Mirror backing

Jewelry Discussion
1

Does anyone know if there is anything that can be put on the back of
the mirror when some of the original has scratched away? Someone had
suggested to me to try black paint.

Thanks again!
Cherie Wilbur

2

Perhaps silver foil. Check www.marthastewart.com or one of her
books for a project.

Elaine Luther
Chicago area, Illinois, USA
Certified PMC Instructor
@E_Luther

3 
  Does anyone know if there is anything that can be put on the
back of the mirror when some of the original has scratched away? 
Someone had suggested to me to try black paint.  Thanks again!   
Cherie Wilbur

Hello Cherie, I have had an antique mirror “resilvered” and it was
pricey. The expense is not worth it unless the mirrored piece is
irreplaceable. In my case it was an unusual shape with beveled edge,
so I opted for restoring the mirror rather than trying to get a new
one cut to fit. Here’s a website that discusses resilvering:

http://ourhouse.ninemsn.com.au/ourhouse/factsheets/db/intheworkshop/
09/984.asp

The reflective surface must be shiney, so black paint will not
restore the mirror. Good luck with this,

Judy in Kansas
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
237 Seaton Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936

4

I remember watching the show that this article relates to. It cost
about $50 AUD to resilver an antique mirror about 50cm by 40cm.

Bec

5

Hello Cherie, I have had an antique mirror “resilvered” and it was
pricey. If all else fails, what about backing the mirror with
another piece of glass–in the form of a “first surface” mirror?
This is thin glass with the reflective surface on the front, not
behind the glass. They are widely used in better kaliedescopes, and
can be purchased at stained glass supply places, as well as
scientific supply places, I think.
–Noel

6

Be aware that re-silvering an antique mirror will destroy its value
to a collector. Tony Konrath