Q&A for How to Cut Mirror

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  • Question
    Do I cut the mirror facing up on mirror side or bottom?
    Community Answer
    Step 3 says: "Place your wheel cutter vertically, or straight up and down, on the reflective side of the mirror." So, this means mirror side up.
  • Question
    How would I cut a 7 1/2" x 5 1/2" rounded corner rectangle shape mirror?
    Community Answer
    Use a glass scoring tool that is designed to cut curved lines.
  • Question
    How you do it without a wheel cutter?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the size and thickness of the glass. There are simplistic methods you can use for small pieces of glass, like using string, wire and even scissors. For very large and thick pieces of glass, you may need a blowtorch.
  • Question
    Does safety glass cut like regular glass?
    Community Answer
    No, safety glass cannot be cut. It's made differently and will shatter into cubes.
  • Question
    Can I cut a mirror that is glued to a wall without destroying the mirror?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but only with help and the proper tools. I don't recommend this though as it's much more difficult.
  • Question
    Can I cut a mirror that is glued to the wall?
    Community Answer
    No. Remove the mirror from the wall first before trying to cut it.
  • Question
    How can I cut a mirror while it is still hanging on the wall?
    Community Answer
    You can't. It has to be on a flat surface. It's not safe to cut a mirror on the wall.
  • Question
    I scored my mirror on the back side. Can I still cut it?
    Community Answer
    No. Place the mirror on the reflective side to cut it. Place your wheel cutter vertically.
  • Question
    I want to keep half of a large mirror that is already glued in place. I want to cut it top to bottom and remove the drywall and half of the mirror and frame the other half. How can I do this?
    Community Answer
    If you have a sentimental attachment to it: remove the glass and sheetrock as one piece, soak in a basin for a few days, then scrape off the sheetrock. Find a solvent that will dissolve mirror adhesive without damaging mirror reflective coating or etch glass, soak in the solvent basin until the glue is easily removed. Then cut the mirror as directed. If there's no sentimental attachment: buy a custom cut mirror.
  • Question
    How do I tell if my mirror is too thick?
    Community Answer
    If it is more than 3/8th of an inch, it is too thick to cut without a blowtorch.
  • Question
    How do I cut a hole in the center of a mirror?
    Community Answer
    You use a hole saw coated with lanolin. Dip the entire tip of the saw in lanolin and coat mirror where hole will be. Let saw do the work, reapplying lanolin as it wears off.
  • Question
    What can I use besides wheel oil?
    Community Answer
    Other “light oil” products being used that are very similar include sewing machine oil, bicycle chain oil, lamp oil and baby oil. All this might explain why people who prefer kerosene will also suggest that “cutting oil” is too viscous and does not wick properly in oil-filled cutters.
  • Question
    What other tools can I use if I don't have a glass cutter?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    For cutting mirrors, it's highly recommended to use a scoring tool, also known as a scoring wheel. These tools are generally inexpensive, and attempting to use other methods often leads to unsatisfactory results or safety concerns.
  • Question
    Can I score the mirror more than once for a single cut?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can, but make sure all scores align to form a single, thin line.
  • Question
    What is tempered glass? Is it true that it can't be cut?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Tempered glass has been "annealed," which means it's been super-heated and is therefore stronger than regular glass. It can be cut under special circumstances. See Cut Tempered Glass .
  • Question
    How can I repair a crack in a mirror, especially if it is located in a corner?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    First, if the mirror is framed, carefully remove it from the frame. Then, apply a glue specifically designed for glass repair to the crack. Allow it to dry completely, then gently scrape away any excess residue. Finally, if applicable, return the mirror to its frame.
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