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How to Fix Distorted Mirror: Complete Solutions

A distorted mirror can ruin your entire day.

No matter how often you change the angle, your image will look too short or wide.

A mirror in our room is a must-have! It not only helps us get our makeup done but also brightens up our room.

However, a mirror might not always reflect our best image.

If your mirror gives a wavy reflection of your image, then it has a distortion problem.

How to fix a distorted mirror?

There’s a possibility that your mirror is bending. In that case, adding a frame or hanging it on the wall can straighten it.

Thin mirrors have a greater possibility of distortion than thick ones. Therefore, adding a layer at the back of your mirror will decrease the distortion. The support wall or frames are often uneven, for this, shims can be used in the hollow spots to even it out.

These steps will help you solve your mirror distortion effect. However, if you want to know further about fixing a distorted mirror, read this article.

Let’s begin!

How to Fix Distorted Mirror

Mirrors have always been a mystery but not so much when it comes to science! Although it’s amusing to see them in funhouses, a warped mirror can give us quite a head twirl.

Don’t want a dress that looks good in one mirror and bad in the other? If not, then it’s time you give your mirror a good checkup.

Problem: Frame Damage

How to Fix Distorted Mirror: Complete Solutions 1

In most cases, mirrors in our homes are framed. And usually framed mirrors don’t get distorted. However, if the frame is slightly larger or if the frame itself is sagging, the mirror might bend. Thus your image becomes wavy, no matter how often you fix the angle.

Solution

The solution is simple and only requires a little time. If the frame is more extensive and the mirror isn’t firm, you should replace the frame with one that fits. This will keep the mirror’s edges straight and from bending/distorting.

If your frame is sagging, you might as well put on your construction cap because you’ll need to fix the edges of the frame with a hammer and nail. After that, try hanging the mirror on the wall. This will straighten the mirror as much as possible.

Problem: Uneven Surfaces

We often put mirrors on the back of the door, inside a wardrobe, or on the wall. These supporting backs of the mirror are not always even. Thus, the mirror might get warped following the contour of your wall. Hence your mirror is showing wavy images. And unlike cleaning fake steel, cleaning a mirror will not solve the problem.  But don’t worry, like a dawn light not turning off, we have a solution for this as well.

Solution

A flat surface is essential for supporting a mirror. But it’s quite hard to find a uniform surface lying here and there. There might be hollow spots on the surface where your mirror is hung. This eventually forces a mirror to bend. So we suggest you use a shim behind the mirror to wedge the hollow spots. This way your mirror will get an even surface. The size of the shim depends on how big or wide the hollow spot is.

Tips

Shims can also pressure your mirror and damage it to some extent. That’s why we suggest masking tape (especially the blue acid-free ones) to protect the mirror from scratches or erosion.

To protect the mirror from further damage, keep it away from moisture, alcohol, and acid. Though alcohol is excellent for removing smells from mattresses, it’s a big no for mirrors.

Problem: Too Thin

Mirrors can differ in quality. Of course, a thin mirror has a greater chance of bending than a thick mirror. But mirrors also tend to distort under their weight if they are bare or mounted against the wall. When you’re buying a mirror, make sure that it’s:

  • A high-quality mirror
  • Minimum ⅛ inches thick

Remember: The thicker the mirror the better.

Solution

If you own a thin mirror it’s likely to get warped someday. The best way to prevent a thin mirror from getting distorted is to add a layer of glass (or another mirror) at the back. This layer will act as a support and will also straighten the warped mirror.

This solution is especially for those who own a Cheval mirror or wall-mounted mirror because its weight can bend it. Therefore causing a distorted image. But adding a layer can give the mirror a firm balance.

Since the glass surface of a mirror is constantly exposed to dirt and moisture, it’s essential to clean it once in a while. Remove the mirror from its frame and use a Purdy or Wooster brush to wipe the sides. Who doesn’t love to take a picture with a clean mirror?

FAQs

Why does my mirror look wavy?

If your mirror looks wavy it’s probably because of distortion! But don’t worry, you can try changing the frame or hanging the mirror to straighten it up.

Can you repair the mirror silvering?

Absolutely! Mirror silvering is the metallic tint behind the mirror. It often gets corroded due to reactions from moisture, especially when it’s in the bathroom. Another easy way is to tape aluminum foil at the back of the mirror or spray mirror paint.

What kind of mirrors are used in funhouses?

A distorted mirror, a funhouse mirror, or a carnival mirror! Yes, there are different types of mirrors! These mirrors don’t usually reflect standard images. The images they show are wavy. That’s because concave and convex sections are applied to achieve this effect.