If you love the non-standard design of your apartment, you should think about how to age the mirror. It will give the interior informality, highlight your alternative perception of design and give it some touch of sophistication. Plus, it will hide the shortcomings of this element without losing the quality of the “image” and the need to buy a new element of aesthetic design. Moreover, an aged mirror will very transparently hint to others at the subtlety of your taste and openness to new trends: antique details always remain in trend without creating a retrograde reputation for their owners.
In reality, mirrors age unimaginably long. Rather, they will break than acquire a flair of antiquity. Buying old “glass” is not only expensive, but also dangerous: it is believed that the identities of previous owners are imprinted in it. And if their life was not too happy, mirrors can attract a tail of negative energy. Which, of course, no one wishes for their home. That's whyand invented a variety of ways to age the mirror. You get the necessary entourage without all sorts of unpleasant appendages.
Interior win
Of course, first of all, an aged mirror should fulfill its direct role: to reflect the one who looks into it. In parallel, it will expand (or narrow) the surrounding space. However, in the decor it is also important. The idea of aging a mirror for supporters of Provence, country, art deco or classic style can be considered just perfect: it will deepen the impression and create the right mood. It will also give the interior a touch of nobility and romance with a slight touch of respectability.
However, an aged mirror will not be in harmony only with ultra-modern and technical styles. In all other cases, it will be extremely appropriate.
How to age a mirror with your own hands spray
Repair and construction industry does not stand still. And it takes into account all the needs of the hilled market. So the easiest way to age the mirror is with a special acrylic silver spray. The principle of application is as simple as a banana: the mirror surface is removed from the frame and its edges are processed from a can. At the same time, they become noticeably darker than the center, which gives the mirror an old look. And this process will take quite a bit of work and time. The most impressive look the mirror takes after dressing it in an aged hand-made frame.
Acid Approach
Using acid gives a more realistic effect that extends over the entire surface. Depending on the manufacturing process of the mirror, different compositions can be selected. But if you are not interested in chemistry and do not want to experiment with different compounds, immediately stop at "royal vodka" (this is a very famous substance in the world of chemistry). It will definitely corrode the back of the mirror, which will allow you to successfully age the mirror. The master class includes only a few clarifications. First, you need to work with gloves, goggles and a respirator. Secondly, in a well-ventilated area. And thirdly, you need to think in advance about the spill of acid and its amount, so as not to get perfectly transparent glass at the output.
Alternative Methods
There are other ways to age a mirror. For example, rub its amalgam with fine sandpaper. So that the traces are not so clear, they are then silvered with a portal and painted. It is possible to scratch the coating with a razor or a needle - with foil laying in order to avoid complete destruction of the amalgam. Our goal is only to make its layer thinner. Moreover, the drawing is taken as chaotic, "cobweb", and meaningful, stencil. The main thing is to create the illusion of cracks, which was caused by time.
Some designers use firing when aging mirrors. Here, too, accuracy is required: overheating can cause it to crack or turn into ordinary glass. After burning the amalgam, the back surface againtreated with potal and tinted.
In any case, you can't do without an "old" frame. Agree, an antique mirror in an ultra-modern frame will look ridiculous. However, aging a tree is much easier…
