Posted by Gary Dodge on March 02, 2002 at 09:12:24:
In Reply to: Working with mirror posted by Susan on February 28, 2002 at 20:41:43:
Hi Susan,
About 20 years ago I did a controlled experiment to find out what the best way to protect mirror was.
I treated some samples with sealant, some with contact paper on the back sealed tightly shut with foil, others with lacquer, some with nothing at all. I purposely abused some of the samples by soaking them in flux or putting fnger prints on the edges etc.
I used heat to accelerate the corrosive chemical processes that cause black edge. After waiting months I was shocked by the result. NONE of my samples got black edge though some clearly were SUPPOSED to.
From this experience I decided that there is probably a healthy chunk of luck involved in weather you get black edge, as in the past I've gotten black edge on pieces that had been treated properly, pieces that shouldn't have gotten it, but did.
In the final analysis, I believe that the only way top be sure you won't loose a piece to the dreaded black edge is to build it so that the edges of the mirror can't be seen. I design all my mirrors in a way that allows me to put the mirror behind the glass in the mirror frame. I try to have a minimum of 1/2" of glass that can't be seen behind thr frame. If I get black edge, I never even know about it.
I still put contact paper on the backs of the mirrors and trim it flush to the edge, then I foil the mirror edge to create a seal. This also protects the back from scratches.
Gary Dodge
: I have read that when working with mirror it is very important to seal the edges prior to foiling. Supposedly, it is to prevent the mirror back from chipping and cause "black edge". The sealant I used, seemed to peal or chip off when foiling. Too thick? Too thin? Not enough drying time? I think I followed the instructions right. Any suggestions or advice???