Can Bathroom Mirrors Be Cut? Things You Need To Know About!

Can bathroom mirrors be cut?

Whether you’re renovating your home or just looking for a quick DIY project, you may be wondering if it’s possible to cut bathroom mirrors yourself to save money.

The answer is yes, bathroom mirrors can be cut, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting your projects, such as the type of mirror you are working with and the tools you will need.

In this blog post, I’ll share what factors you need to consider before cutting your mirror and provide tips on how to do it safely and effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Bathroom mirrors are made with various types of glass, so it is essential to know what type of glass your mirror is made with before attempting to cut it.
  • There are pros and cons to cutting a bathroom mirror yourself.
  • You can always opt to have a professional cut your bathroom mirror.

The Different Types of Glass Used in Bathroom Mirrors

Two types of glass are typically used in bathroom mirrors: float glass and plate glass.

1. Float Glass

Float glass is created by pouring molten glass onto a pool of molten metal. The result is a sheet of glass with a smooth, consistent surface. [1]

float glass for bathroom mirror but can bathroom mirrors be cut

Float glass is also the most COMMON type of glass used in bathroom mirrors. It is used in various applications, including windows, mirrors, and shower doors.

2. Plate Glass

Plate glass is a type of glass used to construct bathroom mirrors. Plate glass is a thicker and heavier type of glass usually used in LARGER mirrors. It’s made by pouring molten glass onto a flat surface and polishing it. [2]

plate glass for bathroom mirror but can bathroom mirrors be cut

It is characterized by its smooth, flat surface and its ability to withstand considerable force. While both types of glass can be cut, plate glass is more DIFFICULT to work with and is more likely to crack if it’s not cut correctly.

CHECK: Can Bathroom Mirrors Be Repaired?

Can You Cut Bathroom Mirrors Yourself?

If you’re planning on cutting your mirror, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you need to make sure you have the right TOOLS. You’ll need a scoring tool and a glass cutter for float glass. For plate glass, you’ll need a wet saw.

Second, it’s important to measure twice and cut once. Make sure you know the EXACT dimensions of where you want to cut the mirror before you start cutting.

Third, when cutting, use a SLOW and steady motion to ensure you have a straight edge. If you go too fast, you’re more likely to crack the mirror.

READ MORE: Can I Take My Bathroom Mirror When I Move?

What Tools You’ll Need to Cut a Bathroom Mirror

When it comes to cutting bathroom mirrors, you have a few different options. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional.

If you’re going to do it yourself, there are a few tools you’ll need:

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Protective gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Scoring tools
  • Glass cutter
  • Glass cleaner

Aside from that, the type of tools you’ll need will depend on the glass you’re working with. Check out what you’ll need for each type of glass below:

1. Float Glass

You’ll need a scoring tool and a glass cutter for float glass.

The scoring tool is used to make a shallow groove on the surface of the glass. This will help the glass cutter to make a CLEAN cut (straight edge).

The glass cutter is used to make the actual CUT in the mirror. It’s essential to use a good quality glass cutter so that the blade is sharp and can make a clean cutting process.

2. Plate Glass

For plate glass, you’ll need a wet saw. A wet saw is a power saw that uses WATER to cool the blade and prevent it from overheating.

It’s the best tool for cutting plate glass because it produces a clean, smooth cut.

Pro Tip: Be sure to clean the mirror with glass cleaner before you start cutting. This will help prevent the formation of streaks or cloudy spots on the mirror’s surface.

The Risks of Cutting Your Bathroom Mirror

For most of us, the bathroom mirror is one of the first things we see in the morning. As a result, it’s essential to have a bathroom mirror that is clean, clear, and free of any potential hazards.

However, many people choose to cut their best backlit bathroom mirrors, which can be RISKY.

1. Can Be Dangerous

One of the most significant risks of cutting your bathroom mirror is that it can be dangerous. If you don’t have the right tools or are not careful, you could seriously INJURE yourself.

2. Can Damage the Mirror

Another risk is that you could DAMAGE the mirror. If you crack or chip the mirror, it will no longer be safe to use. Not only that, but it will also be unsightly. A clean break is rare. There is usually some chipping that occurs.

3. It Can Be Difficult

Cutting your bathroom mirror can be difficult. You could end up with UNEVEN or jagged sharp edges if you’re not careful.

It may be worth heading to the glass shop for custom mirror cutting. A custom cut will ensure a perfect, clean break.

4. Different Types of Glasses

If you’re not experienced in cutting glass, you may not realize that different types of glass are best for other PURPOSES.

Cutting your bathroom mirror with the wrong type of glass could result in a lower-quality mirror that is more likely to break in the future.

The Advantages of Cutting Mirrors Yourself

However, there are some advantages to cutting your mirror. The most significant advantage is that it’s usually CHEAPER than hiring a professional. Another advantage is that you can CUSTOMIZE the size and shape of your mirror to fit your space.

men trying to cut mirror but can bathroom mirrors be cut

Cutting your mirror can be a great option if you’re experienced in working with glass and have the proper tools.

How to Cut Plate Glass Safely?

Cutting plate glass is relatively simple if you’re experienced with glass and have the proper tools.

First, measure the area where you want to cut the mirror and mark it with a pencil. Next, set up your wet saw according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to use the proper blade for cutting glass.

Once the saw is set up, slowly guide it along the pencil line to cut. Be careful not to go too fast or crack the mirror. After the mirror is cut, use a wet rag to smooth the rough edges.

Multiple scores may be necessary to get a clean cut on thicker plate glass.

How To Cut Float Glass?

Cutting float glass is a little different than cutting plate glass. The main difference is that you’ll use a scoring tool and a glass cutter instead of a wet saw.

To start, measure the area where you want to cut the mirror and mark it with a pencil (use a framing square for exact measurements). Next, use the glass cutter to create a scored line on the mirror’s surface. Apply firm pressure and make sure to only scoreline the surface – you don’t want to cut all the way through the mirror.

After you’ve scored the surface, use the scoring tool to make a shallow groove. This will help the glass cutter to make a clean cut.

Once you’ve made the groove, use the glass cutter to make the actual cut. Apply firm pressure and move the cutter in a steady motion. Try not to go too fast, or you could crack the mirror.

After the mirror is cut, use a wet rag to smooth the rough edges.

Pro Tip: Avoid cutting through the entire glass thickness to avoid making the mirror more fragile and susceptible to breaking.

Hiring a Professional to Cut Your Mirror

If you’re not experienced in cutting glass or don’t have the proper tools, it’s best to hire a professional. A professional will have the experience and tools necessary to cut your mirror quickly and safely.

men trying to cut mirror but can bathroom mirrors be cut

Hiring a professional is also a good idea if you need an irregularly shaped mirror or want a custom design. When looking for a professional to cut your mirror, make sure to check reviews and ask for referrals. You should also get a few estimates before deciding on a company.

Pro Tip: Thin mirrors are more delicate and can be difficult to cut without breaking. If you have a thin mirror, hiring a professional is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Cut A Mirror?

Generally, hiring a professional to cut your mirror will cost between $50 and $100. Doing it yourself will usually cost less than $50.

Can You Cut A Mirror With A Tile Saw?

Yes, you can cut a mirror with a tile saw. However, using a blade specifically designed for cutting glass is essential.

Can You Cut A Mirror With A Circular Saw?

No, it would be best if you did not use a circular saw to cut a mirror. Circular saws are not designed for cutting glass and will likely crack the mirror.

How Do I Keep The Glass From Chipping When I Cut It?

When cutting glass, it’s essential to use a sharp blade and go slowly. It’s also helpful to score the mirror’s surface before cutting.

Conclusion

So, can bathroom mirrors be cut without ruining them? The answer is yes – but only if you know what you’re doing.

If you’re unsure how to cut plate glass properly, ask a professional for help or buy a pre-cut mirror.

That way, you can avoid accidents and ensure that your new bathroom mirror is perfect.

men trying to cut mirror but can bathroom mirrors be cut

So, are you going to cut your bathroom mirrors? Don’t forget to share how it goes!

Resources

  • 1. Levy D. What Is The Float Glass Process? Glass.com. Published July 2016. Accessed November 15, 2022. https://info.glass.com/what-is-the-float-glass-process/
  • 2. What is Plate Glass? About Mechanics. Published November 5, 2022. Accessed November 15, 2022. https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-plate-glass.htm