Broker mirrors are easy to break, but hard to replace.
If you’re like most people, your bathroom is probably one of the busiest rooms in your home. You use it every day and there’s always someone else using it too. It can be hard to keep everything looking clean and new when you have so many people touching things all the time. This means that even small issues with your mirror or sink start to become big problems very quickly.
We’ve written this blog post for everyone who has ever broken a broker mirror (or any other glass surface).
By following our tips on how to fix a broker mirror yourself, you’ll save money by not having to call in an expensive professional repairman.
Here are 7 basic steps to repairing a cracked mirror:
1) Clean the mirror thoroughly
2) Apply stabilizer film
3) Apply epoxy resin to cracks
4) Let the epoxy set
5) Peel the stabilizer film away
6) Remove any excess epoxy resin
7) Clean the mirror again
Step #1: Clean the mirror thoroughly
A broken mirror can be very unsightly. You want the surface of the mirror to be as clean as possible so that the repair epoxy does not stick to the dirt when it is applied.
The resin typically comes in a plastic syringe applicator. Carefully nudge the edge of the epoxy syringe beneath the film and press the back of the syringe to inject epoxy between the surface of the mirror and the stabilizer film. The epoxy will harden on top of the cracks, so it’s best to lay the mirror on a flat surface and not disturb it during this time. It’s best to hold the razor or utility knife at an angle to help get as close to the epoxy as possible.
Step #2: Apply stabilizer film
After the epoxy has been set, peel away the top layer of paper and then place a new piece of stabilizer film over the cracks making sure that all surfaces are covered. The stabilizing film will keep water from penetrating into the mirror. It also prevents the resin from moving on to other parts of your mirror. This means that t his step is very important. Some kits are used with an applicator squeegee for this process, but it’s usually easier to use your hands. You can even wear rubber gloves if you want to make sure your hands stay clean throughout the process.
Step #3: Apply epoxy resin to cracks
Once the stabilizer film has been applied, apply the resin over the cracks by pressing it into the grooves with your finger or the plastic applicator tip. The mirror will become cloudy as the fisheye effect builds within the surface of the mirror; this is normal. Don’t try to wipe away any excess, just let it dry and then cover any areas that feel rough after 15 minutes have passed. If you find that you have a rough spot on a previous application, use a razor blade or a utility knife to cut another piece of stabilizer film and lay it over the top of the first glue-down of resin before applying more. Let this layer dry for 15 minutes and use your finger or the squeegee to smooth it out.
Step #4: Let the epoxy set
The adhesive will become cloudy over time but keep its original shape. It’s best to let it sit overnight before you remove any excess resin that may have built upon the surface of the mirror. You can use a razor blade, needle nose pliers or just cut your fingernails to peel away this excess resin.
Step #5: Peel the stabilizer film away
You will notice that with some kits, it is difficult to stay within the crack. Don’t worry about this. There are 6-12 hours of exposure time for the epoxy resin after you apply it before it begins to fully harden. So once your mirror has set overnight, simply peel away all excess stabilizer film and clean up any rough patches on the surface of the mirror with sandpaper or a razor blade.
Step #6: Remove any excess epoxy resin
Use sandpaper to sand down rough surfaces so they are smooth again. Use more sandpaper if necessary until the surface is nice and even. You can also use gentle cleansers like Windex or alcohol wipes to clean the glass once more if desired.
Use a lubricant to wipe away any excess resin from the sides of the mirror. Make sure the mirror is clean and dry before doing so.
Step #7: Clean the mirror again
After you have removed all excess epoxy, use water (such as tap water) with a few drops of dish soap mixed in to gently wash the surface of the mirror once more. This should remove any remaining oils or fingerprints on the glass. Finally, rinse the mirror under cold water for 20 minutes to make sure no soap remains; otherwise, it will fog up your mirror (this also applies if you used Windex). You can let your newly repaired mirror sit overnight or for several hours if desired.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Cracked Mirror?
The cost to repair a broken mirror will depend on multiple factors, including the size of your mirror and how difficult the process will be. It is important to remember that if you do not feel comfortable repairing a broken frameless bathroom mirror by yourself, it is best to hire a professional. These mirrors can cost anywhere from $75 – $200 per hour for someone who knows what they are doing (if not more). If you make an error and crack your antique mirror, expect the price to go up exponentially because these types of mirrors require special care and unique skillsets in order to repair them properly.
Can You Use A Mirror Repair Kit For Large Mirrors?
Yes, mirror repair kits can be used for large frameless mirrors. If you would like to repair a larger mirror and it is too heavy to remove by yourself, we recommend hiring a professional mirror repairman (usually $75 – $200 per hour). However, if the job seems simple enough and you feel confident in repairing your own mirror, pick up some epoxy resin and follow our steps above.
Can You Repair Mirror Silvering?
Mirror silvering is a term used to describe a hazy or foggy reflection in a mirror, which can be caused by poor-quality glass or oxidation of the silvering layer. Mirror silvering occurs when there are impurities found in the glass surface and they scatter light as it reflects back from your face.
Fixing mirror silvering can be done fairly easily with some effort, patience, and epoxy resin. Sand down any rough patches on the surface of your mirror and clean it with water and dish soap (or Windex). Let the mirror dry for 20 minutes before doing anything else. Next, you will apply two layers of epoxy resin using our instructions above. The first layer is applied over your entire surface, and the second layer should be applied over any rough patches that you sanded down, as these are where silvering is most likely going to appear. Allow the first epoxy layer to dry for a few hours before applying a second coat.
Is A Broken Mirror Bad Luck?
There is no scientific evidence that breaking a mirror will lead you to seven years of bad luck. However, if the person who broke the mirror was unaware that it would cause them seven years of bad luck and did so on purpose, they would most likely experience negative effects in their life.
The most common interpretation behind this superstition is that whenever we see our reflection in a mirror, we are looking at what others see when they look at us. Therefore, if we break a mirror by accident or on purpose, it symbolizes that our image has been shattered and people will not be able to get a good read on who we truly are as an individual. This can then result in dishonesty, betrayal, or even miscalculations that lead to misfortunes.
Can You Throw Away A Broken Mirror?
If you break a mirror by accident, it is best to avoid throwing the broken pieces into the trash. Cover the pile of broken glass with a heavy towel and place it in a plastic bag. You will then want to tape this plastic bag shut and put it out for garbage collection (or drop it off at an appropriate recycling facility if your city offers one).
Do not attempt to throw away large mirrors on your own as they can be very dangerous if dropped or mishandled. We recommend hiring professional movers if necessary. Otherwise, ask friends or family members for help before attempting to move any broken mirror on your own – no matter how big or small.
What To Do With A Broken Mirror?
If the mirror was broken by accident, cover the pile of broken glass with a heavy towel and place it in a plastic bag. You will then want to tape this plastic bag shut and put it out for garbage collection (or drop it off at an appropriate recycling facility if your city offers one).
