Summary for patination of mirror glass Discussion
Patination of mirror glass is the focus of this thread, with Richard Shrives asking how newly antiqued mirrors are made and whether modern mirrors use silver or aluminum backing. He describes trying hydrochloric acid, vinegar, photographic chemicals, and sandblasting to create effects like removed silvering, bluing, and mottled orange-brown-purple patches. Ron Gerbrandt later asks the same basic question for modern mirror plate glass, wanting a home method to create an antique or water-marked look and to know what the backing metal is. The excerpt shown contains questions only, so no solution is given in the thread text provided. The practical takeaway is that the posters are seeking a safe, repeatable way to age mirror backing, but the source excerpt does not include an answer identifying the backing metal or recommending a successful technique.
Q. I have seen mirrors at antique and craft shows that have been newly antiqued.The effect looks like a chemical has been brushed on to remove small quantities of the silvering and then back painted, or the silver has blued. Another mirror had patches of orange, browns and purples.
So far I have tried hydrochloric acid, vinegar, photographic black and white chemicals, and sand blasting!
Any other suggestions? Is the mirror really silver or are they now aluminium. If so what other approaches could I try?
Richard Shrives
– Harvard, Massachusetts
2001
Q. I am new to the discussion. I too am interested in “home” techniques to achieve patination or water marking on modern mirror glass.
I have a wall of modern mirror plate glass. I would like to give them an antique or water-marked effect. Can you tell me what metal the modern mirror backing is and any techniques for “aging” the mirror backing?
Any thoughts?
Ron Gerbrandt
– Thornton, Colorado, USA
2006