How To Age Mirror Glass

How to Age Mirror Glass for an Antique Look

Antique mirrors have a unique charm and can add character to any room. But if you don't want to spend a fortune on an antique, you can easily age new mirror glass to create a similar look.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to age mirror glass:

Materials You'll Need:

* New mirror glass * Vinegar * Steel wool * Soft cloth * Water * Optional: ammonia

Instructions:

1. Clean the mirror glass with a soft cloth and water to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Dip a piece of steel wool into vinegar and gently rub it over the surface of the mirror glass in circular motions. The vinegar will react with the silver coating on the back of the mirror, causing it to age and give it an antique look.

3. Continue rubbing the mirror glass with the steel wool and vinegar until you achieve the desired level of aging. If you want a more distressed look, rub the steel wool more vigorously. If you want a more subtle look, rub the steel wool more gently.

4. Once you're satisfied with the look of the mirror glass, rinse it with water to remove any remaining vinegar. Dry the mirror glass with a soft cloth.

5. If you want to add even more age to the mirror glass, you can use a solution of ammonia and water. Dip a soft cloth into the ammonia solution and gently rub it over the surface of the mirror glass. This will further age the mirror glass and give it a more authentic antique look.

6. Once you're finished, allow the mirror glass to dry completely before using it.

Tips:

* Use different grades of steel wool to create different effects. Coarse steel wool will create a more distressed look, while fine steel wool will create a more subtle look. * Experiment with different strengths of vinegar. A stronger vinegar solution will create a more dramatic effect, while a weaker vinegar solution will create a more subtle effect. * If you're not sure how the aging process will affect the mirror glass, test it on a small area first. * Be careful not to rub the steel wool too hard, as this could damage the mirror glass. * If you're unhappy with the results, you can always start over. Simply clean the mirror glass with water and vinegar and repeat the aging process.