Replacing the mirror in the heads

[Ian_Edwards]

I have 2 self-adhesive mirrors on my boat, they have been there for 12 years, and the surface of the mirrors has “bubbled” (see attached photo), presumably some form of corrosion. I need to replace them with new self-adhesive mirrors. The mirrors are on 15mm plywood locker doors.
It seems sensible to remove the old mirrors first, any idea of the best way to do that?
Alternatively, I could just abrade the old mirror with say 300 grade wet and dry and stick the new mirrors over the old ones.

The mirror sizes are:

430mm x 445mm
344mm x 548mm

This is the first time I’ve attempted something like this, so I’m looking for advice.

P.S. The line down the centre of the photo is a reflection of the corner of the shower cubical.

 

[RichardS]

I would try and remove the old mirrors first depending upon whether there is any kind of gap behind them to get in a flat wide scraper or a thin "cheesewire".

Richard

 

[Daverw]

I’ve used the back of an old panel saw to slip down the back side to release adhesive, works like a long tough scraper

 

[Greenheart]

Is it smart to buy more of the same product that has failed?

These people sell unbreakable stainless with a mirror-finish: https://www.metals4u.co.uk/stainless-steel/c8/unbreakable-mirrors/c2062

 

[Cardinal]

Perhaps a little mild heat may soften the adhesive before adopting one or other of the suggestions above for removal.
Replace with something useful like a colregs poster or sea life identification guide. Don’t encourage or pander to the vain.

 

[coveman]

At my age I'd rather not look in a mirror!!:ambivalence:

 

[PetiteFleur]

Or get the plastic equivalent - 5mm thick & fixed with 2 or 4 screws?

 

[nigel1]

I just used a long flat blade slipped down between back of mirror and the door, managed to remove the glass in one piece.

Replaced with 2mm thick mirrored acrylic and used silicone as the adhesive which allows for expansion and contraction of the mirror. Been in place for 3 years, no issues.

 

[Rafiki]

Or get the plastic equivalent - 5mm thick & fixed with 2 or 4 screws?

+1. I have used this approach. Very much lighter .

 

[Seajet]

So this is how we and PBO have progressed - Sirs Rose, Knox Johnson and Chichester along with Miles Smeeton & co fought to keep their keels and coachroofs in vaguely the same proximity to each other; now we worry about the integrity of the bog mirror

 

[Ohlin Karcher]

So this is how we and PBO have progressed - Sirs Rose, Knox Johnson and Chichester along with Miles Smeeton & co fought to keep their keels and coachroofs in vaguely the same proximity to each other; now we worry about the integrity of the bog mirror

Doesn't everyone just use the front camera on their Iphone?

 

[Seajet]

' Day 249 - things are grim - the batteries went long ago - on the last gasp Apple denied us the airdrop - all is lost, it would mean lopsided beards at the next port - Dear Friends, I may be some time '

 

[MikeCC]

When you fix the new mirror, be aware that some adhesives, sealants etc will attack the backing. You can get types intended for the job.

 

[Wansworth]

The very door that becomes the rudder once lashed to two handy lengths of 2x4

 

[Seajet]

Well I've thought about this too and would use some handy locker tops and spi pole on my boat, but you make a good point.

If using the loo door shaving would be a sod if there were sharks about though so may require a complete rethink.

 

[Wansworth]

No,can you imagine unscrewing the hinges of the lockers especially on a dark night in the middle of a force 10,bathroom door every time,don’t need to worry about the mirror!

 

[Seajet]

A couple of handy locker tops and I are unhinged, the lids are prepared to suit an emergency rudder

 

[Wansworth]

PBO should have a comparison test!

 

[PTB]

My bog mirror broke when I was removing it with a flat scraper. Fortunately I'd taped the whole thing up with odd bits of gorilla tape and masking tape which saved the day.

 

[Wansworth]

My bog mirror broke when I was removing it with a flat scraper. Fortunately I'd taped the whole thing up with odd bits of gorilla tape and masking tape which saved the day.

Known as an extreme bodge!