It is easier to "antique" a mirror as the silver is
depositing on the glass than it is to tarnish an existing
mirror. You can make the silver as thin, as varied and as
dramatic as you want. If you do go overboard - it's too
dramatic - you can add another layer of silver to soften the
effect. Your options are limitless.
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Tips on antiquing:
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Antiquing is an organic process; no two mirrors
turn out the same.
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Experiment to see how different chemicals affect
the metal.
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Make several sample mirrors and take notes as you
work.
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Gold does not tarnish. To make an antique gold
mirror, antique the silver behind the gold
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Copper and galena mirrors are dark and dense;
tarnishing effects do not show clearly.
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What our products do:
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Thiourea crystals – contain sulfur that turns
silver blue, purple and gray
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Stannous chloride crystals – turn silver
brown and gold
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Whiting and pumice – thin the silver as it
deposits to form light and dark gray areas
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Silver Remover – removes the silver without
removing the tin
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Mirror Remover – turns the silver purple/blue
before dissolving it
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Gilsonite Asphaltum – can be thinned to a
gold/brown backing paint
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Black Roll Coat – a matte black backing
paint; more durable than asphaltum
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Our
Antique
Silver Instructions will get you started. We're sure
you'll discover other wonderful effects on your own.
We also carry the new Smith Tip - as seen on
YouTube - and water size brushes for
applying gold and silver leaf to glass.
