How to split one mirror into three

One of my most recent projects was taking a large vanity mirror and converting it into three separate tall mirrors for my dining room. Described below is step by step instructions for how the glass cutting portion of this project was accomplished. 

 BEFORE 

AFTER

1. To cut the mirror, you will need a glass cutter (I use the type that holds and releases the oil as you go), clamps (bar clamps work best for this large of a mirror), and a clean oil (I just use WD-40, but you can also purchase oil specifically made for glass cutting). All of these materials can be found at reasonable prices on Amazon or at your nearest craft or hardware store.
2. First, use a permanent marker and a yard stick to mark and divide the mirror into three sections (for this particular project, I split each section to a width of 12 inches). 
3. Once the mirror is marked into three sections, take your yardstick, lay it on the mirror, and place its edge along the line in which you will cut the mirror. Either use clamps to hold down the yardstick, or have someone hold it in place for you.
4. With the yardstick in place, take your glass cutter and start at the very edge of the mirror. (Keep in mind that these glass cutters do not actually "cut" the glass. The glass cutter is used to score the glass which allows you to then split the mirror in a straight line.) With the glass cutter at the edge of the mirror, apply moderate pressure as you slowly run the cutter along the edge of the yardstick to ensure a straight line. Do not stop and do not go back over the line with the cutter when finished. Apply just enough pressure that you hear a very slight sound as you cut. It will leave a very thin line that looks like a strand of hair on the glass. If you are using the cutter that automatically releases oil, then you do not have to worry about that part as it is doing the work for you. However, if you are just using a general glass cutter, make sure you spread some oil along the line before cutting it. 
5. Once the line is cut, wipe off the excess oil, clamp a clamp on each side of the mirror right along one side of the cut line. Put pressure on each clamp in a direction that is ultimately "bending the mirror." At this point, the mirror should split evenly along the line that you previously scored. Careful! The edges will be very sharp!!
6. Repeat steps 2-5 for the remaining sections of the mirror. 

If you like the look of the frames that we created as well, please stay tuned for an upcoming post to include steps for how we made them!

Please comment with any questions or concerns! Good Luck!