How to Cut Glass Mirrors

Cutting your own glass mirror isn't hard and can be done for many different items around your house. You can cut glass for big projects, such as table tops and wall hangings, or for small projects such as crafts.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet of glass mirror Glass cutter Straight edge Tape measure Dry-erase pen Leather gloves

Instructions

1. Lay the mirror on a flat surface, such as a dining-room table or a work bench.

2. 

   Measure the size of the mirror that you need to cut, using a tape measure. Mark the mirror with a dry-erase pen.

3. 

   Align the straight edge along the marks made by the dry-erase pen.

4. 

   Hold the straight edge firmly in place with one hand while holding the glass cutter in the other hand. Press the cutting wheel to the mirror and apply steady, even pressure as you cut along the marked line. This will create a small fracture in the mirror.

5. Hold the mirror over the edge of your flat surface and tap along the cut line with the blunt end of the glass cutter. This will separate the fracture and create two pieces.

6. To smooth the cut edges, gently run a piece of 220-grit sandpaper over each fractured edge. If you desire a frosted, rounded edge, take your mirror into a specialty glass and mirror store, where they can mechanically add that type of edge to your mirror.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear leather gloves when working with glass. The glass will be sharp and may cut you.