Before replacing an old mirror, you’ll have to remove it from the wall. There are several approaches to removing a bathroom mirror, but which one should you choose? We’ll explain the most effective way to remove a bathroom mirror, so you can avoid damaging the wall or your new mirror replacement. Read on to find out more!
Method 1: Tape and Wrecker Clamp
1. Fill the bathtub with about two inches of water.
2. Tape the mirror to the wall using painter’s tape and position it so that it is perpendicular to the mirror itself. 2. Place your wrecker clamp around the frame of the mirror, just below where it meets the wall, and tighten it enough so that no water can come through. 3. Add an inch or two of water over the top of the mirror and slowly fill up the tub. The goal here is to submerge only the lower part of the mirror in water but not too much else (we don’t want all our hard work getting ruined). 4. Wait for about five minutes and then remove your wrecker clamp.
Method 2: Heat Cutting
1) Get your tools together. You’ll need a heat gun, some tin snips, safety goggles and gloves.
2) Put the mirror face down on the ground.
3) Cut the glass with your tin snips as close to the edge of the mirror frame as possible.
4) Use your heat gun and slowly start warming up one side of the mirror until it starts peeling off from the frame in either one large piece or several smaller ones.
Method 3: Chemical Removal
One way you can remove the mirror is by using chemicals. There are three main types of chemical removers, which are abrasive cleaners, solvents and acids. The type of chemical remover that will work best for your mirror depends on the type of coating that was used on the back of the mirror or how tarnished it is.
Abrasive cleaners are good for cleaning mirrors with hard water stains or soap scum. These contain compounds like lye or alkaline powder. You should use caution when handling these compounds as they can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin. They also require more time and elbow grease than other methods because they need time to break down the grime before it can be wiped away. Using a soft cloth dipped in an abrasive cleaner, rub in small circles over the entire surface of the mirror until all of the grime has been dissolved and then wipe away any residue left behind with another dry cloth.
