Mirrors in homes and businesses can be prone to wear and tear. The extent of the mirror damage determines whether you can fix them yourself or need professional glass and mirror services. Here is what to know about repairing damaged mirrors:
Understanding Mirror Damage
Mirror damage can result from different factors. As the backing wears off, you may notice scratches, dark spots, and black edges on your old mirrors. Your wall mirrors may have cracks following the impact of a hard object. Bathroom mirrors may start de-silvering or have cloudiness that stops you from enjoying your reflection due to constant exposure to water. Find professional glass and mirror services near you to understand the extent of damage and the best solution for the problem.
Fixing Mirror Damage
Damaged mirrors can be unsightly and difficult to use. You can fix or disguise some of these damages at home with simple steps. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Remove scratches with a soft cloth
- Use vinegar or alcohol solutions to clear up cloudiness
- Purchase kits for at-home re-silvering
- Use epoxy or mirror glue on mild cracks and antique or precious pieces that you must preserve
- Cover up cracks or chips along the lower half of the mirror with a floral arrangement or vase to decorate your space while hiding the problem
Hiring Professional Services for Mirror Damage
Although you may want to try DIY mirror repair, you may save time and effort by hiring a professional mirror expert. Find an expert to assess the damage and find the best possible solution. Your glass and mirror services expert may advise the following:
Re-silvering
Experts may recommend re-silvering for streaky old mirrors with black patches in various places. The process gives a dark and damaged mirror a fresh restoration while preserving the mirror’s authenticity. Here are the steps for mirror re-silvering:
- Cleaning and preparing the glass
- Removing contaminants
- Hand-pouring silver
- Applying a protective backing coating
To properly re-silver a mirror, the contractor must remove the original backing and add a new silver chemical coating. Limit the quantity of moisture exposure to avoid de-silvering in the future. Your glass contractor can advise you on ways to keep your mirrors dry and clean them without sacrificing their shine.
Replacing Mirrors
Replacing a broken mirror in your home or business may be the easiest and safest option in some situations. Broken mirrors could pose a danger to you and your family. Glass specialists often suggest mirror replacement if it has visible cracks or if your reflection on the mirror is distorted. It is also a good idea to replace your mirror with a more modern alternative if it is outdated.
Handling Damaged Mirrors
Be cautious when handling broken mirrors during repair, replacement, or disposal. Wear protective eyewear and thick gloves. Prepare all the tools you need to pack and clean up any shards of shattered mirror glass that may fall off. Cover the glass surface with masking or duct tape to prevent further damage.
When disposing of a full mirror, cover it in bubble wrap or old blankets to protect and preserve it. Wrap the broken mirror with newspaper and place it in a box for extra protection. Label the package to alert handlers of the broken glass. If your city offers a recycling program to collect broken glass or mirrors, follow the guidelines for correctly disposing of broken mirrors.
Find Professional Glass and Mirror Services
Find reputable mirror repair and replacement services near you to restore your damaged mirrors. Glass and mirror contractors are well-equipped to handle damages quickly and effectively. They can help you with any mirror issue, from smaller bathroom mirrors to full-size wall mirrors. Contact a reputable mirror expert today to learn more.
