Taking siliconed mirrors off the wall?
4/28/17
We just hanged some mirrors on a wall in a bath. They are 52" wide and 45" high. They are in stile and rail type frames. The frame with is 3". Homeowner has decided she would like them lowered a bit. We put these up using silicone and a few 2" brads. How would one go about taking these mirrors down without breaking them? Thanks
4/28/17 #2: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Personally, I'd refuse the job. No clean way I know of.
4/29/17 #3: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
We have used a thin cable to cut the glue by "flossing" it back and forth in a similar situation. The brads will have to be pulled out first. The rougher the cable the better. I have heard people use guitar string to cut automotive trims off as well.
Be careful not to scratch the back of the mirror since it will ruin it.
4/29/17 #4: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Mike,
You might think about using z clips or something else to hang mirrors so you can move them easy and you won't have a nail in the front
4/29/17 #5: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Just explain how much it's going to cost to lower a tiny bit. They should change their minds. Cost = new mirror + new frame + material to cover surfaces below the mirror for when it breaks and falls + repair of the drywall from tearing + several hours labor charge cushion since it's going to take WAY LONGER than you think. You don't mention if you can get all around the mirror, or if you put the silicone on just the frame or mirror and frame, so I'm just guessing here.
4/29/17 #6: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Best advice I can give is call a good glass guy as they have tools for dealing with glass and removing it safely. I have seen some really nasty accidents with breaking glass.
4/29/17 #7: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
How you not scratch the back of the mirror?
4/29/17 #8: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Mike,
We can all imagine 3" wood frame 4' square mirror. Brads & silicone? How much and where.
When I deal with mirrors I design an easy installation/removal method. Typically captured and screwed to a wall or cabinet.
Mirrors are notorious for breaking eventually.
4/30/17 #9: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Mike,
Did you silicone the frame only or the mirror back and the frame?
When we do this we just do the frame. Then you can just pull it off. Start in one corner and pry a little at a time. It will pull the paper off the drywall so if you can sharpen a long putty knife and slide it under that would help.
Good luck.
5/3/17 #10: Taking siliconed mirrors off the wa ...
Thanks for all the responses. Dave, I used your wire cable idea and it worked great. Thanks
Jarvis, I think I'll try your z clip method and see how that works.