Glass and Mirrors - Cutting Mirrors

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epascoe
01-26-03, 09:53 AM
I have an oversize vanity mirror in the bathroom and want to shorten it about 10". I have a glass cutter and have cut glass before, is there a difference when you cut a mirror, i.e. cut from the front or back. Any tips would be appreciated.

twelvepole
01-26-03, 12:31 PM
Dip the scoring tool edge in oil to reduce friction, then cut the mirror on the front side with a straight-edge ruler and the scoring tool.
epascoe
01-26-03, 04:06 PM
Sounds easy enough, but do I have to have the edge sanded so it won't cut or is there some way I can do that myself? By the way, thanks very much.:confused:

twelvepole
01-26-03, 04:28 PM
Installing wood frame around mirror will eliminate need for grinding and concerns about getting cut. If in doubt, you can have your mirror cut and edges ground at a local mirror and glass shop. Quality bathroom mirrors are coated with a waterproof coating and sealed along the edges to prevent moisture and humidity penetration that causes deterioration of the silver backing.
Donna Pallas
01-27-03, 10:13 AM
A quick way to edge is to take the cut off mirror and at an angle, (approx 45 degrees), pull the cut off mirror over the good piece.
Just do this to the top, if you do it on the back it will chip off the silver.
I hope you can undersand this description.
I work in a glass shop and I do this all the time.
Try it on two pieces of scrap to see the result.