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Yes, it is possible to repair a damaged or cracked mirror, but whether you should do it yourself depends on the extent of the damage. For minor issues like small chips, cracks, and scratches, you can use a DIY approach. Resin-based repair kits can fix minor cracks, while scratches can often be removed with metal polish, nail polish, baking soda, or a glass polisher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

However, for more significant damage, DIY repair is not recommended. Repairing and resilvering mirrors is a delicate process that can involve caustic chemicals and requires a high level of precision. The materials for a DIY attempt can cost over $100, which may not be a significant saving compared to hiring a professional. Since a failed attempt could result in more damage and higher repair costs, it is often better to hire a mirror repair expert from the start, especially for large, valuable, or extensively damaged mirrors.

Generally, large bathroom mirrors that have been secured to the wall with glue require a multistep removal process. By taping the mirror with masking tape or duct tape, you can potentially prevent dangerous shards from falling as you loosen the mirror. A heat gun or other heat source may be needed to loosen up the glue before it can be freed using a wire saw. With glued-down mirrors being the most dangerous to remove, it's wise to hire a professional instead of handling glass on your own.

There are a few reasons your mirrors might have smears on them after cleaning, but the two most likely are remaining cleaning product and minerals from hard water. If you used a commercial glass cleaner, consider spraying down the mirror with a 1-to-1 ratio of white vinegar and water after cleaning and then wiping it dry with a cotton cloth. If you suspect hard water is the issue, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to spot-clean the streaks, and then let the mirror air-dry.

The easiest way for DIYers to smooth the edges of cut glass is to use sandpaper. Wearing protective gloves, gently sand the sharp edges smooth using low-grit sandpaper and working up to high-grit sandpaper. You can also use a multitool with a rotating sandpaper cylinder to make quicker work of the project.