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Beveling mirror glass adds a polished, elegant border to mirrors and glass panels, elevating both visual appeal and perceived value. With careful work and proper tools, even a home workshop can produce beautiful bevel edges. This guide walks through everything you need to know—from safety to finishing touches.
A bevel is an angled cut or edge on the glass, typically at 45° or another specified angle, that isn’t perpendicular to the surface. In mirrors, bevels serve both decorative and functional roles: they reflect light differently, frame the central field, and soften sharp edges.
Before starting, you’ll want:
Beveling or edging machine (tabletop or industrial) with diamond grinding/disc wheel.
Water source or coolant system to keep the glass edge cool and reduce dust.
Safety glasses or face shield.
Cut-resistant gloves.
Apron or protective clothing.
Mask or respirator (fine glass dust is hazardous).
Measuring tools (ruler, protractor).
Marker to mark glass edges.
If you are doing this in larger volume, using a high-precision beveling machine speeds up work and ensures consistency.
Here is a step-by-step process:
Measure and Mark Measure the dimensions of the mirror. Mark the intended bevel area—often along the edge where the bevel will appear. If the mirror edge isn’t already cleaned or squared, identify any unevenness.
Prepare the Equipment Ensure the beveling machine is clean, the grinding or diamond wheel is in good condition, and that water or coolant flow is functioning. The angle you want (commonly 45°) should be set or verified.
Secure the Mirror Clamp or otherwise fix the mirror securely to prevent sliding or vibration. Any movement will mar the bevel and may crack the glass.
Initial Grinding Make the first pass with coarse grit. This removes sharp edges and flatten/shape the edge. Use light, steady pressure—don’t force the glass into the wheel. Let the machine do the work.
Intermediate Smoothing After the coarse pass, switch to finer grits. This smooths the bevel and helps transition from rough cut to a polished look. Maintain coolant flow throughout.
Polishing Once the bevel is smooth, polish the edge using polishing pads or wheels with polishing compound. This step gives the bevel its clarity, shine, and mirror-like finish.
Clean & Inspect Rinse off residue or compound. Dry the mirror carefully. Inspect under good light: look for chips, uneven bevel width, or dull spots. If needed, repeat polishing or smoothing of problem areas.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chipped edges | Excessive pressure, skipping initial passes, dull wheel | Use light pressure; start with coarse grit; replace worn wheels |
| Uneven bevel width | Poor alignment, glass movement during machining | Secure the glass; use guides or fences; double check setup |
| Loss of clarity in bevel | Improper polishing, not enough finishing | Use appropriate polishing pads and compounds; multiple fine polish passes |
| Overheating or cracking | Lack of coolant; friction too high | Ensure water/coolant flows; reduce feed rate |
Always use coolant or water; dry grinding severely damages glass edges and the cutting tools.
Keep your grinding and polishing equipment well maintained; dull tools produce poor edges and take longer.
Test on scrap pieces before working on final mirrors, especially with expensive or large pieces.
Work gradually—bevel width that is too large may weaken the edge or look out of proportion.
Inspect bevel from different light angles; finishes can look good in one light and flawed in another.
If you are a hobbyist or doing occasional small-scale work, hand tools (hand grinders, polishing pads) may suffice. But for production, architectural glass, or consistent quality, a machine designed for glass beveling is much more efficient. It gives uniform edges, speed, and reduces waste.
For businesses or workshops seeking reliable beveling and edging equipment, ADDTECH GLASS MACHINERY CO., LTD is worth knowing. Some key points:
Based in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China; in business since 2007.
Specializes in high-precision glass processing machines.
Offers Glass Beveling Machines, along with edging, 45-degree edging, pencil edging, washing machines, drilling, etc. These machines are built for stability, easy maintenance, and certified quality.
Their beveling machines are used in many countries for both decorative glass and functional installations.
If you want to scale up or ensure consistent bevel quality, using a machine from a reputable maker like ADDTECH can make your process faster, safer, and more repeatable.
Beveling mirror glass transforms a plain edge into a refined, elegant perimeter. With the right tools, proper techniques, attention to safety, and patience through polishing, you can achieve professional-grade bevels. For anyone doing more than occasional or one-off projects, investing in a quality beveling machine simplifies work and improves results.
