Remove a Wall Mirror
Many bathrooms feature large mirrors that are simply glued directly to the wall without a frame. The benefit of these mirrors is that they are cheap and easy to install, and they pose little risk of falling and breaking during use or cleaning. However, removing a glued-on mirror can be a challenging task. There are 2 basic methods for removing the mirror, both of which will leave the mirror intact for later use. Both ways to remove a wall mirror, however, will require repair to the drywall.
Contents
Steps
Remove a Wall Mirror with Cutout Wire
- Purchase a length of cutout wire. Cutout wire, also called windshield removal wire, is a high-strength braided steel wire that is used by auto body shops to repair windshields. It can be purchased from auto part stores either by itself or as part of a kit that includes convenient handles on either end of the wire. You will be working the wire between the mirror and the drywall, so you need a length of wire longer than the diagonal dimension of your mirror.
- Apply clear packing tape over the face of the mirror. Doing this will minimize the amount of shards that will go flying in case the mirror breaks. Even if you plan to salvage the mirror for later use, this step is a necessary safety precaution. The tape's adhesive can be removed later with a solvent.
- Work the cutout wire behind a corner of the mirror. Begin by stretching the wire tight and sliding it between the mirror and the drywall in any corner. Wiggle the wire back and forth to wedge it behind the mirror.
- Run the cutout wire behind the mirror from the first corner to the opposite corner. Once the wire is wedged behind the mirror, work it towards the opposite corner. Using a slight back-and-forth sawing motion can keep the wire from getting stuck. As you work the wire towards the other corner, it will cut through the adhesive joining the mirror to the wall. It is strongly advised to have another person hold the mirror steady while you do this, so that it doesn't suddenly come loose.
- Lift the mirror down gently. Once the cutout wire has sliced through most of the adhesive, you should be able to lift the mirror away from the wall. This process is likely to tear away some of the drywall paper, so expect to have to repair the wall later.
Remove a Wall Mirror with a Drywall Saw
- Push a drywall saw into the wall near the mirror's edge. This method of removing the mirror involves removing the entire section of drywall that it is glued to. This is the quickest and safest method to choose if you are renovating the room anyway and plan on replacing the drywall.
- Cut a perimeter around the mirror using the drywall saw. With another person holding the mirror steady, cut the drywall around the mirror on all sides using the saw. The cleaner and straighter your cuts, the easier the subsequent drywall repair will be.
- Lift the entire panel of drywall out of the wall. Once you have cut all the way around the mirror, lift the entire piece of drywall with the mirror attached out of the wall and set it aside.
- Clean the gypsum board and adhesive off of the mirror. If you plan on saving the mirror for later use, you will still need to remove it from the drywall and glue. The easiest way to do this is to lay the mirror down outside, and then use a hose to soak the drywall with water. After a thorough soaking, the drywall will soften and you can scrape it away easily.
Warnings
- Make sure to wear long sleeves and pants when working around breakable glass.
Things You'll Need
- Cutout wire
- Clear packing tape
- Drywall saw
- Garden hose
Related Articles
- Antique Mirrors
- Clean Mirrors
- Buy a Bathroom Mirror
