How to Cut Glass Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the best accent pieces to have in your house because they serve multiple purposes, both in a fashionable and a functional way. Aside from their obvious use, mirrors can be a beautiful way to decorate your home. They open spaces up, make rooms appear larger than they are, and can be an eye-catching piece of artwork on your wall. 

Sometimes, using mirrors as a decoration in your home requires some elbow grease, especially if you are diving into a DIY project. We can tell you the right way (and the safe way!) to cut mirrors for whatever you want to create, from large, sit-down tables to crafts with the kids.

Start with a large, clean work area. Because of any mess that may occur, you might want to take this project on in either your garage or backyard.

Lay your mirror on a flat surface like a work bench or table.

Before you start wielding your glass cutter, mark exactly where on the mirror you want to cut. This will make your project easier once you’ve started. That way, you’re cutting down (no pun intended) on the mistakes you’ll make with your design! Use a tape measurer and a dry-erase pen, as the marker will come off the mirror easily once you’re done. 

Align a straight edge along the marks that you made with the dry erase pen. This will ensure that the cuts you make with be as straight as possible and right where you want them.

Holding the straight edge firmly in one hand, take your glass cutter and press the cutting wheel to the mirror. Apply even, steady pressure and simply cut along the lines you marked with the dry erase marker. By doing this, you’ll create a small crack in the mirror.

One the initial cuts have been made, hold the mirror over the edge of the surface it’s resting on and gently tap along the cut line with the blunt end of your glass cutter. It should separate the mirror into two pieces safely and easily. Repeat until you have all the pieces of mirror that you want to use. 

If you want to refine the edges where the glass has been cut, use some fine sandpaper and rub the edges of the glass gently, just until it’s smooth.  

That’s all, folks!