Blackening of mirror edge in bathroom
WillieWonka
| Posted in General Discussion on
I have a large 4×4 mirror in my bathroom for about 5 yrs now. Bout a year or so ago it started to get some irregular blackening along the bottom edge and it continues to worsen. It seems as if it’s behind the glass or something. What is this, what is causing it and can it be stopped?
If at first you don’t succeed, try using a hammer next time…everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Replies
mildew spotting?
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Tin is laid on the glass cuz silver won't stick, you have a delamination of the tin/silver..mostly caused by excess moisture.
Maybe a bad run of mirror, or maybe too much H2O getting to it, either way you are looking to replace it I think.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_oEx4-Mc4
What do you clean the mirror with, Windex?
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Good call, ammonia attacks tin and silver.
You da man.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_oEx4-Mc4
I've seen it b/4. Cleaner runs down, hugs the bottom and just enough is wicked up to the backside to start the process.
A little on the surface seems ok, but when you drench it.....
Had a good glass man mention it to me a long time ago. Didn't know it was ammonia-he just mentioned most consumer window cleaners.
Most often see it happen on stacked mirrors-where a border or decorative buildup shows signs of deterioration.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Dead on. That's mostly it.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_oEx4-Mc4
I don't clean it, I just wipe it down sometimes with a moist cloth and that's rare. I run a bath fan to get moisture out every time we shower, somtimes moisture still gets on the mirror though but not for long as the fan exhausts it.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
That's a very common problem. Usually the fix is to take it to a glass company and have them cut the bottom inch or so off and it's good as new for another several years. Costs about $5 to have it done.
I think that the edges (and possibly the back) are suppose to be sealed. Not sure with what, maybe a varnish.Found this with google."Why our mirrors last longer: A) Besides several layers of protective coatings, we seal our mirrors with Pro-tech mirror seal. The Pro-tech seal for mirrors is extremely effective in eliminating the common problem of mirrors turning black in spots or on the edge “black edge.” B) We insulate our mirrors so that silver does not come in contact with other metals. C) We insulate our mirrors from potential chemical catalysts that could react with the silver.Mirror On Backsplash With Cutouts and SconsesWhy do mirrors turn black? For centuries mirrors have been made by applying silver, real silver to glass. The silver reflects light, and the images opposite it. Silver is known for it’s propensity to tarnish. This is called oxidization. Many people own real silver dishes and “silver”ware they must clean to before setting out for guests to enjoy.
Mirrors have the same problem. Pro-tech mirror sealer is the best protective agent we have ever found to prevent oxidization of mirrors. We want your mirrors to look great today…and many years from now. Mirror Gallery."http://www.crlaurence.com/ProductPages/G/GN4_3734.html?Origin=
CRL Gunther Seal-Kwik Mirror Edge Sealer.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Never heard of anything like that. Sounds like a great idea!
Willie
Is the bottom edge of the mirror caulked?
If so, condensation that gets behind the mirror will collect on the back side and take much longer to dry out than if it is not caulked.
That's my 2 cents.
sully