Mirrors are often used in homes for their aesthetic value as well as their ability to create the illusion of more space. However, when a mirror is cracked, it can ruin the look of a room and make it feel smaller.
According to the report of the National Glass Association, the average person spends about 8 hours every month looking in the mirror. So, it becomes a significant part of our daily routine.
Also, this is very difficult to avoid when you have a cracked mirror in your house. However, mirrors can crack easily, whether it is due to age or an accidental drop. But how you can fix a cracked mirror?
This problem can be tricky to solve if you don’t want to replace the entire mirror. That’s why you need to read this complete article. Because in this article I have shared a step-by-step process of how to fix a cracked mirror.
Also, I have coved some tips and instructions that you should follow before and after fixing the issue.
So Let’s Get Started!
Table of Contents
Instruction Before Fixing A Cracked Mirror
Cracked mirrors are often considered to be bad luck, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with a cracked mirror.
You can fix a cracked mirror yourself with a little bit of time and effort. Because mirrors are usually made of glass, they can be difficult to fix.
However, with the right tools and techniques, you can fix a cracked mirror and have it looking good as new. Here are some instructions before fixing a cracked mirror:
- Safety: First and foremost, it’s important to be safe when working with glass. Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid cuts and scratches. But before you even start working on the mirror, make sure that the surface is clean and free of debris.
- Workplace: Choose a well-lit and ventilated area to work in. You don’t want any dust or dirt particles to get trapped in the cracks of the mirror. Because you’ll be working with chemicals, it’s also important to have plenty of ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Tools: You’ll need a few tools to fix a cracked mirror, including a glass cutter, a utility knife, super glue, and clear nail polish. But before you start, test the super glue and nail polish on a piece of scrap glass to make sure they’ll work with the type of mirror you have.
How To Fix A Cracked Mirror: Step By Step Process
If you have a cracked mirror, there are a few things you can do to fix it. Because mirrors are delicate, you’ll need to take extra care when handling and repairing them. Here is a step-by-step process on how to fix a cracked mirror.
1. Gather The Necessary Supplies
The first step in fixing a broken mirror is to first supply the materials you need. Here below is a list of some of the materials you will need to repair a broken mirror.
Because the size of the cracks will vary, it is best to be prepared with a few different-sized pieces of mirror. But, in general, you will need:
- Glass Cutter
- Mirror Adhesive
- Putty Knife
- Duct Tape
- A few different sizes of real glass mirror
- Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Hairdryer
- Epoxy Resin
- Tape measure
If you have all these materials, the next step is to begin repairing your broken mirror. However, if you do not have all these materials, it is best to purchase them from a local hardware store.
2. Remove The Mirror Glass From Its Frame
Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the mirror glass from its frame. If the glass is glued in place, you may need to use a putty knife to pry it loose. Be careful not to break the glass as you remove it.
Because the glass is fragile, it’s best to work on a soft surface, like a towel or a bed, and to wear gloves.
But before you remove the glass, make sure to put something under it to catch it when it falls. It is also helpful to have a friend assist you with this step.
3. Get A Piece Of Duct Tape & Place It Over The Crack.
Duct tape is a type of adhesive tape that is often used in construction and repairs. It is made of heavy-duty cloth and is sticky on both sides. If the crack is small, you can try to fix it with duct tape.
Simply place a piece of duct tape over the crack and press it down firmly. The duct tape will act as a temporary fix and hold the mirror together until you can get it replaced. Because duct tape is not clear, it will be visible in the mirror.
But, it’s a quick and easy fix that can save you from having to replace the mirror entirely.
4. Use A Hairdryer To Heat Up The Glue On The Duct Tape
If the duct tape is not holding the mirror together, you can use a hairdryer to heat up the glue.
This will make the glue more adhesive and will help to hold the mirror together. Because the hair dryer will make the glue hot, be careful not to touch it with your bare hands.
It’s also a good idea to have a towel or cloth nearby in case the hairdryer overheats the glue and it starts to drip.
But if the glue is old and not very sticky, this probably won’t work. That’s why it’s always good to use new duct tape.
5. Clean The Mirror & Remove Any Debris
Once the mirror is repaired, you’ll need to clean it. Use a soft cloth and some warm water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
Because the mirror is cracked, you’ll need to be careful not to press too hard on the surface. You don’t want to make the crack worse.
If there are any areas that are difficult to reach, you can use a cotton swab or Q-tip. But be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause the mirror to crack further. However, if the crack is small, you probably won’t need to worry about this.
6. Apply A Layer Of Adhesive To The Crack
Now it’s time to apply a layer of adhesive to the crack. You can use super glue, epoxy, or another type of adhesive.
Just make sure it’s made for glass. If the crack is large, you may need to apply more than one layer of adhesive.
But if the crack is small, one layer should be sufficient. Because mirrors are delicate, you’ll need to be careful not to apply too much pressure. Just let the adhesive dry and then proceed to the next step.
7. Place The Mirror Onto The Adhesive
Once the adhesive is dry, you can place the mirror onto the adhesive. Make sure that the cracked side is facing down.
Because mirrors are delicate, you’ll need to be careful not to apply too much pressure. It’s also important to make sure that the mirror is level.
You can use clamps to hold the mirror in place while it dries. Just make sure that the clamps aren’t too tight, as this could cause the mirror to crack further.
But if the mirror isn’t level, it could create an optical illusion. However, this is usually only a problem with larger mirrors.
8. Wait for the Epoxy Resin To Dry Completely
After you’ve placed the mirror onto the adhesive, you’ll need to wait for the adhesive to dry completely. This usually takes 24 hours.
Because the adhesive needs time to cure, it’s important to not use the mirror during this time.
It’s also important to avoid touching the adhesive, as this could cause it to become less effective.
But once the adhesive has dried, the mirror will be firmly in place. That’s why it’s important to make sure the adhesive is dry before you move on to the next step.
9. Apply A Second Layer Of Adhesive, If Needed
If the crack is still visible after the first layer of adhesive has dried, you can apply a second layer.
It’s important to make sure that the first layer is completely dry before you apply the second layer. Otherwise, the second layer won’t be as effective.
Because the second layer will take longer to dry, you’ll need to wait an additional 24 hours before using the mirror.
However, if the second layer doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the mirror.
Is It Possible To Prevent A Mirror From Cracking?
A mirror is a very delicate object and it is possible for it to crack if it is not handled properly. There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your mirror from cracking.
One thing that you can do is to make sure that you handle the mirror carefully. If you are going to be moving the mirror, make sure that you pick it up gently and do not drop it.
Another thing that you can do is to keep the mirror away from heat sources. If the mirror gets too hot, it could crack.
If you notice that the mirror is starting to crack, you should stop using it and get a new one. Using a cracked mirror can cause accidents.
Overall, it is possible to prevent a mirror from cracking if you take some precautions. Be careful when handling the mirror and keep it away from heat sources. If you notice the mirror is starting to crack, do not use it.
If You Have A Large Crack In Your Mirror, Is It Worth Trying To Fix It?
Most homeowners have had the frustrating experience of finding a crack in a mirror. While a cracked mirror may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be quite dangerous.
Large cracks can cause the mirror to shatter, which can lead to serious injuries. Even small cracks can cause problems, as they can create distortion that makes it difficult to see your reflection clearly.
In some cases, you may be able to fix a cracked mirror yourself by filling the crack with a clear epoxy resin. The resin will not completely eliminate the damage, but it will hold the mirror together and prevent the crack from spreading.
However, if the crack is large or too close to the edge of the mirror, it is best to leave it alone and buy a new one.
Wrap Up On How To Fix A Cracked Mirror
Now that you know how to fix a cracked mirror, you can be confident that you can repair any damage that might occur. This simple process is easy to follow and only requires a few supplies.
Be sure to keep these instructions handy in case you ever need them – it’s always better to repair something than to replace it!
With a little care and effort, your mirror will be looking good as new in no time. However, if the damage is too severe, it might be time to invest in a new one.
But when it comes to the mirror in your home, don’t take any chances – fix it as soon as possible so that you can enjoy its reflection for years to come!
Thank you for reading!
FAQ: 9 Easy Steps To Fix Cracked Mirror
Fixing the cracked mirror can be a little bit difficult. That’s why many people just like you have lots of questions. That can be solved easily. That’s why I have added some of them in this article to provide appropriate answers.
Q1. What should you do if your mirror cracks but the glass is still in one piece?
Ans: Sometimes, the glass can break but stay in one piece. In this case, you will need to use a clear adhesive or epoxy. Then apply it to the back of the mirror. After that, you need to put something heavy on top of it and wait for it to dry completely.
Q2. How much cost does it take to fix a cracked mirror?
Ans: It usually depends on the severity of the damage. If it’s just a small crack, then you can do it by yourself. However, if the crack is big, you might need to replace the entire mirror. The cost can be around $100 to $200.
Q3. Can I use toothpaste to fix a cracked mirror?
Ans: Yes, you can. Toothpaste can be used as a temporary fix for a cracked mirror. First, you need to clean the area around the crack. Then apply a layer of toothpaste over the crack. After that, you need to wipe it off with a clean cloth.
