REMOVING A BUILDER GRADE MIRROR

Definitely a job that is easier with an extra set of hands! Let me say that I watched quite a few YouTube videos to assure that I had the correct tools and most importantly, was following the safest instructions. I made sure to wear gloves and protective eye glasses, in case the mirror broke or shattered.

Here is a photo to catch you up from the last week of this bathroom renovation. I removed the wall decals and art work. Now, nothing is wrong with the mirror, but I definitely want this space to feel more custom versus builder grade.

Prepping the area + tools needed

I started by taping the mirror so that if it were to break or shatter, the mirror particles would be contained. I suggest using any masking tape that you have on hand. I also placed a trash bag inside the sink, to make sure that no glass would go down the drain. Something I did not do--and thankfully didn't need--but would suggest, is placing a drape on your floor in case the mirror breaks.

Very minimal tools are needed. Aside from PPE, all you need are some shims, a rubber mallet, and a painters tool---oh, and an extra set of hands would be helpful!

Getting started

You'll want to start by placing some shims throughout the back of the mirror and tapping the shims with a rubber mallet. As the shims dig deeper into the back of the mirror, you will hear the glue from the back of the mirror start to tear off from the wall. Once you have enough space between the mirror and the wall, you should be able to pry it off by using just a bit of force. It should feel easy, if it feels too difficult, you may need to utilize more shims to pull the mirror away from the wall.

Here you see that I utilized a large painters stick to help pry the mirror off. Also, I am shown here wearing my work boots and my husband is barefoot. I do NOT condone these actions, haha. Now, I was not totally prepared for the damage left behind from removing this mirror. Why would they use glue?! However, I had to remind myself to not be afraid of the damage because with DIY's, it gets worse before it gets better.

The aftermath

“Don't be afraid of the damage, it gets worse before it gets better.”

My husband was just a tad bit concerned with this, and at first I was too. But, it is just a wall and walls can be repaired. I am sure most people would probably leave this as is and just slap the new mirror on top and hide this mess, which is totally fine! One is free to do whatever they want in their home. But, I for one wanted to patch this up and make it look as good as possible before placing the new mirror.

Dad to the rescue

After spending some time YouTubing some solutions, I remembered that my dad this this type of work in his younger years, so I called him! He came over with some tools and joint compound. Below is a photo of what it currently looks like. Now, the texture is a lot more raised but I still have yet to sand and paint the area. So, this is where I am at, at this point in the project! I have 23 days left for this #OneRoomChallenge and now that the hardest part is over, I should be able to breeze through the rest!