How do I re-silver a 100 year old mirror?

Question

I have a mirror about 100 years old with an oil painting on part of the front, the silvering is going black and coming off in patches from the back of the glass. How do I repair it?

Answer 1

Better to bring it in to an antique repair/restoration shop. Don't risk losing it's value by accidentally using the wrong method.

Answer 2

From a specialist store (or Art store/ Theatrical supplier) you can get various products:- Cracklelure is one which breaks up the veneer on the varnish around the frame and helps to give it the 100 year old look. F.E.V. or french enamel varnish is the thick dark glazing that you find on old victorian furniture this should be applied with a dry brush around the edges of the frame/mirror SPARINGLY - you need to build up these effects slowly and stand back every 5mins - cos it's a pain in the a*ss when u gone too far have to srape it off and start all over again............. Hairspray or thinned down PVA adhesive is good to take the shine off the glass - but ditto above - go easy. Also use meths and wire wool CAREFULLY and very lightly to take off the silvering on the back in few places. and voila................ enjoy. Dave

Answer 3

I'd suggest an antique dealer, or possibly you may find someone helpful at a museum. It may turn out that you want to stop further deterioration rather than repair. Get some real, professional advice before doing anything, to best preserve both the mirror and its value.

Answer 4

I think it should be done by a professional. I'm sure it would make the mirror look better, but you might want to consider the antique value when making this decision. Sometimes repairing an item can actually lower it's value. If you keep it only for your enjoyment, and not for it's antique value then I'd say go for it. But I'd definitely not try that myself.

Answer 5

There are glass companies that can resilver it for you. Some antique dealers offer the service also, but then they take it to the glass company and you get to pay more $$$$$.

Answer 6

Mirrors can be "resilvered," but it is not a DIY job.
Google "resilver mirror" for an extensive listing of sites on the topic.

Answer 7

It's just possible to do this, but the stuff's pretty expensive. Getting it done professionally would be cheaper.

if it's framed, have you thought of putting another cheapo mirror behind it?

Answer 8

This Old House on the pbs.org website may be a place to check.

Answer 9

You can buy the stuff in really good DIY shops.

Answer 10

Find an antique dealer. They will be able to tell you who would do it for you..........Good luck..