Removing a mirror from a metal medicine cabinet door can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done successfully. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove a mirror from metal medicin cabinet doors safely and efficiently.

Introduction

Medicine cabinets with mirrored doors are common in many bathrooms. The mirrors allow you to see yourself while accessing the contents of the cabinet. However, there may come a time when you need to remove or replace the mirror from the cabinet door.

Some reasons you may need to remove the mirror include:

• The mirror is old, worn out, or damaged and needs to be replaced.
• You want to upgrade to a magnifying or anti-fog mirror.
• You are remodeling the bathroom and changing the style or size of the medicine cabinet.
• You need access behind the mirror for repairs or plumbing work.

Whatever the reason, removing the old mirror can be challenging, especially if it was professionally installed with adhesive. With the proper tools and techniques, you can remove the mirror without damaging the underlying metal cabinet door.

What You Need

Before starting the mirror removal process, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Safety glasses – for eye protection
• Work gloves – to protect your hands
• Pry bar or putty knife – to cut through any caulking and pop the mirror loose
• Painter’s tape – to protect the cabinet door edges
• Screwdriver – may be needed to remove screws from a frame
• Solvent like acetone or paint thinner – to clean up any residual adhesive
• Rags – for cleaning up

You’ll also need a container to soak the cabinet door if there is no frame, as well as materials for re-installing a new mirror once the old one is removed.

Preparing the Workspace

When removing a medicine cabinet mirror, you’ll need ample workspace to lay the door flat. Clear the area around the medicine cabinet if possible.

Place an old blanket or towels on the floor area where you’ll be working. This will prevent scratches if you need to lay the mirror or door down. It will also cushion the mirror if it slips from your grip.

Have all your tools and supplies nearby and ready to use. Be sure to put on safety glasses before you begin.

Removing the Medicine Cabinet Door

Start by removing the medicine cabinet door from its hinges if possible:

1. Open the cabinet door fully and locate the hinge mechanism. There may be removable pins or screws to release each hinge.
2. Support the weight of the door as you remove the hinge pins or screws. Have someone assist you if the door is large, heavy, or awkward to handle alone.
3. Carefully lift the door up and off the cabinet frame. Set it flat on your protected work surface, with the mirror facing up.

If the cabinet design does not allow the door to be removed, you will have to work with it attached. In this case, take precautions to avoid breaking the attached hinges.

Checking for Frame or Screws

Examine the back side of the medicine cabinet door and mirror closely.

• If there is a frame around the mirror, look for any visible screws securing the frame. You may need to use a screwdriver to remove these.
• If there is no frame, the mirror is likely secured with adhesive. You’ll need to use a solvent to dissolve the adhesive.

Also check the edges for any caulking or beads of adhesive. Use the putty knife or pry bar to slice through any caulking and break these adhesive seals.

Removing Mirrored Glass with Adhesive Backing

If there is no frame around the mirror, it is likely attached directly to the metal cabinet door with adhesive. With this type of installation, follow these steps:

1. Use painter’s tape to cover the edges of the metal door. This protects the finish from damage during mirror removal.
2. Pour acetone or paint thinner solvent into a small container.Dip a rag into the solvent and wring out excess.
3. Press the wet rag against the edge of the mirror for 30-60 seconds. This softens the adhesive.
4. Insert the putty knife between the mirror and metal door. Slowly slide the putty knife to cut through the adhesive.
5. Work your way around the entire edge of the mirror, separating it from the door with the putty knife. Reapply solvent as needed to keep the adhesive soft.
6. Once the seal is broken all the way around, grasp the mirror and pop it off the door. Use rags to catch any residual liquid adhesive.
7. Use scrapers and abrasive pads to remove any remaining adhesive residue from the door surface. Wipe clean with solvent on a rag.
8. Allow the metal door to dry fully before attempting to re-install a new mirror.

Taking it slow and steady will allow you to remove the mirror without leaving behind jagged adhesive or damaging the door.

Removing a Mirrored Glass with Frame

If there is a frame surrounding the mirror, follow these steps instead:

1. Wearing work gloves, use the pry bar and gently pry around the edge of the frame to loosen the seals.
2. Inspect the frame closely and look for any screws, likely near the corners.
3. Use the screwdriver to back out any screws and fully detach the frame.
4. The frame should pry loose easily once you’ve removed the screws and broken the seals.
5. Pull the frame completely off the door. If the mirror is also adhered, use solvent and a putty knife as described above to detach it from the frame backing.
6. Scrape off any old caulking or adhesive from the frame and door surface.
7. Remove any remaining mirror shards from the frame carefully if it will be reused. Wear gloves for protection.

Cleaning and Preparing the Cabinet Door

Once the mirror is fully removed by either method, carefully wipe down the medicine cabinet door with clean rags and solvent to remove any remaining adhesive residue.

Be sure to remove any bits of broken mirror caught along the edges. Wipe away any dust or debris that could interfere with the new mirror’s adhesion.

Allow the clean door to dry fully before mounting the replacement mirror.

Installing a New Mirrored Cabinet Door

Once you’ve successfully removed the existing mirror from a metal medicin cabinet door, you can install a replacement mirror using adhesive, mirror clips, or a new frame kit.

Here are some tips for proper installation:

• Thoroughly clean the door surface before attaching the new mirror. Remove any dust, grease, or debris first.
• Use the proper adhesive for the mirror’s backing. Often a liquid adhesive works best to coat the entire surface.
• With clip systems, take care to evenly space and level the clips. Use shims if needed to prevent rocking.
• When installing a new frame kit, apply fresh caulk around the edge to seal it to the door. Use screws to attach the frame securely.
• Make sure the new mirror or frame is centered properly before the adhesive cures.
• Allow the adhesive to fully cure, often 24-48 hours before re-hanging the door.

Take time to seat the new mirror properly so it provides many years of service on your cabinet door.

Tips and Warnings

• Remove rings, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry before starting to avoid scratching the mirror or cabinet door metal.
• Wear shoes and full-length pants in case you drop any mirror shards.
• Wear safety glasses at all times to protect your eyes from adhesive, old caulk, or broken shards.
• Use painter’s tape on the door edges to prevent solvent damage to the finish.
• Work slowly with solvents like acetone – it can damage skin and eyes.
• Solvents are highly flammable so do not work near open flames.
• Do not pry too aggressively or you can crack the mirrored glass.
• Broken glass can have very sharp edges. Wear heavy gloves when handling.
• Dispose of old caulk, broken shards,frame corners, and glue residue properly.

With care and patience, you can successfully tackle a mirror removal and replacement project. Just take it slow and use proper solvents and tools. Soon you’ll have a sparkling new mirrored cabinet door!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to remove a medicine cabinet mirror?

You’ll need safety glasses, work gloves, pry bar, putty knife, screwdriver, painter’s tape, rags, and a solvent like acetone or paint thinner. Optional items include a power drill if the frame is screwed on and knee pads.

How can I remove the adhesive without damaging the door?

Use painter’s tape to protect the door edges. Apply a solvent like acetone to soften the adhesive and carefully insert a putty knife between the mirror and door to cut the adhesive. Take your time and don’t pry too hard against the door.

What solvent works best to dissolve the adhesive?

Acetone or paint thinner work well to soften mirror adhesive. Avoid using very harsh products that could damage the metal door surface. You may need to reapply the solvent if the adhesive hardens again.

What should I do if the medicine cabinet door is stuck or won’t detach?

If the door feels stuck, don’t force it. Try spraying lubricant solvent on the hinges and working the door back and forth gently to loosen it up. Old screws may need to be drilled out or cut with a Dremel tool.

Can I just smash the mirror into pieces for easy removal?

It’s not recommended. The adhesive will still be stuck to the cabinet door and you may damage the door itself. Carefully cutting the adhesive with solvent is safer and cleaner.

How soon can I reinstall a replacement mirror or frame kit?

It’s best to wait 24-48 hours for the door surface to fully dry after cleaning off old adhesive. This allows any remaining solvents to evaporate so the new adhesive bonds tightly.

Is it okay to just reuse the old medicine cabinet frame?

Inspect it closely first. Look for any cracks, rust, or damage. Reseal and repaint if needed. Using all new adhesive and sealant will provide the strongest bond with a new mirrored glass insert.

Conclusion

Removing an old medicine cabinet mirror doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some patience and the proper tools, you can tackle this project successfully. Just take care to protect the underlying cabinet door from damage. Slowly dissolving adhesives makes mirror removal much easier than prying forcefully.

Installing a new replacement mirror or mirrored glass using fresh adhesive or a frame kit can update the look of your bathroom. Just make sure to prep the door surface properly beforehand. Follow these steps carefully during your mirrored medicine cabinet door project, and you can achieve sparkling results.