DIY Network

I am wanting to cut a glass mirror to a desired size, do you cut it just like normal glass or would ist be better to take it and have it cut??

A lot depends on if it's tempered glass and how thick it is. If it looks like the thickness of just plain window glass most likly it can be cut but it may cause the coating on the back to flake at the edges.

it looks to be less than a quarter inch thick, but i have no idea whether it is tempered or not..

YOU can not site-cut tempered glass.

I greatly doubt that your mirror is tempered unless it is a really large wall mirror like they use in gyms. I am including a link for you that describes tempered glass. Most glass shops are extremely reasonable in cutting glass mirrors to size and do the job quick. Why take a chance in having to buy more mirror glass? Check the Yellow Pages and let a pro do it.

http://www.alumaxbath.com/tech/tgp.htm

I agree with Jill. If is anything thicker than 1/8 inch, in order to snap it like normal glass, it must be scored on the exact same mark, on BOTH sides, or will not give a clean break. A glass shop will often use a special saw to cut the thicker stuff, and the cost is not huge, compared to replacing a large broken mirror. (They will often give you an estimate quote over the phone if you ask.)