September 1, 2015 How to Remove a Mirror That is Glued to the Wall
We recently received a question from one of our readers, Becki B., regarding removing mirrors from bathroom walls. Here is what she wrote:
“Do you have any suggestions on how to safely remove those big bathroom mirrors that no doubt, are glued onto the drywall (sheetrock)…I have two of them. One is about 3 feet by 4 feet. The other is about 3 feet by 5.6 feet. Neither has a frame around it. There is nothing wrong with them, they just look dated.”
We thought other people might have the same question, so here is our response below with easy instructions on how to do this job:
- Get some packing tape (the heavier, the better)
- Cover/coat the entire surface of the mirror with the tape.
- Next, slowly try to pry the mirror away from the wall, using a broad, flexible blade, such as a drywall taping knife. Work your way around the circumference of the mirror first, with one hand holding the mirror in place.
Note: You may find it helpful to use a wooden shim or shims to create space between the wall and the mirror while you are prying the mirror away.
There is the possibility that the mirror is going to break. So you want to be sure that you are wearing safety glasses and gloves.
Also, keep in mind that if your wall is drywall, the mirror will probably come off a lot easier than if it is glued to a plaster wall.
You can do this!
by See Jane Drill, Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved
I have put off dealing with this exact situation in two of our bathrooms which have mirrors of about the same sizes as those in Becki’s home. I have also read about a method of using a long thin wire to saw through the glue holding the mirrors to the drywall – starting at one corner – in conjunction with inserting the shims you mentioned above. Haven’t tried it yet since the size is so daunting and they are not next on my priority list as we prepare for resale within the next few years. Just finished stripping the wallpaper and repainting our foyer and stairwell using a platform suspended on two ladders to reach the 16 ‘ areas above the stairs – kind of scary but empowering at the same time to be able to get it done without help! Your website consistently builds my confidence to take on these projects : )
Hi Ladies. Thanks to your article and encouragement, I just want to let you know that job is done! I did rent 2 suction cup devices to use as handles for the mirrors and had a friend help me. We got them down easily though they were heavier than I imagined. Now I’m hoping to donate them to Habitat for Humanity.
Many thanks for empowering me!!!