How to Remove Builder Mirrors
I’ve been asked how to remove builder mirrors a few times over the last couple weeks. Despite my inquiries and offers to help anyone who wanted it, I could not find a single person in my area that had a builders mirror they wanted removed.
So, here is my best explanation with not enough pictures of how to remove builder mirrors.
How to Remove Builder Mirrors
First, I tried to criss cross tape all over the mirror in case it broke, so it wouldn’t shatter…because that’s what they do on DIY shows! But, I ran out of tape so it ended up being a useless V of tape! You might want to do a better job, just in case!
My mirror was about 8 feet long and HEAVY! So, it was a 2 person job. (Thanks Melissa!) I just put a pry-bar behind the mirror on one corner and SLOWLY, GENTLY pulled. See the globs of glue?
Each one popped away from the wall, one at a time as I moved down towards the other end of the mirror. We each stood on the counter and once the top row of glue was “popped” off, we both pulled GENTLY and SLOWLY and each additional row or GLUE GLOBS popped away from the wall. Then we lifted it out of the metal track.
There is nothing you can do (in my opinion) to avoid damaging your wall. The glue is made to STICK and it does. It tears the drywall paper off with it! Whoever installed my mirror used Black adhesive which I had to scrape off before I could patch.
After removing the black glue residue, I patched the drywall with joint compound. Some of the areas with torn paper required a little drywall tape too because the paper kept bubbling from the water in the JC.
It took about 3 coats and sandings, about the same as an actual “patch”, to get it smooth enough for paint.
Then you can install you mirror of choice.
The actual mirror removal took about 5 minutes. The patching took a couple days.
This is on my to do list for the next month! Im so glad you posted this 🙂 My concern now is the texturing of the wall to match the other bathroom walls, that seems like a challenge. I found a perfect framed mirror at TJ Maxx for 24.99 – your post gave me enough inspiration to go pick it up. Im currently refinishing my cabinets, so the mirror will really help things look finished. (until I get to the floor anyway!)Thanks!
Ugh! I have 2 of these ugly little puppies in my house, and I want them out! I love how you replaced them with the smaller framed mirrors… it makes all of the difference. Hmmm, another project for… someday.
I love how it came out.I wanted to tell you I purchased some sconces and an overhead light from Bellacor lighting. They were so great! I love the fixtures and they literally came in like 3 days. So glad I checked it out after reading your blog.
Sandra,I have to say I'm crushed that you are moving to Tennessee! I also live in Chicagoland and found you just as you were announcing your move 🙁 Despite being crushed I wish you all the luck I can in your new adventure! If you were staying here I would suggest this for the women of Chicagoland, however, I can't begrudge the women of Tennessee. I don't know if you've thought of this (I'm sure you have) but you should extend your Build {hers} Club to an actual meeting. Perhaps pick a coffee or tea house or even a local "quiet" pub where interested ladies could get together to discuss their designs, techniques and tips. It can be difficult at the big hardware stores when you're new to building (I'm sure you know). The men there just look at you like "Oh honey, you'll never get this done" although they never say it. In a group of women, though, ideas can be encouraged and helpful tips given. Anyway…just a thought 🙂
I really want to do this. but my stupid builder put an electrical outlet in two of the mirrors. Any tips on that? Because nothing says uglier than a builder mirror, except a builder mirror with an outlet. YUCK!