Learning how to cut a mirror has many benefits. You can make various designs or shapes that are not sold freely in the market. You can also save money by being able to make your own mirror. We're not actually going to cut the mirror, but rather perform a process called controlled fracture. (controlled breaks). In this process, you will scratch the surface of the mirror that you want to cut. This scratching creates a weak spot in the glass. Once you've slightly pressed along the stroke line, a neat fracture can be done.
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Method 1 of 3: Creating Projects
Step 1. Choose a solid mirror that is not cut off
If you want to cut your own custom mirror, you can use almost any mirror shape. You can buy a mirror from a hardware store or use an existing mirror. Try not to cut a mirror that is damaged or badly cracked in various places. Mirrors in poor condition will not be able to withstand the cutting process and will crumble while working.
- If you're looking for other places that sell mirrors, try visiting a specialty mirror and glass modification shop.
- You can buy a few inexpensive mirrors for practice. Try using single-strength window glass because it is easier to cut and cheaper.
Step 2. Clean and dry the mirror thoroughly
Use glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth to wipe the mirror surface. Clean thoroughly; The mirror must be as clean as possible because even a speck of dirt can interfere with the scratching process so that the glass can shatter or break.
Use another microfiber cloth to wipe the mirror surface again and make sure it is dry before starting
Step 3. Wear protective gear
During the scratching and breaking process, small shards of glass will fly and can enter the eye. You MUST wear eye protection or goggles when working. Do not rub or touch your eyes while working. You should also wear protective gloves, especially when touching freshly cut glass; The edges of the glass are very sharp.
- Avoid wearing shoes or sandals that are open at the toes.
- If you get splintered glass, try to remove it by applying tape to the wound and quickly removing it. If that doesn't work, use tongs.
Method 2 of 3: Scratching the Mirror
Step 1. Choose a quality glass scraper that meets your needs
Most scrapers have a carbide cutting wheel on the end for scraping glass and is attached to some sort of handle. This tool is sometimes called a wheel-cutter. These wheels are available in a variety of diameters, and the smallest ones are used for detailed work. Wheel-cutter prices are quite affordable so it's best to get a high-quality one.
- Look for a scraper that has a sturdy design and genuine carbide wheels. The price of cheap tools ranges from only Rp. 70,000, while high-quality ones can go up to Rp. 480,000.
- You can get glass scrapers at craft and hardware stores. Models sold at hardware stores are usually more robust and expensive.
Step 2. Choose a scratching tool that can do your design well
Some scrapers are designed to only draw straight lines and others can stroke curved lines. Select the tool according to the design you want to produce. The various shapes of the handles make it gripped in different ways. Choose the handle that is easiest to hold.
- If your job is very small, look for a metal wheel-cutter. This tool works just as well as a carbide wheel and costs less.
- If you want to cut a lot of mirrors, buy a self-oiling mirror cutter. This tool lasts longer than other cutters, and is usually very easy to use.
Step 3. Measure and mark your cut line with a long ruler
To produce a neat fracture, the cut size and line must be as accurate as possible. Use a ruler to mark the cut line on the mirror surface. Mark the cut lines with a white marker or crayon. This line of cut will guide you so that you can move the scraper accurately in one continuous motion.
- The neatest fault lines can be obtained if you can scrape with the tool accurately in one continuous motion.
- Always mark streaks on one edge of the glass and the other on the other side.
Step 4. Place the scraper at the beginning of the first cut line
Lay the mirror on a hard, flat, clean surface. Hold the scraper vertically and align the wheel at the beginning of the first cut line. Place the ruler right next to the line so you can scratch right next to it. That way, you can make the most straight and accurate results
- You can move the scraper toward or away from you along the line. Try both ways and choose the one that feels most comfortable.
- If you're worried that the bar will wobble a bit when you scratch, try using simple tongs to hold it still.
Step 5. Press down slightly while moving the tool along the line
For most mirrors, you should hear a squeaky sound if you do it right. Otherwise, you're pressing less hard. If it's too hard, small chips will appear around the scratch. This debris can drop under the wheel and damage or blunt the cutter. So grab it right away if you see one.
- Try to press evenly during the stroke.
- Avoid lifting the tool during the process so you can scratch the line in one continuous motion.
Step 6. Scratch the other lines
Continue to scratch the mirror until you get the shape of the design you want. Stop each time you finish scribbling a line to sweep away glass shards on mirrors and workplaces. If left unchecked, cut accuracy can be compromised and damage the carbide wheel on the scraper.
For best results, try to work in as clean a place as possible during the process
Method 3 of 3: Breaking the Mirror
Step 1. Use your hands to break the mirror along the stroke line
There are several ways to break a mirror. One of the easiest is to use your hands, although not the most ideal, especially if you are working with very large mirrors. If the mirror is small enough to hold, grasp it firmly with both hands and place one thumb on each side of the first stroke. Press down using both thumbs at the same time.
- Quickly flick your wrist and the mirror should split right along the line of the stroke.
- Always wear gloves when breaking glass. Scratching lines make the glass unstable and sometimes break unexpectedly.
Step 2. Stroke the longer stroke line on a flat surface
Place the mirror, with the stroke-lined side facing down. Press the unlined side down with your hands. Glass should break easily and neatly. You also place the mirror on the edge of the flat surface and make sure the edge of the surface is straight with the stroke line. Press the side of the glass hanging down the edge with your hand until the glass is completely split.
Step 3. Separate the glass along the stroke line using glass-separating pliers (running plier)
If you're not sure you can break the glass by hand, or if the glass is too large, use glass splitting pliers. Place the pliers so that the bottom of the jaw touches the stroke line on the mirror. Squeeze the pliers that will separate the glass, and the pressure will widen the streak. This widening will make the strokes crack along the lines in a very controlled pattern.
If you break a very long streak, it's a good idea to grip one end with pliers, until you hear a faint click. Then, rotate the mirror and do the same at the other end of the line. This will neatly finish off the fringes at the edges
Step 4. Use glass separator pliers and an elastic surface to break the curved stroke lines
For some strokes that have multiple curved lines, flip the mirror over an elastic surface, such as foam or cardboard. If the curve is not too curved, press the stroke line with your thumb until the mirror breaks. If the mirror you are cutting has a lot of curves, buy glass splitting pliers and the breaking process will go much smoother.
Step 5. Sand and seal the new edges of the glass (optional)
If you are attaching the glass to the frame so that the edges of the mirror are not visible, this step is not necessary (although you can still do so). Sand the edges with sandpaper, then apply a sealant or other hermetic coating to the mirror edges. You can buy these products at hardware stores. You can also use clear nail polish and get similar results.
