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Q&As since 1989


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Chemistry behind Silvering chemicals

My name is Fernando and I work at a company which produces rear view mirrors. I'd like to know where I can find information about silvering chemicals ( for example: What is the function of each chemical component at the silvering chemicals formula) Why I have to use ammonia [on eBay or Amazon] for example. I will appreciate a help from you because here is very difficult to find some information.

Fernando Saraiva de Paula
- Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
2003

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Hi Fernando,

Deposition of silver is chemical reduction reaction. In this bath silver nitrate is the source of silver and ammonia complex the silver ion and the reduction agent commonly is formalin. After chemical mix well at alkaline PH the reduction of metallic silver take place on glass and gave mirror. Here is the simple discuss of making mirror.

Vahid Hosseyni
- Tehran, Iran
2003

I would like to make my own mirrors. Does anyone know and want to help me how to prepare silvering solutions? I know standard processes, but it does not satisfy me. If I used Valspar products, silver was O.K., but these solutions are too expensive. Thank you.

Vit Dornicak
glass making - Czech Republic, Europe
2003