How Much Does It Cost To Repair Or Resilver A Mirror?
Typical Range:
$107 - $337
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 53 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
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- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
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Updated July 18, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.It costs an average of $216 to repair or resilver a mirror, with a typical range of between $107 and $337. At the very low end, it can be done for $49, and at the high end, it can cost as much as $500.
Mirrors are not just functional, they can become family heirlooms—beautiful works of art in their own right that create an incredible look for a room in your home. But like any piece of furniture, mirrors can deteriorate over the years, and a resilvering might be in order.
This guide breaks down the costs of resilvering a mirror, and when you might want to consider replacing it.
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| National Average | $216 |
| Typical Range | $107 - $337 |
| Low End - High End | $49 - $500 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 53 HomeAdvisor members.
Mirror Resilvering Material Prices
For a resilvering job, you'll need some basic materials like paint stripper specifically geared for glass, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, silver nitrate, and sugar, depending on what type of resilvering method you use. Some methods call for using nitric acid, but this is a highly corrosive mineral acid and should not be used by anyone but professionals.
All of these are available for purchase online at the following prices:
Glass paint stripper: $15–$30
Sodium hydroxide: $15–$30
Ammonia: $10–$20
Sodium nitrate: $15–$50
Sugar: $5–$10
Gathering all the materials you need should cost $60 to $140.
Mirror Resilvering Labor Cost
You can expect to pay $15 per square foot if you hire a mirror resilvering specialist. So if you have a large 16-square-foot mirror, it would cost you about $240. However, you may incur additional costs for shipping and handling if you have to ship it to the restorer.
Mirror Resilvering and Replacement Cost Factors
Mirrors can be very different from one another, so the cost to resilver one might be vastly different than resilvering another. When considering whether you want to resilver or replace your mirror, here are some elements to consider.
Size
The size of the mirror is another big factor. The larger the mirror, the more time it will take a professional to do the job, and therefore the more you'll be charged to get it done.
Thickness
Typically, if your mirror is old, thick, and heavy, it’s better to replace it. Modern mirrors tend to be 1/8-inch, 1/4-inch, or 3/16-inch thick. Antique mirrors are usually heavier, which makes them more difficult to hang. But if your old mirror has value (literal or sentimental), you might want to invest in resilvering.
Engravings
Resilvering a mirror with an engraving needs to be done by a professional. So instead of buying the materials for a DIY job, you’ll need to pay the $15 per square foot for an expert.
Resilvering vs. Replacing a Mirror
In most cases, it's going to cost you a lot more to resilver a mirror than to just replace it. You can get a brand-new floor-length mirror for as little as $100, whereas a resilvering job could cost you hundreds of dollars. Of course, if the mirror is a family heirloom, valuable, or ornate, then you probably wouldn’t want to replace it with a regular mirror. Here’s then resilvering makes the most sense.
Cost to Replace Mirror Glass
If the mirror’s glass needs to be replaced, that typically costs you between $10 and $20 per square foot. Hiring a professional to remove the existing glass and replace it will cost extra. Replacing a 16-square-foot mirror’s glass would cost you around $160 to $200 for the material alone.
DIY vs. Hire a Mirror Repair Pro
You may be tempted to do the job yourself because of the low cost of the materials involved, and indeed you can pay as little as $60 or less for the basic materials to do a resilvering job.
However, the process of resilvering a mirror is not only complex, but it also involves using the following toxic chemicals:
Nitric acid: Highly corrosive and irritates the eyes, skin, and mucous membrane
Silver nitrate: Causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, and exposure to high levels can be fatal
Copper paint: Long-term exposure can damage liver and kidneys
As a result, unless you’re experienced, this is something you generally shouldn’t do on your own.
But it’s not just safety you should be worried about. If you’re trying to restore a treasured family heirloom, you don’t want to risk damaging it because of inexperience. Instead, hire a professional for a little bit extra to ensure the job is done right and your heirloom can be passed down through the generations. Find a mirror repair professional near you and get a consultation and quote before making your decision.
FAQs
What causes mirrors to desilver?
Excess moisture is the biggest culprit when it comes to mirror desilvering. This is a particularly big problem in the bathroom, as over the years that moisture will get into the mirror and cause black spots and edges to appear.
How do you get black spots off a mirror?
One simple way to cover up black spots on a mirror is to take the mirror out of its frame and use clear adhesive tape to put small bits of aluminum foil over them. If you can keep the foil smooth enough, this actually works for minor spots.
Can old mirrors be resilvered?
You can absolutely have an old mirror resilvered, and this is usually the best situation to consider resilvering since they're irreplaceable. However, you should definitely hire a professional because antiques require a particularly high level of care and expertise during resilvering.
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