Most likely, you’ve seen antique mirrors on display in museums or in pictures of your history textbooks at school. Maybe you have seen an antique mirror, passed down as an heirloom for generations, up close in a home. Historically, mirrors are valuable possessions, and having one, an owner should be aware of antique mirror maintenance and antique mirror repair.
Maintenance is important for these prized and beautiful mirrors with ornate craftsmanship. Maintenance will help keep the antique mirror in the best condition possible before you need antique mirror glass replacement or serious renovation. Let’s go over some tips for both maintenance and repair, including glass replacement.
Is my mirror an antique?
A mirror is an antique if it is at least 100 years old. Many antique mirrors from the 17th century are still strong today as they’ve been passed down as heirlooms. There are different types of antique mirrors, from handheld mirrors and dressing table mirrors to wall mirrors. Each mirror can be from a different period in time, too.
One sign of an antique mirror is imperfections in the glass. Bubbling and a crystalline or sparkly appearance could be visible. Dark patches on glass indicate spotting, and we’ll talk about that more later. The main takeaway is that the mirror won’t be perfect.
The frame could have wearing, scratches, and dust to indicate age and wear. Check the back of the frame for signs of age, like wooden backings, old screws, and labels from the original maker. The frame can also offer clues, with ornate designs or materials like gilded wood or metal suggesting an antique origin. If you’re unsure, consulting a professional appraiser can help confirm the mirror’s authenticity and value.
Understanding whether your mirror is an antique guides your approach to its care. Antique mirrors require specific maintenance techniques to preserve their historical integrity. Knowing what you’re working with is the first step in protecting your investment.
Tips for maintaining antique mirrors
Before needing antique mirror repair or antique mirror glass replacement, you want to ensure you’ve done everything possible to maintain the mirror frequently in your home. Proper care prevents deterioration and keeps the mirror a stunning focal point in your home.
Clean the antique mirror
When cleaning an antique mirror yourself, use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly damp with water. Gently wipe the surface, avoiding edges where the silvering is most vulnerable. Do not use harsh chemicals of any kind, as the mirror can be easily damaged.
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water for stubborn spots and apply it to the cloth. Do not apply the soap and water mixture to the glass directly. Avoid acid cleaners like vinegar. After cleaning, dry the mirror with a soft cloth to prevent moisture build-up.
Antique mirror repair or glass replacement is less likely when you have regularly and gently cleaned your mirror to look its best. Clean only when necessary, as excessive cleaning can wear down the silver over time.
Clean the frame
The frame of an antique mirror is often as valuable as the glass itself because of its intricate carvings, gilding, and other decorative elements. Cleaning the frame depends on the material of the frame. Metal frames are more desirable because metal frames are bronze or brass, clean metal frames with a soft cloth only.
Dust wooden frames regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent buildup. With a varnished wood, you can occasionally use a slightly damp cloth. However, don’t get the wood too wet. To finish, cover the frame with good-quality beeswax for additional protection.
Tips for repairing antique mirrors
Even with the best care, antique mirrors may eventually need repair. Whether due to age, accidental damage, or natural wear and tear, addressing these issues promptly can prevent further deterioration and restore the mirror to its former glory.
Assess the mirror condition
Before attempting antique mirror repairs, thoroughly assess the condition of the mirror. Examine the glass for cracks, chips, or spots. Check the frame for damage, such as loose joints, missing pieces, or areas of wear. Understanding the harm will help you know if you need a simple cleaning or complete glass replacement.
If the ruin is mild, you can most likely handle the repairs yourself. However, you can never be too safe by bringing in professionals. Professional antique mirror services can help with extensive silvering damage, large cracks, or major frame deterioration to preserve the mirror’s value and integrity.
Remove dirt and grime
Dust, dirt, and grime are easily accumulated on antique mirrors over time. Both the glass and frame can have a dull appearance when this occurs. Use the tips for maintenance above to help bring back the sparkle and shine you need to keep your mirror looking crystal clear.
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away the dirt for the glass. Add milk soap to the water if you really need to, but don’t soak the glass or use abrasive chemicals or materials that could scratch it.
What to do with mirror spotting
Spotting or “foxing” is a common issue with antique mirrors. Foxing is when an antique mirror silver or deteriorates and turns misty or tarnished in areas. This can showcase the age of the mirror and some owners and collectors like that. However, others may wish to restore the mirror to its original clarity through antique mirror repair.
If you want to keep the spotting, you can. However, if you decide to address spotting, note that sometimes this requires glass replacement. You can have the glass replaced and keep the original frame to keep the antique appearance, as well as have a functional mirror inside. You can also look at resilvering the mirror.
Know when it’s time to re-silver
Antique mirror glass replacement requires resilvering, which is the process of removing the existing silver coating and applying a new one. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, but it will be worth it for your mirror restoration. This special process requires professional expertise.
Resilvering removes the top silver layer on a mirror. Then, professionals clean the glass and apply a new silver coating. When looking into this, see if the original glass is worth repairing or if it’s more cost-effective to do a full glass replacement.
Reframing and reinforcing antique mirrors
Another aspect of antique mirror repair is looking at the frame. Over time, frames can become loose, warped, or damaged. This disrepair compromises both the appearance and the stability of the mirror.
If the frame is salvageable, reinforce it with a new backing or additional supports. Frame repairs can include replacing worn-out nails or screws, adding corner braces, or securing loose joints. For a frame beyond repair, a new frame can be custom-made to match the original as closely as possible, preserving the antique look while providing a stable and secure structure.
Murray Glass is your mirror expert
When it comes to maintaining and repairing antique mirrors, professional expertise is invaluable. Murray Glass specializes in creating heirlooms and repairing and restoring antique mirrors. Offering antique mirror glass replacement services means our committed team understands the challenges of working with antique pieces and preserves their beauty and value for years to come.
Contact Murray Glass today to assist you with your antique mirror needs.
