Mirror desilvering is a common problem that mostly occurs on bathroom mirrors. This problem can also happen to any mirror irrespective of their placement location. Basically, mirror desilvering is a process where the reflective coating on the back of a mirror deteriorates, this is a long process, it takes two to three or more years to happen.
The main cause of mirror desilvering is the oxidation process that happens with the metal from which the mirror’s backside is polished. If you know the oxidation process then it will be easy for you to understand.
When your mirror is desilvered, It creates unsightly black or dark spots on the mirror which can detract from the mirror’s appearance and the overall look of the space. Now the question is how can you prevent the mirror desilvering, and if your mirror is already desilvered, what can you do to restore your mirror?
Well, In this article, I will give you a complete guide on mirror desilvering, I mean how can you prevent your mirror from desilvering, if your mirror is already desilver then what should you do and also I’ll give you some tips regarding this problem. So I will suggest you read this article till the end.
What is mirror desilvering?
Mirror desilvering is the process where the reflective coating on the back of a mirror deteriorates over time, resulting in dark spots or patches where the mirror loses its reflective quality.
The backside of the mirror is generally coated with silver or aluminum and this problem typically occurs due to exposure to moisture, chemicals, or environmental factors that cause the silver or aluminum layer to corrode and break down.
How to prevent mirror from desilvering?
Mirror desilvering is an oxidation process in which moisture, chemicals, or some other environmental factor reacts with the coated surface. To avoid mirror desilvering we just need to stop this reaction. Here are the 5 Clever Ways to Prevent Mirror Desilvering.
Try to keep air moisture under control
If your bathroom mirror is desilvering, you need to take extra care of it because a bathroom is the place where the moisture rate is always high. To reduce the moisture in bathroom you can use a bathroom extractor fan or a dehumidifier. These gadgets will also help you prevent mirror fogging in the winter season.
Use sealant between mirror and the wall
You can use sealant around the edges of the mirror. This sealant prevents moisture and water from penetrating the coatings. Using a sealant on your mirror is a very easy to do method and if you want to prevent your mirror from desilvering, this is the best and most effective method.
You can use adhesive sealant
If you are planning to place a mirror in your bathroom directly on the wall, you can use any adhesive sealant, While using adhesive material make sure that all the edges of the mirror are completely covered.
There is also a drawback of using this method in installing a mirror. Once you install the mirror by this method when you need to remove the mirror in the future, there will be changes that will damage the wall. If you want to know more about adhesive sealed mirrors, you can read this article.
Be mindful of water splashes
Water is the main reason for mirror desilvering. When the water splashes fall on mirror and we ignore that, it starts reacting with the coated material on the backside of the mirror over time. So be careful of it and try to not splash water around the mirror.
If you find water droplets on the mirror, wipe out the mirror from any smooth cloth. To avoid the desilvering problem of bathroom mirrors, Wipe the mirror down after every bath or shower.
Avoid chemicals for mirror cleaning
Most people use chemicals to clean their mirrors, but this is a bad practice. Using chemicals to clean a mirror can be beneficial for a short period of time, but it will damage the mirror over time. Try to avoid chemicals like vinegar and ammonia while cleaning your mirror.
These are some precautions you can take to prevent your mirror from desilvering, but what if your mirror is already rusted, how can you stop it and how can you repair it?
How can you repair mirror desilvering?
Well, mirror desilvering is a natural process, and once your mirror gets rusted or desilvered, it is hard to restore. But there are a few options you can opt to restore your mirror. The very first option you can opt for is that you can Resilver your mirror by hiring professionals which is obviously a costly method. So if you afford then go through it, but if you can’t then,
You can use WD-40 to reduce the desilvering effect, it will not restore your mirror completely, it will just help you to reduce the process of desilvering and will make it durable for a long time.
If your mirror is desilvered on just your mirror’s edges then you can cover it by using modern and stylish frames. By doing this you can give your mirror a gift of life. You can also cut the rusted edge of the mirror and refrmate it.
Conclusion
Desilvering of mirror (rusting of mirror) is a common issue, particularly in high-moisture environments like bathrooms. This issue occurs mainly due to the oxidation of the metal backing, which leads to unsightly black or dark spots on the mirror. To avoid desilvering, you should mintain moisture levels, using sealants, avoid direct water splashes, and refraining from harsh chemical cleaners.
If your mirror is already desilvered, you can either have it professionally fixed, which can be expensive, or use WD-40 to slow down the process. Another option is to cover the edges with a frame to hide the spots. By taking these steps, you can keep your mirror looking nice and shiny for a longer time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to cover mirror desilvering?
It depends on which part of your mirror is desilvered, if only the edges of the mirror are desilvered then you can cover it by attaching a new and modern frame, you can also cut the rusted edges. But if the mirror is desilvered in the middle part, you will have two options either you can resilver the mirror or you can change the mirror.
What causes a mirror to desilver?
The cause of mirror desilvering is the deterioration of the reflective silver backing. When the mirror comes in contact with moisture, the silver starts reacting with water the process is called oxidation. Another reason is chemicals, such as cleaning sprays or glues, which can hurt the silver. Mirrors also desilver from Physical damage, like scratches or abrasions.
Why is my mirror turning brown?
If your mirror is turning brown, it’s likely due to desilvering, which is the deterioration of the mirror’s silver backing. This can happen for several reasons. Moisture is a common culprit, as water or high humidity can seep into the mirror edges and cause the silver to corrode.
Harsh cleaning products can also damage the silver over time. As mirrors age, their protective coatings naturally wear away, exposing the silver to air and moisture, and leading to corrosion.
Can I Resilver a mirror myself?
Yes, you can resilver a mirror yourself, but it’s a tricky job. You’ll need a resilvering kit, which includes special chemicals that can be dangerous. So I’ll suggest you to hire a professional for this job, rather than doing it by yourself.
