How to Remove a Wall Mounted Mirror

Wall mounted mirrors are often attached with adhesive, double stick foam tape, or special mirror brackets. Smaller mirrors are sometimes attached with double sticky-backed foam tape. Removing a mirror (especially a larger one) can be a bit intimidating. Know upfront that you probably will damage the mirror, or the wall (or both) when you remove the mirror. To start removing a mirror, take a moment to examine it.

Are there brackets holding the mirror to the wall? Is there a frame around the mirror that might be attached directly to the wall? Before you touch the mirror, first get some thick gloves, safety goggles, and tape (gaff or masking).

First place tape all along the mirror in a hash pattern similar to lattice. You want the tape to stop any broken pieces of the mirror from falling out. Also put down a drop cloth to catch any glass that may fall.

Next you want to remove any brackets holding the mirror. These usually can be removed with a screw driver. Remember that once you start removing the mirror, it can come loose at any moment.

Next take a putty knife and insert it all around the edge of the mirror. Try prying up gently to remove any adhesive along the boarder of the mirror. Sliding a puddy knife along the edge of the mirror will also help you identify if any screws or nails on any surrounding molding will need to be removed.

If the mirror is still attached to the wall, then take some piano wire or picture hanging wire and slide it behind the mirror. Use a back and forth motion to "saw" or cut through any adhesive or tape. Now normally with adhesive, the installer will space dollops about 1 to 1 ½ feet apart both horizontally and vertically. When the mirror is pressed to the wall, these spread out into 2 - 4 inch spots.

You can also try warming the mirror with a heat gun to soften any adhesive. Be careful as overheating one side of the mirror can cause a thermal shock that will crack the mirror.

If you are forced to use wire to saw through the adhesive, there's a good chance you will ruin the mirror. You will also damage the wall.

If you don't want the mirror, completely cover the mirror with tape and use a hamper to break the mirror up into small pieces. The tape will keep most of the glass from flying around but you still might have some small slivers to contend with. Be sure to take your time and carefully remove the broken pieces.