How to Remove a Large Mirror on the Wall

Large mirror over sink

Large wall mirrors are often used to expand visual space in a house. Often, this effect is part of a design trend, and after a few years the homeowner may want to remove the mirrors for a more updated look. Large mirrors can be dangerous to handle, and you will be putting the glass under tension with a heightened risk of breaking the glass suddenly. With a little preparation, you should be able to remove the mirror safely, even if it breaks.

Things You'll Need

• Clear shelf liner
• Laminate sheeting (optional)
• Painter's cloth
• Safety glasses, gloves
• Power screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Mallet
• Piano wire

Instructions

1. Tape off your mirror using large sheets of sticky-back shelf liner or laminate paper. Criss-cross the mirror from corner to corner first, and then from top center down and across the middle. Cover the remaining mirror completely. This will prevent flying shards of glass if the mirror breaks suddenly.

2. Cover the area around and under the mirror with a thick painter's cloth. This will capture any broken glass and protect other surfaces from damage.

3. Remove any brackets that may be holding the mirror to the wall. These are often little L-shaped brackets that can be removed with a power screwdriver. Wear safety glasses, gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, jeans and boots for additional protection.

4. Pry the mirror starting at the top or top side. Many mirrors are stuck to the wall with small globs of mastic. The mastic will separate under steady pressure if you give it a little time. If the weakest point is between the mastic and the paper coating the drywall, then the paper may tear. Often a large mirror can be pried off the wall whole using steady pressure and time. If your mirror won't come unstuck, you will need to break it.

5. Tap on the plastic-covered mirror with a mallet until a crack forms. Try to remove or peel the mirror from the wall so that you control the glass. Fold the removed sections toward the painter's cloth. Use piano wire to cut the mastic by slipping the wire between the back of the mirror and the wall and using it like a saw.

Tips & Warnings

• Most home stores now sell large suction devices designed for moving large sections of mirror and glass. These can also be helpful when prying the glass from the wall.

• Prevent children and animals from being near the mirror when it is being removed. Wear good protection in case the glass breaks suddenly and have a suitable trash can ready to immediately place the broken glass into. Clean up the area immediately to prevent injury.

References

• This Old House: Mirror, Mirror Off The Wall