Mirrors are an essential element of a house, whether you are using them for functionality or as a decorative element, A mirror always plays a vital role in a house. In many cultures, it is believed that a cracked or broken mirror brings bad luck in your life.
But the question is how can you reverse your unluckiness, If you believe in these things you also may know its solution, According to these cultures you can reverse your unluckiness by repairing the mirrors that are broken or cracked.
Repairing a cracked mirror is not rocket science, you just need to read this article carefully and implement the instructions, because in this article, I am gonna tell you about how to fix a cracked mirror.
How to Fix a Crack In a Mirror?
There are several ways of fixing a cracked mirror, it depends on how hard the mirror is damaged, for small cracks you can use mirror repair resin, which fills and seals the crack, and for more significant cracks, apply a specialized adhesive or use a mirror repair kit may work in a better way. You also have many different methods to repair it which I have explained in detail in this article.
A mirror can have many types of cracks and different types of cracks require different solutions. Before I tell you the step-by-step guide to fixing a cracked mirror, you must know which type of crack you are going to fix.
Types of Mirror Cracks And How to Fix Them
1. Surface or Small crack
Surface crack mirrors are small, shallow cracks that only affect the mirror’s top layer. These cracks are not very deep also they don’t affect how the mirror works. You can usually fix surface cracks by yourself with any of the following methods.
Method 1: Fix a cracked mirror – Clear Adhesive or Epoxy method
This method is widely used to repair both surface-cracked and deep-cracked mirrors.
To repair a cracked mirror using clear adhesive or epoxy method, you need the following materials.
- Clear epoxy or adhesive (specifically designed for glass/mirrors)
- Razor blade or utility
- knifeIsopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner
- Soft cloth or paper towel
- Mixing tray and stir stick (if using epoxy)
- Toothpick or small applicator tool
- Tape (optional)
Step by Step guide
Step 1: Clean the mirror properly
First of all, use the knifeIsopropyl alcohol, or glass cleaner to clean your cracked mirror then take a soft cloth or stir stick and clean the glass/mirror properly. This will you to ensure that the adhesive bonds properly.
Step 2: Choose the Right Adhesive
Choose a clear adhesive that should be specifically designed for mirrors or glass. Epoxy generally comes in two parts in the market that need to be mixed together, while adhesives come ready to use also.
Step 3: Mix the Epoxy
if the adhesive you bought from the market is not ready to use already I mean the epoxy that you have is a two-part epoxy, mix it properly using the mixing tray and stir stick. You can follow the instructions that manufacturers gave with the epoxy.
Step 4: Apply the Adhesive or Epoxy
Once you mix the epoxy properly, apply the adhesive or epoxy using a toothpick or small applicator tool. Firstly start at one end of the crack and do your way to the other, while doing this job make sure that the adhesive fills the crack completely. Use the same method if you are using any adhesive material.
Step 5: Smooth the Surface
Once you apply the epoxy or adhesive, clean the excess material from the mirror and make the mirror smooth by using a razor blade or utility knife. By doing this you can maintain a smooth surface easily.
Step 6: let the mirror dry
After applying all the steps to your mirror, let it dry for some hours. while letting the mirror dry make sure that the mirror is undisturbed during this time.
Method 2: Repair a cracked mirror – using nail polish
If your mirror has just a small crack, you can simply use nail polish to fix the crack of your mirror. The steps of using the nail polish are as same as the steps of using epoxy or adhesive method.
Follow step 1, step 2, and 3 as it is after that, apply the nail polish on the crack and let the mirror dry.
Method 3: Fixing cracks in a mirror using toothpaste
This is also one of the easiest and most effective ways to fix a cracked mirror. In this method, you don’t need to do anything different from the upper two methods, read method 2 properly and follow all the steps of method two as it is but replace the material nail polish from toothpaste.
Method 4: Glass glue method
This is the most common method to fix cracked mirror. In this method, again you need to follow the first three steps of method 1 then apply the glass glue carefully, and after that leave the mirror to dry.
Now you might have a question in your mind, all the upper four methods are to fix surface cracks or small cracks but which of these methods are the most effective?
Well, from the upper methods, Repairing a cracked mirror using nail polish (method 2) and Fixing cracks in a mirror using toothpaste (method 3) are more of temporary fixes or cosmetic solutions. They can fill in the cracks and make them less visible but do not offer the same durability or strength as adhesive or epoxy can.
However, clear adhesive, epoxy, and glass glue are the most effective methods to fix small and surface cracks because they fill and seal the crack permanently.
2. Deep Cracked mirrors
Deep cracks are different from small or surface cracks. Unlike small surface cracks, deep cracks can weaken the entire mirror and make it more prone to shattering. To fix deeply cracked mirrors properly, you can’t apply nail polish or toothpaste methods. Because these are the temporary methods to fix it.
Although we can repair the deeply cracked mirrors, we can’t hide the visibility of its repair. After repairing it leaves a noticeable residue or uneven surface,
Repairing deep cracks typically requires more than just cosmetic fixes; professional intervention or replacing the mirror may be necessary. But here are some other ways you can try to fix your cracked mirror.
Method 1: Use a super glue to fix cracked mirrors
A super glue is a fast-acting, strong adhesive that bonds quickly to a wide variety of materials, including glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, and more. It is mainly used to attach plastic and ceramic, but it also works very well on glass or mirrors.
Here is the list of materials needed:
- Isopropyl Alcohol or Glass Cleaner
- Microfiber Cloth or Lint-Free Cloth
- Painter’s Tape or Masking Tape
- Disposable Gloves
- Super Glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive)
- Toothpicks or Small Applicator Brush
- Paper Towels or Rags
- Clamps or Weights (Optional)
- Clear Nail Polish (Optional)
Step by step guide
Step 1: clean the surface of the mirror properly
This is the most important step that you should not skip, clean your mirror properly using isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner, and then wipe it using a microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth.
Step 2: Prepare the Mirror
Apply painter’s tape or masking tape around the crack to protect the surrounding areas of the mirror.
Step 3: Apply super glue
After tapping the mirror correctly, apply the superglue carefully. Before using the glue, Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from it.
While applying the glue both mirror parts should be attached properly, make sure the mirrors are attached accurately.
Step 4: Remove Excess Glue
Remove the access glue immediately using a paper towel or rag before it dries. Make sure that the glue remains within the crack and does not spread beyond it.
Step 5: Let the Glue Dry
After the removal of excess glue from the mirror, let it dry. remember while allowing the mirror to dry, the crack should be attached, they should not move from their place.
Method 2: Call a professional
If the mirror that is cracked is expensive, antique, or holds significant value to your life, call a professional. Professionals are also needed if the mirror is large, heavy, or difficult to handle safely.
Although hiring a professional can be expensive, especially for large or custom mirrors, they complete the job quickly and efficiently, and they also save your time and effort. Many professionals offer warranties on their work, so ask them about that before hiring.
When to replace the mirror?
If you think, you can’t fix the cracked mirror by yourself. You might be confused about whether should you hire a professional to fix it or replace the mirror. Making the right decision may be complicated for you.
Well, here are some suggestions that may help you to make the right decision.
If the mirror is very expensive, antique, and close to your heart, calling a professional can be the right decision. Before hiring them make sure that it should be affordable to you. If you think hiring a professional is too expensive and the mirror is not too expensive in that case you can simply replace it. But the mirror that you choose should be matching to your home decor. If you don’t know how to choose a perfect mirror, I suggest you read this article.
How to Prevent Mirror From Cracking?
Preventing a mirror from cracking is not a big deal. You just need to take care of a few things.
1. Install the mirror properly: Make sure that the mirror is installed on a flat, stable surface. Use the appropriate mounting hardware to avoid stress on the glass.
2. Handle with Care: When are moving or installing a mirror, support it from the bottom and avoid putting pressure on the edges, which are more prone to damage.
3. Temperature Control: Temperature is also a reason for the cracking of mirrors. Try to avoid exposing mirrors to extreme temperature changes. Rapid heating or cooling can cause the glass to expand or contract, leading to cracks.
4. Avoid Impact: Keep heavy objects away from the mirror, and try to avoid applying force or pressure near it to prevent accidental damage.
What are Some Aesthetic Solutions for Cracked Mirrors?
If you decide to replace your cracked mirror or you think it can’t be fixed, you might have a question in your mind what to do with a broken mirror? You can use the cracked mirror in many different ways. you can make wall art, Garden Stepping Stones, or Mosaic Art.
