This article discusses what mirror desilvering is. Mirrors are an important part of every home. Aside from being used as a medium to check one’s appearance, they are also used as decor. On the other hand, mirrors are vulnerable to desilvering. What exactly is desilvering? Let us learn more about what caused it, how to fix it, and how it can be prevented below.
What is mirror desilvering? Mirror desilvering or also referred to as mirror rot, is when the shiny surface of the mirror starts to fade and turns into tarnished black. After many years of use, a tiny section of the mirror starts to fade and as time went by, it grows and multiplies until the mirror turns into a black blur.
What are the causes of mirror desilvering? How do you repair desilvered mirrors? Can you resilver mirrors? How do you protect mirrors from moisture? These are some of the questions that we will in this article. Take note that mirror desilvering is a common issue so you need to be aware of how it starts and how it can be prevented.
About Mirror Desilvering
Mirrors are vulnerable to desilvering. However, those that are placed in the bathrooms, and poorly insulated rooms are the most prone. Moisture and humidity are the main causes of mirror desilvering. Through the years, black spots start to appear in the mirror. The black spots usually start at the edges and go unnoticed until a large part of the mirror is affected. This can also be caused by constant exposure to steam buildup. When moisture penetrates the silver coating of the mirror, it begins to separate from the glass.
What Causes a Mirror to Desilver?
Moisture, poor ventilation, high humidity exposure, cleaning products, and changes in temperature are some of the common causes of mirror desilvering. When moisture penetrates the mirror, black spots start to appear. This is a common issue, especially for mirrors that are installed in the bathroom. Let us discuss more these causes below.
Moisture
One of the common causes of mirror desilvering is moisture. If you notice dark spots at the middle part of the mirror, this can mean that moisture has penetrated the back of the mirror. This can also be caused by the incorrect cleaning of the mirror.
High Humidity Exposure
When a mirror is exposed to high humidity, it can also result in desilvering. Aside from moisture, you also need to watch out for the level of humidity in the room. This is especially true for bathrooms. The steam that comes from the shower can lead to this issue.
Poor Ventilation
Another cause for mirror desilvering is poor ventilation. To avoid this issue, see to it that you leave enough space between the mirror and the wall for ventilation. Take note that installing the mirror flush against the wall can result in moisture getting trapped. In the long run, the silver backing of the mirror will start to oxidize, and black spots will appear.
Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaning products can also lead to mirror desilvering. Moreover, there are times wherein the cleaning products get behind the glass which can damage the back portion of the mirror. Be careful when cleaning the mirror. Use only the recommended cleaning product and avoid drenching the mirror when cleaning. We have also shared this article titled, how do you clean a WiFi mirror? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Changes in Temperature
Another cause of mirror desilvering is changes in temperature. Do not place the mirror outdoor or in unheated areas. Make sure that you place it in an area where the temperature is stable. Bear in mind that the surfaces on the mirror contract and expand when there is a change in temperature. This can damage the mirror and black spots will appear. We have also shared this article titled, is reflected sunlight good for plants? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
How to Repair Desilvered Mirrors
To repair desilvered mirrors there are some DIY projects that you can do at home which includes using a desilvering mirror kit, hobby reflective paints, sealant, frame, and mirror finish tape. You can only do these repairs for minimal damages. On the other hand, if the glass is completely damaged, you need to replace it because there are no other ways to repair them.
Desilvering Mirror Kit
One way to repair desilvered mirrors is to use a desilvering mirror kit. You can purchase one online or in your local home depot. When using a desilvering mirror kit, make sure that you carefully follow the instructions.
Sealant
Using a sealant on the mirror is a good way to prevent black spots. You can choose from a wide array of sealants available on the market. Make sure that you have sufficient ventilation when working with sealants. It is best to apply it outdoors.
Hobby Reflective Paints
Another way to repair desilvered mirrors is to use hobby reflective paints. For this, you need to remove the frame and clean the area. It is ideal to put two layers of reflective paints. Wait for the first layer to completely dry before applying the second layer.
Frame
Using a frame is another way to repair a desilvered mirror. There is a wide array of frames that you can choose from. You can even customize one. Make sure that the frame perfectly fits the mirror. Moreover, it should be able to cover the black spots on the edges of the mirror. You can also check out this article that discusses how to remove paint from the mirror frame. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Mirror Finish Tape
You can also use mirror finish tape to cover the black spots in the mirror. This is ideal for the edges. Start by cleaning the edges of the mirror and applying the mirror finish tape. Cut off the tape with the use of a sharp knife.
✅ Video – Resilvering an Old Mirror
Angel Gilding shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to resilver an old mirror. In the video, the common questions asked about mirror resilvering are discussed. The step-by-step process to resilver a mirror is also shown. Watch the video for more information.
How Professionals Repair Desilvered Mirrors
Professional repair desilvered mirror by removing the back coating, applying silver nitrate, and applying copper paint. Take note that the chemicals used to resilver mirrors are toxic and hard-to-obtain. Hence it is best to let professionals do it.
Removing the Old Coating of the Mirror
When resilvering a mirror, the first step is to remove the old coating of the mirror. This can be done using a desilvering kit. Each desilvering kit has specific instructions that should be strictly followed. Clean the surface of the mirror using an industrial-grade paint remover. After that, use a nitric acid solution to remove the silver from the glass of the mirror. Make sure to wear a painter’s respirator when doing this process because the chemicals used is toxic to your health.
After the old layer of silver is removed, carefully clean the glass to remove any debris. Take note that the surface of the mirror must be cleaned before moving on to the next step. Otherwise, dirt will show up as blemishes which ruin the end result.
Application of Silver Nitrate
The next step is the reapplication of the silver nitrate. Start by evenly coating the clean side of the glass with a silver nitrate mixture. Let it dry for about r 24 to 48 hours before applying the next coat. If the coat is not thoroughly dry before adding the next layer, the result will not be smooth.
Application of Copper Paint
Lastly, you need to apply a coat of copper paint. This will effectively seal in the silver. It is ideal to cover the layer of metallic paint with a couple more coats of gray paint to create a durable coating. This will also prevent scratches and damage to the reflective coating of the mirror.
How Can You Prevent Mirror Desilvering?
To prevent mirrors from desilvering, you can use an edge sealant. You can purchase this at your local home depot or online. When applying the sealant to the mirror, make sure that you do it in an area with plenty of ventilation. Let it dry before installing it on the wall. You can also check out this article that discusses why your mirror is turning yellow. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can You Resilver Mirrors?
You can resilver mirrors. On the other hand, you need to take note that the process of resilvering needs highly professional and technical expertise. It is a challenging task that needs expertise and skills. Moreover, you need to deal with harsh chemical products that are harmful to your health. To resilver a mirror, you need to remove the original silver coating. Only real silver should be used and only an expert can do the job properly.
Can You Protect Mirrors from Moisture?
To protect mirrors from moisture, you need to apply silicone caulking between the mirror and the wall. You can purchase the caulking at your local home depot or you can also order it online. It is waterproof which prevents water from getting into the mirror. Apply and smooth the caulking over the entire seam using your finger. You can also read this article that discusses what causes mirrors to tarnish. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses what mirror desilvering is. We have shared above the different causes of desilvering in a mirror and how to repair it. Moreover, we have shared tips on how to prevent mirror desilvering. Thank you for reading!