Hi, Can you please advise easiest method to remove a bathroom mirror affixed with glue to the bathroom tiles. Can a solvent be sprayed behind the mirror to help dissolve the glue then use a serrated fishing line to pry off wall?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AustinStreet. It's wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for your question on removing a mirror.
Unfortunately, there's no reliable solvent I'd recommend for this job. Because we don't know whether the mirror has been fixed with mirror adhesive, construction adhesive, silicone or a combination of products, it's very difficult to know if a solvent would have any effect. In many cases, these adhesives aren't softened by readily available solvents once they've cured.
If the mirror has only been fixed with a few dabs of silicone or adhesive, it is sometimes possible to work a length of strong fishing line or piano wire behind the mirror and carefully "saw" through the adhesive. This usually requires access behind the edge of the mirror and two people to make it easier. You'll also want to have someone supporting the mirror as the last adhesive patches are cut.
However, if the mirror has been fully bonded to the wall with mirror adhesive, it's often not possible to remove it intact. In these situations, the mirror may need to be carefully broken and removed in sections.
Whichever method you choose, please take plenty of precautions. Mirrors can shatter unexpectedly, so I'd recommend wearing safety glasses or, ideally, a full face shield, cut-resistant gloves, long sleeves and long pants, and enclosed footwear.
It's also a good idea to tape the face of the mirror with painter's tape or duct tape in a criss-cross pattern before attempting removal. This can help contain the glass if it does break.
If you're at all unsure, I'd recommend engaging a professional glazier. They'll have the right tools and experience to remove it as safely as possible while minimising the risk of injury or damage to the surrounding tiles.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Thanks for your comprehensive reply Mitchell, appreciate your advice.
