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.<\/p>\n\n\n
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About Mirror Desilvering<\/h2>\n
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.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Moisture, poor ventilation, high humidity exposure, cleaning products, and changes in temperature are some of the common causes of mirror desilvering<\/strong>. When moisture penetrates the mirror, black spots start to appear.<\/strong> This is a common issue, especially for mirrors that are installed in the bathroom. Let us discuss more these causes below.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, and black spots will appear.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>? You can check out the article for more tips and information.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>? You can check out the article for more tips and information.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\nWhat Causes a Mirror to Desilver?<\/h2>\n
Moisture<\/h3>\n
High Humidity Exposure<\/h3>\n
Poor Ventilation<\/h3>\n
Cleaning Products<\/h3>\n
Changes in Temperature<\/h3>\n
How to Repair Desilvered Mirrors<\/h2>\n
Desilvering Mirror Kit<\/h3>\n
Sealant<\/h3>\n
Hobby Reflective Paints<\/h3>\n
Frame<\/h3>\n
Mirror Finish Tape<\/h3>\n
\u2705 Video \u2013 Resilvering an Old Mirror<\/h4>\n