Do you intend to buy a custom mirror for your home? If so, have it cut in the perfect shape and size by a professional company that offers glass and mirror services. Glass companies have the right expertise to personalize your mirror according to your preferences.
Common tools and materials used by glass companies include sandpaper, cutting oil, wooden dowels, glass cleaners, a glass cutter, safety glasses and gloves, and wax crayons.
Here is how a glass company will cut your mirror to a perfect size and shape:
Mirror Preparation
The first step to preparing a mirror for cutting is laying it on a flat and smooth work surface. Sometimes the work surface can have flaws like bumps. The best way to cover such flaws is by laying clean sheets of newspaper on the work surface.
Dirt on the mirror increases the risk of mirror damage during the cutting process. Preparation also involves cleaning both sides of the mirror. Experts use glass cleaners like rubbing alcohol or Windex to get rid of the dirt on the mirror’s surface. The microfiber cloth used to clean the mirror must also be free from dirt.
Measuring and Marking
Be clear on the size of the mirror you want. A glass company will measure the length and size of the mirror according to your specifications. The expert will use a framing square, a ruler, or measuring tape for accuracy.
Marking is done after determining the mirror’s length and width. Sharpie ink or wax crayon is the best for marking the measured size of the mirror.
Scoring the Mirror
This step involves cutting the mirror based on the measurements you’ve given them. All the necessary cutting tools and protective gear like glasses and gloves must be in place. Mineral oil like kerosene is also necessary when cutting a mirror.
Spreading a few drops of the oil along the cut lines reduces the friction between the glass and the cutter. Less friction reduces the chances of the mirror getting shattered. The oil also lubricates the cutter, preventing it from becoming too hot while it scores the glass.
Every expert uses a ruler when cutting the glass. The ruler should be well-secured along the marked line to prevent slipping and wrong cutting.
Experts know the correct pressure to apply when cutting the mirror. A lot of force will break the mirror, while limited pressure will hinder the cutting process. Backtracking or many scores along the marked cut line also increases the risk of wrong mirror cutting.
The glass mirror does not get entirely cut once the straightedge/cut line is developed. With the use of the cutter ball end, glass cutting experts tap along the cut line, deepening the score.
Snapping the Mirror
A deepened scored line makes it easier for one to snap or break the mirror. Wooden dowels are necessary when snapping the mirror. One places the dowel under the cut line. Note that the dowel must not be shorter than the length of the mirror.
A table’s edge can also help one easily snap the mirror. The mirror should not break outside the scored line. Glass cutter notches help eliminate the remaining fragments on the mirror after snapping.
Smoothing the Mirror Edge
Glass companies use smoothing stone or sandpaper to file the jagged mirror edges. The removal of jagged pieces promotes the safe handling of the mirror.
Proper cleanup is also necessary after smoothing the mirror edges. This gets rid of the tiny glass shards to prevent risks of injuries.
Consider Glass and Mirror Services
DIY glass mirror cutting is a tedious and risky process. Glass and mirror services are essential for your glass mirror’s smooth and safe cutting.
A good glass and mirror company will use the best tools to shape your home’s mirror. Experience factor matters when choosing an expert to cut your glass mirror. Other factors to consider are reputation, price, and the type of glass cutting equipment.
