How to Cut a Mirror: The Best Way to Cut Glass
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to custom cut a mirror. For example, you may need to split one mirror into two or put a mirror in a frame. When working with glass and mirrors, it’s always best to trust the professionals, especially if you are a novice to these projects.
However, if you are eager to learn, we’ll show you how to cut a mirror.
Before you begin, make sure you have these items on hand:
Necessary Tools to Cut a Mirror
- Mirror you intend to cut
- Glass cutter
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Glass cleaner
- Cutting oil
- Measuring tool (e.g., framing square, ruler, tape measure)
- Marking pencil
- Straightedge
- Square-headed pliers
- Dowel
- Sandpaper or sharpening stone
Step-by-Step: How to Cut a Mirror
Here is a simple overview for customizing a mirror’s size:
- Clean the mirror.
- Place the mirror on a clean, flat surface.
- Measure the mirror.
- Score the mirror with a glass cutter.
- Snap the mirror according to the scored lines.
- Make any sharp edges smooth.
Here are our step-by-step instructions:
- Clean the Area—Using your glass cleaner, clean the mirror on both sides. You will also want to make sure all tools are as clean as possible. Any dirt or residue can interfere with the cutting process.
- Set Up Your Workstation—Arrange your cleaned mirror and tools on a work table or other similar, flat surface. You may want to cushion the work table with fabric, newspaper or butcher paper to reduce potential bumps while cutting.
- Measure Up—Using your measuring tool, measure and mark your mirror with your marking pencil.
- Time to Score—Wearing your goggles and gloves, use your cutting tool and a straightedge to score the mirror according to your measurements. Remember, too much pressure may cause you to break the mirror, and too little will not score the surface as desired. Score in a single motion and refrain from making multiple scores along the straightedge.
- Snap with Care—Once the scoring is complete, set the straightedge down and slide your dowel under the mirror, ensuring that it runs the full length of the score. Placing one hand on either side of the dowel, press down. The mirror should snap along the scored line.
- Avoid Fragments—Place a piece of cardboard or fabric in the jaws of the pliers. Carefully break off pieces of the mirror. This will help prevent fragments.
- Smooth it Out—Running sanding foam, sandpaper or a smoothing stone along the cut edges of the mirror will allow the edges to smooth, so they are safer to handle.
- Clean Up Your Area—Gather the newspaper or fabric you placed beneath the mirror from the corners, so any small and potentially hazardous pieces are contained inside.
Glass Doctor® and Custom Mirror Cutting
It is best to leave glass and mirror cutting to the professionals, especially for larger pieces. Consider contacting someone who knows how to manage a project of this scale.
At Glass Doctor, we will safely and professionally cut your mirror to a standard or custom size, leaving you more time to focus on other projects in your home. If you have questions about how to cut a mirror, call 855-603-1919 to schedule an appointment.
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Sources:
Integrated Publishing: http://constructionmanuals.tpub.com/14044/css/Measuring-and-Cutting-Glas...
Bob Vila: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-cut-mirror