A pair of antique mirrors always complement a modern setting regardless of whether it’s a contemporary room or not. If your antique mirrors are looking a little jaded, there are a few things you can do to give them life, a little more appeal. While we do want antiques to look old, too much wear and tear can detract from an agreeable aesthetic, and with that in mind, here are a few tips on restoring and repairing antique mirrors.
• Restoring Antique Glass
If the actual glass is in need of repair, this can be a little tricky, and if the mirror is valuable, you might prefer to leave the restoration to a skilled person. When restoring the silver on antique mirrors, it is important that you have everything you need prior to starting the restoration, and, of course, you should be confident that you know what you are doing.
Re-silvering the glass is a delicate process that requires the right chemicals, and if you are unsure, why not start by giving the glass a thorough clean first, on both sides, which might be enough to make a difference. If you are going to re-silver the glass, there are articles available online that fully explain what you will need to re-silver the mirror glass, along with step by step instructions.
• Frame Repairs
Remove the glass from the frame firstly, when carrying out frame repair, which can be a challenge in itself. If the frame is rather ornate, then use a soft, dry brush to thoroughly remove excess dirt and dust. If the frame is chipped, you can carefully fill the chipped area with filler, without applying too much, and when it dries, carefully sand until it matches the surrounds. In the event you are not removing the glass for the restoration, protect it by covering the entire glass area with newspaper. Select your paint colour preference, and start with a single coat, then wait until it fully dries before making a comparison.
If you have little or no experience in restoring antique mirrors, you are advised to let the professionals carry out the restoration work, especially if the mirror is valuable. It is always advisable to start with a good clean mirror, then review the condition one more time, as very often, this is sufficient. You could always take the mirror to a local antique dealer and ask for his professional opinion, just to be on the safe side.
• Sourcing Antique Mirrors
If you are looking to add to your collection, there are online antique dealers who specialise in antique mirrors, and you can search online for a leading UK antique dealer, and they would have an impressive catalogue of fine antique mirrors. If you have just finished redecorating your interior in a modern setting, a pair of antique mirrors would really look good. With the online antique dealer, only a few mouse clicks away, you can view a wide selection before making your choice.
What do you think of antique mirrors?
*This article is published in partnership with Mediabuzzer.
