Help with 'Mirrored' Glass panel

[Rosemary]

I made a panel a little while ago and have noticed that in one or two places the 'mirrored' glass is starting to erode at the back and is showing through the front of the panel.  When I made the panel I had no idea that I need to treat the glass to stop this from happening.  At the moment, you don't really notice it unless you know what you are looking for and I want to know if there is something I can do to stop it eroding further.

[JoanFrances]

there is a spray that you can use, but if you didn't spray it before you assembled the panel, I don't know if it will help now or not.  Graham has a lot of knowledge in this area (and others), he wiill be along soon.  Good luck

[Kev]

Maybe try spraying the mirrored pieces with mirror sealant.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Rosemary,  if you can find a specific product for mirror sealing around your way,  please let me have the name of the product,  so far I've had no luck around here!   Many years ago I got a little bottle of black stuff from a glass shop,  supposedly for sealing mirror edges,  but i found it thick, gungy and difficult to apply.   I now use (really cheap) clear nail varnish to do the job.   Whilst in Johannesburg on my last 'glass buying trip'  I found some REALLY cheap, thin,  nail varnish at the China Mall that seems to work O.K.  I paint it on the edges of the mirror piece - and also over the entire back if possible.
If you can paint the back of the pieces with that, - it might help - but I'm sure Graham , Rebecca or someone else with the appropriate experience will be along soon and can tell you if it will keep degrading anyway, - as the chemicals are already present under the foil(????)  I will also be interested to hear the answer on that one!

[Graham]

"Eroding" of mirroring should only happen at the edges, where the mirroring is exposed to flux & etc (acid) or electrolysis between metals can take place. If it's happening out in the middle, there must be flaws in the backing of the mirror, perhaps scratches.

When dealing with mirror, I cover the back with contact paper, so that it's protected while I'm grinding and manipulating the piece prior to foiling or assembly.

Edges, I do with clear nail-polish, a couple of coats. I think probably quick soldering may help. Over-heating may remove the protection.

[Rosemary]

Thank you for the advice.  It is only on one or two of the edges, so I am going to try the clear nail polish.

Elizabeth, I was at Lead and solder this morning, they never had any sealants, but I will keep looking.  They are having a sale on Saturday 3 September.  They say it is going to be a big sale, but we will see.

If you would like to contact them for more info on the sale their e-mail address is glassgraphics@lass.co.za

[glassman52]

I use "High Temp" spray paint for ether wood stoves and grills or auto engines. I always spay  paint the entire back and edges a day before I foil but take care not to load it on all at once as it will run off. Mist the edges lightly, let it tack, then wet coat it with several coats. Flat black is my preference.

[TracyCT]

I just use a spray can of varnish.  The real trick is to not allow any flux or cleaner to get under the foil and onto the edges of the piece.

Warner-Criv and Delphi both carry the mirror sealant.  WC is about $4 less than Delphi.  Really, all it is is varnish.. at least that's what it smells like.