Posted by Roderick on March 02, 2004
PatrickMikes last post regarding the "Barbacue chip" tecnique is a perfect example of where I am right now.
I made myself a "magic" sales display box and right away I sold my first big glue chipped mirrored job.So I'm thinking with all the testing and samples I've done things should go pretty smooth.
Well we all know from personal experience the devil is in the details and so not haveing much of the latter I could be in alot of trouble.
After working up some samples for this new job I had to do some double chipping which came out great.It's funny how cocky we get when things go good.
Moving on to the mirroring while I was going through the cleaning process I noticed small "flakes" of glass that were still attached.Some you could chip off and some you couldn't.I then did my mirroring and was happy with that and releaved it work so well.After It dryied I notice there were small holidays in the mirroring under those flakes.I backed up the holidays I could find with siver paint but a few that I didn't find showed when I applied black back paint
Is there something I need to do in between soaking the glass to remove the left over glue and mirroring?
Do I need to go in and try to remove all those flakes.Iv'e noticed it even with single chipping.
Would it be better to back up the chipped areas first with siver paint then go over that with black back-up.
Thanks Roderick
Mike Jackson - Cleaning glueI dry the glass completely, then examine it in good light for adheared glass chips. I pick or chisel them off with an exacto blade. Rinse water or the tinning solution will wick into those crevaces and block the silver out.
Also if it is just a surface chip you don't want a hanging chip to pop off during window cleaning and cut someone's hand.
Pat
Roderick,
More than likely, the little "flakes" were remnants of gelled glue holding onto glass. I could be wrong of course, but the mirrored results you are talking about indicate that is the case.
I don't know how others do it, but I soak my glass pieces in warm water for 30 mintes or longer after I get all the visible glue off. Sometimes I use the bath tub in the house with foam cushions under it to keep it from getting scratched. After 30 minutes, I use a "scotch-brite pad" and lightly scrub the entire glass. It is possible to scratch the glass if you are too aggressive, and expecially if you pick up a shard of glass in the pad-- but all you have to do is be a little careful. It will remove the glue residue quite well if it has had a chance to soften. Then clean as normal with amonia and other recommended steps for silvering.
Mike
Roderick
Mike JacksonI stoped using scotch-brite pad after it scratched the glass once so now I'm using plastic scrub brushes to clean everything.I thought at first it was left over glue but I am certain that it was flakes of glass.
Next time I'll do a better inspection and deflaking before silvering.
What about backing up with silver paint first?
Thanks Roderick
Robare M. NovouI would suggest setting the piece over a piece of black paper or velvet. You should be able to see black holes. Another suggestion would be to hold it up to the stong light. If you see pin holes of light, I suggest covering them. If silver is the last backgroud finish, try several light coats of shellac, then tamp almuinum bronzing poweder into it before it completely dries. Look for pinholes and when completely satisfied, roll your mirror back up.
Try it on several practice pieces...
Mike
Mike Jackson - Kitchen "scrubby"I also use a scrub brush, one of those round ones, looks like a mushroom. on small areas, I use a toothbrush. Using scotch brite scares me...as your hand would be to close to those lose glass shards that creep up sometimes, Im still smarting from the last one that lanced me as I peeled off some lose flakes of glue.
RMN
Darla is sitting here and I asked her the name of the pad in the kitchen is called. She said..."I don't know...a scrubby?" The one by the sink is maybe finer than a scotch-brite pad you buy at the lumber yard. It seems like a cross between a scotch-brite pad and fine steel wool. 3-M make a pad similar, sold in the cleaning section of the grocery store that has a foam chunk on the top. I've never scratched the glass using it, especially when the glass and "scrubby" are wet.
To reiterate, by the time I get the the "scrubby", I have already chipped off remaining visible glue using an x-acto knife (carefully), then soaked it in warm water. By that time, the remnant glue is very soft and comes off easily.
Mike
Mike jackson - Minor detail
I probably should mention, I use the scotch-brite pad WET, usually with running water rinsing across the glass at the same time as I am scrubbing.
Mike
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