4. Pry a Corner
Slide a putty knife or drywall knife’s blade in between the mirror and the drywall at the bottom corner. Place one hand underneath the mirror. Once the blade is in place between the wall and the mirror, pull the handle lightly towards you to pry the mirror off the wall. As the mirror comes off, use your other hand to hold and guide it away from the wall. Do not be alarmed if some drywall comes off with the mirror.
5. Inspect and Repair
Once the mirror is removed, inspect the wall for any lingering adhesive. If there is some, use the heat gun to soften it, then scrape it off with the putty knife. Repair and paint the drywall as needed.
6. Slide the Wire
Get the wire saw and hold it by the handles. Starting at one upper hand corner of the mirror, place the wire against the wall and slide it between the mirror and the drywall. You may need to slide the wire back and forth slightly to get it started and through the corner.
7. Continue Sawing
Make sure the wire fits snugly between the wall and the mirror. Move your handles back and forth rapidly as you pull the wire down. As you saw, the friction cut through the adhesive, allowing you to pull the wire down as you go. Saw about ¾ of the way down and stop. This helps to keep the mirror from falling or breaking.
8. Remove the Mirror
With the help of a partner, pry the mirror from the wall. Go slowly to minimize the damage to the drywall. You may need to use the wire saw or heat gun to melt the remaining adhesive if it is resistant. Once you remove the mirror, remove any glue left on the wall by softening it first with a heat gun, then scraping it off with a putty knife. Repair and paint the drywall as needed.
How to Remove Large Mirrors
To remove a large mirror that’s glued onto a wall, you will need help from a partner. Follow the steps 1 and 2 described above for preparing and taping the mirror, then follow steps 6 to 8.
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Find A General ContractorWhen to Call a Pro
Although removing a glued-on mirror is a straightforward project, there may be an occasion to seek the help of a professional. If your mirror is particularly large or in a difficult area to access, a general contractor can help you remove it safely. Additionally, if the adhesive is extremely firm and you cannot cut through it or melt it, a pro has the proper tools and experience to get it done safely and fast.
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