If you like the original design of your apartment, you should think about how to age a mirror. It will give the interior informality, emphasize your alternative perception of design and give it some touch of sophistication. Plus, it will hide the disadvantages 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 the subtlety of your taste and openness to new trends: details made "antique" invariably remain in trend without creating a reputation for retrograde for their owners.
In reality, mirrors age unimaginably long. Rather, they will break than acquire a fleur of antiquity. Buying an 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 pull a tail of negative energy behind them. Which, of course, no one would wish for their home. Therefore, various ways have been invented to age the mirror. You get the necessary surroundings without any unpleasant appendages.
Winning for the interior
Naturally, in the first place, 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. Just the ideal idea can be considered to age a mirror for supporters of the Provence, country, art deco or classic style: it will deepen the impression and create the right mood. It will also give the interior a touch of nobility and romance with a touch of respectability.
However, an aged mirror will not be in harmony only with ultramodern and technical design 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 takes into account all the needs of the spud market. So the easiest way to age a 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 the spray can. At the same time, they become noticeably darker than the center, which gives the mirror an old look. But labor and time this process will take quite a bit. The most impressive form of the mirror takes after vesting it in an old frame with his own hands.
Acid approach
The use of acid gives a more realistic effect that extends to the entire surface. Different compositions can be selected depending on the process of manufacturing the mirror. But if you are not interested in chemistry and do not want to experiment with different compounds, immediately stop at “aqua regia” (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, glasses and a respirator. Secondly, in a well-ventilated area. And thirdly, it is necessary to think over the acid spill and its quantity in advance so as not to get perfectly transparent glass at the output.
Alternative methods
There are other ways to age a mirror. For example, rub his amalgam with fine sandpaper. So that the tracks are not so obvious, they are then silvered with a portal and painted. You can scratch the coating with a razor or a needle - with the laying of foil to avoid the complete destruction of the amalgam. Our goal is only to make its layer thinner. Moreover, the picture is taken as chaotic, "cobwebbed", and meaningful, stenciled. The main thing is to create the illusion of cracks, the cause of which was time.
Some designers use firing when aging mirrors. Here, accuracy is also required: overheating can cause both cracking and transformation into ordinary glass. After burning the amalgam, the back surface is again treated with potal and tinted.
In any case, without an "old" frame can not do. Agree, an antique mirror in a super-modern frame will look ridiculous. However, aging a tree is much easier ...