Aside from its conventional use as a way to see your reflection, a mirror could tell tons of stories. Antique mirrors, for instance, hold history through their material, decoration, gold leaf, finish, and glass.

It is undeniable that antique mirrors have captivating beauty as decors, but they could also be used in various unconventional ways. That is why some individuals keep and collect antique mirrors and hire experts to do antique mirror repairs.

Whether you have found an antique mirror in your old basement or have decided to purchase it, it is crucial to have a working knowledge of common problems with antique mirrors and how they could be repaired.

Common Problems That Require Antique Mirror Repairs

The most common problem of antique mirrors is the existence of dark spots and streaks on the glass itself. These black spots are often due to moisture buildup when the silver backing used in the process of creating mirrors wears out. The entire process is known as “de-silvering.”

Another common issue involves the cracks in the antique mirror’s frame. Most collectors and owners want to keep the integrity of the frame, which is often the most valuable part of an antique mirror. However, repairing the frame of antique mirrors can be complicated. It could result to further breakage if not handled by an expert.

There may also be times when antique mirrors with a specific finish, such as gold, need refurbishing. This is a fairly common issue but relatively easy to address.

How Do I Fix My Antique Mirror’s Glass?

When fixing your antique mirror’s glass, you need first to examine if the damage is minimal. If the glass has many cracks and scratches, it is best to have it replaced rather than restored.

You can find mirror replacement services that can do this with ease. Nevertheless, if you still think that the original glass has more value than the new glass, you can have the mirror fixed through “re-silvering.”

Re-silvering is a process wherein the silver coat at the back of your antique mirror will be scraped off and restored.

Generally, the steps involved in re-silvering are the following:

• Use a paint stripper to remove the painted backing of the mirror.
• Remove the old silver of the mirror using nitric acid.
• Clean the mirror’s surface gently and thoroughly.
• Coat the mirror with silver nitrate and let it dry.

You might come across DIY re-silvering kits. However, we recommend letting an expert handle it for you because various re-silvering involves chemicals, and it is a very intricate procedure.

How Do I Restore My Antique Mirror’s Frame?

While some would choose to replace the glass of an antique mirror, most would prefer to restore its frame. Indeed, an antique mirror’s frame gives it identity and history.

If you’re doing it yourself at home, clean the frame first and get rid of dust and dirt buildup using mild cleaning tools.

You can also sand off the paint to give it a new look. If its frame is made out of metal, keep in mind to use metal paint with an appropriate color for a rusty and antique look.

You can also hire a professional restoration company to fix your antique frame. They can clean and touch up its finish to make it look like new again. You can also ask them to repair any chips on your frame’s ornamentation.

Should I Hire a Professional to Repair My Antique Mirror?

Most people hold on to a unique piece, like an antique glass or mirror, because it often holds a story and has a personal connection with them. For example, an antique mirror could be an heirloom that is a prized possession of a family.

Some choose to collect and restore these pieces to sell them for a profit. For these reasons, it is recommended to hire an expert when it comes to antique mirror repairs.

Professionals know how to delicately change the glass of your antique mirror and choose a high-quality glass for mirror replacement. Hire a company with an excellent track record on restoring antique mirrors.

Glass King Offers Antique Mirror Repairs in Phoenix, AZ

If you are around Arizona and you need to have your antique mirror restored and replaced, Glass King is the company to call.

Our glass repair services include antique mirror repairs, and through our service, we can make it look and function like it is new. We take pride in our top-notch glass services, and we are committed to what we do.

Call us for a free consultation and quotation at 480-389-5656. You can also visit our website and use our contact form for any inquiries. Talk to one of our consultants, and let’s see how we could help you.