How Much Does It Cost to Resilver a Mirror in 2025?
The cost to resilver a mirror averages $220
The cost to resilver a mirror averages $220, ranging from $110 to $340 on average.
Factors like the mirror’s size, shipping and packaging, and labor complexity all impact project costs.
Professionals use specialized techniques to safely handle and preserve heirloom or valuable mirrors, and costs can be up to $500
A well-restored mirror can maintain its sentimental or aesthetic value, making resilvering worth the investment.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, expect to spend $220 to resilver a mirror, with homeowners landing between $110 and $340 on average. Small touch-ups can run as low as $50, while intricate jobs climb toward $500. Mirrors do more than reflect; they are family heirlooms and statement pieces that instantly elevate a room. Over time, the silver backing can fade or peel, and that’s when resilvering steps in.
Mirror Resilvering Cost Factors
No two mirrors are exactly alike, so your resilvering quote can swing widely from piece to piece. When considering whether you want to resilver or replace your mirror, here are some elements to consider.
Materials
A standard resilvering kit calls for glass-safe paint stripper, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, silver nitrate, and even plain sugar, depending on the method you follow. Some methods call for using nitric acid, but this is a highly corrosive mineral acid and should not be used by anyone but professionals. Standard silver backing is the most affordable, while higher-quality materials, specialty coatings, and other premium finishings increase project costs.
Labor
You can expect to pay $15 to $40 per square foot if you hire a mirror resilvering specialist. So if you have a large 16-square-foot mirror, it would cost you $240 to $640. Keep in mind you also pay extra for shipping and handling if the piece needs to travel to a restoration shop.
Mirror 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.
Modern mirrors tend to be 1/8-inch, 1/4-inch, or 3/16-inch thick. Antique mirrors are 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
If your mirror features detailed engravings, leave the job to a pro. Plan on the same $15-per-square-foot rate, but you’ll avoid the risk of ruining irreplaceable details.
Resilvering vs. Replacing a Mirror
In many cases, resilvering runs higher than simply swapping in a new mirror. If your mirror is old, thick, and heavy, it’s better to 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 wouldn’t want to replace it with a regular mirror.
If the mirror’s glass needs to be replaced, expect to pay 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 $160 to $200 for the material alone.
DIY vs. Hire a Mirror Repair Pro
It’s tempting to tackle resilvering yourself. However, the process of resilvering a mirror is not only complex, but it also involves using the toxic chemicals, such as nitric acid, silver nitrate, and copper paint.
Unless you have the gear and experience, this project is best left to the pros. Safety aside, you could also ruin a one-of-a-kind heirloom with a single misstep. 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.
Tips to Reduce the Cost to Resilver a Mirror
Make your mirror resilvering project more budget-friendly with these cost-saving tips:
Compare quotes from multiple local mirror repair professionals to get the most competitive pricing.
Choose standard finishes and detailing over custom options if possible.
Bundle services, such as resilvering plus frame repair, for potential package savings.
Practice proper cleaning and maintenance to keep the mirror in good condition and avoid future repair costs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.