What is resilvering a mirror?
Resilvering is a process of removing the old paint and deteriorated silver from the glass and replacing it with new material. First, the paint is removed with a paint stripper. Then the old silver is removed with nitric acid. Once the all of the backing has been removed, the glass is cleaned and polished. The resilvering process is just like the original silvering process. The glass is coated with a silver nitrate mixture. This layer is covered with copper paint and sealed with a gray outer coat of paint. These outer layers of paint protect the silver from damage and deterioration.
Why would I need to resilver my mirror?
If you have an antique mirror or an expensive mirror with beveled edges or an unusually shaped mirror, you can usually resilver it for less money than buying a brand new mirror of similar design. If the mirror is etched or has intricate edge work, it is also more affordable is most cases to resilver than to purchase a new mirror. Often, antique mirrors may experience an increase in value if they have been resilvered since they are more functional but still have the antique glass and/or frame. However, it is always best to check with an antique expert before refurbishing the mirror because some collectors prefer that the item remain absolutely original.
When do I need to resilver my mirror?
You should be able to easily see when a mirror needs to be resilvered. The mirror may appear to be dull, dirty, or streaked but cleaning it does not remove those appearances. This is because the silver has deteriorated. You may see what seems to be a scratch in the glass; but when you touch it, the surface is smooth. There could be a scratch in the paint layers and the silver layer on the back. In any of these circumstances, resilvering the mirror may be the only option to restore the original reflective quality. If the mirror only has deterioration along the edge of an unbeveled rectangular mirror, it would probably be cheaper to buy a new mirror. You will need to research how much your particular mirror would cost to resilver as opposed to replacing it to see which is more cost effective.
How much time and money does resilvering take?
Resilvering your mirror will cost varying amounts depending on the size. The average cost is around $15 per square foot with a minimum charge of around $20 per item. Usually, the work can be finished in around three weeks. Make sure that you use a reputable refinisher so that your resilvered mirror will look its best and return to you undamaged. Be aware, however, that there is always risk of damage when you send your mirror to be worked on. You may want to talk to your mirror refinisher to determine their policies on damaged mirrors.
Resilvering mirrors can be a way to preserve the function as well as the beauty of intricate or antique mirrors.