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How To Fix A Scratch On A Mirror

Scratch with aluminum foil

Well-nigh old mirrors have defective silvering and misleading blog posts commonly claim that scratched mirror silvering tin can be repaired by taping aluminum foil on the dorsum. We tested this and like hacks and found that none of these methods piece of work!

Argent mirroring is so perfectly reflective that any scratch or defect in the silvering is extremely obvious. Painting the scratch with silvery paint, or taping silvery leaf or aluminum foil to the back does not disguise the defect. A much better solution is to purchase a new mirror.


Table of contents

  • Mirror Repair & Restoration
  • Trying to set scratches in mirror silvering
    • Aluminum foil
    • Silver leafage
    • Silver airbrush paint
    • Lesson learned – don't believe everything you read!
  • Gauge retail prices of mirrors
    • To Purchase a New Mirror, or Paint the Quondam One?

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Trying to fix scratches in mirror silvering

Scratch on reverse of mirror

A deep scratch that goes through the pigment and the silvered surface will show whatsoever is backside the mirror. Scratches similar these e'er seem to occur in the nigh conspicuous part of the mirror!

Let's see if the folk tales about mirror repair methods actually work.

Aluminum foil

Scratch with aluminum foil

Many blog posts merits that aluminum foil, smoothed downwards and taped to the back of the mirror, volition successfully disguise a crack.

This fix is repeated numerous times past irresponsible bloggers but, see for yourself, it simply does non work. The appearance of the foil is much lighter than the smoother, optically perfect silvered mirror.

Silver leafage

Mirror scratch unsuccessfully repaired by silver foil

We have supplies of real silvery foliage (used for antique restorations) then nosotros tried burnishing this silver to the dorsum of the scratch, in case it may work better than kitchen foil.

No luck! As the photograph shows the divergence between silvered mirror and the silver leaf is very obvious.

Silver airbrush pigment

Mirror scratch unsuccessfully repaired by silver airbrush spray

Painting the scratch with silver airbrush paint. Nosotros try very loftier-quality Spaz Stix brand "Ultimate Mirror Chrome" paint designed for airbrush spraying. This paint has a 4.6 Amazon ranking and is popular with hobbyists.

The results are simply as disappointing every bit the metal foil attempts. After four coats, the difference between the brighter spray paint and the mirror is obvious.

Lesson learned – don't believe everything you lot read!

Numerous cheerful home repair "experts" repeat these crazy hacks and even get loftier rankings on Google. One not bad example is the erroneous idea that cracked mainland china tin be fixed with milk! Make up your own listen from the images on this page: the conclusion is that paint or metal foil may slightly reduce the prominence of a scratch, but in no way eliminates the damage.

In many cases, it is much ameliorate to only replace the damaged mirror. Read this article to larn how.

Approximate retail prices of mirrors

Consider ownership a new mirror rather than trying to fix a scratch – see typical prices beneath.

The prices of mirrors vary widely from store to store and in different parts of the US. Use the guess retail prices, in the table below, as a guide to decide whether information technology is worth your time and effort to strip and re-silver an old mirror. Notice the weights of the various thicknesses – consider choosing a lighter-weight mirror for easier hanging.

Thickness
(inches)
two Sq. Ft. 3 Sq. Ft. four Sq. Ft.
one/8″ $21 (3.4 lbs.) $24 (5.i lbs.) $27 (vi.8 lbs.)
three/xvi″ $35 (5.1 lbs.) $39 (7.7 lbs.) $42 (10.2 lbs.)
i/4″ $48 (6.8 lbs.) $54 (x.ii lbs.) $66 (13.seven lbs.)
Weights and judge retail prices of clear mirrors in the USA. Prices are for clean-cutting (that is non polished or beveled) clear glass mirrors suitable for inserting into a frame.

To Purchase a New Mirror, or Paint the Old One?

Learn all about using silver spray paints from this post in which we test 8 products to discover the all-time.

Our conclusion is that "Mirror Outcome" spray paint (available here from Amazon) from the Rust-Oleum company is the #1 pick for silvering a mirror.

Unique Mirror Resource from Artistry in Glass

Mirror Blueprint & layout

  • How are mirrors made?
  • What is a beveled mirror?
  • What is a two-mode mirror?
  • Best mirrors for bedrooms
  • How to size and position your wall mirror
  • How to lodge custom etched mirrors
  • Best places to hang dining room mirrors
  • How much do wall mirrors cost?
  • Shop the MIRROR Family Package

Mirror Installation & Removal

  • How to hang a wall mirror
  • How to frame a builder'due south course bathroom mirror
  • How to hang a frameless mirror with glue
  • All-time clips for hanging mirrors
  • How to attach a mirror to a cupboard door
  • How to remove a mirror glued to the wall

Mirror Repair & Restoration

  • Should I resilver my antique mirror?
  • Tin can I repair scratched mirror silvering?
  • What is the best spray paint for mirror silvering?
  • How to fix a cracked mirror
  • How to repair a cleaved mirror frame

Artistry in Glass is your source for antiquarian repair in Tucson

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John

I was an exploration geologist and University Professor working in Botswana, Zambia, Brazil, Kingdom of saudi arabia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other countries before opening Artistry in Glass in 1986. In my more than 35 years of experience, I have brought my technical abilities as a scientist to the trade of glasswork. During this time I have go an industry expert in glass and glass-related skills. Lookout out for special insider tips developed from my detailed knowledge of the glass business organisation.

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