Mercury glass is a type of finish used to create an antiqued looking, silvery-looking reflective surface, often used as a decorative element in home décor. It is created by taking a plain glass object and coating it in a thin layer of mercury.
This creates a sepia-toned look, with a slightly hazy, foggy appearance. The glass may have ripples that lead to interesting reflections, like a distorted awareness of the elements behind its surface.
The silver hue of the mercury glass varies, often paling to a golden hue depending on the lighting in the room. Mercury glass is commonly used in seasonal decorations, particularly during the holiday season when it adds a graceful and opulent touch to a living space.
It is versatile, timeless and easy to incorporate into a range of styling choices.
Does mercury glass tarnish?
Mercury glass, also known as silvered glass, can tarnish over time. This is because mercury glass is made using techniques that lay a thin layer of silvering between two layers of glass. Over time, the silvering can wear off, resulting in a tarnished appearance.
Additionally, the silvering can be scratched off which can also lead to tarnishing. There are some things you can do to prevent mercury glass from tarnishing, such as keeping it away from heat and humidity and avoiding direct contact with vases and candles.
You should also make sure to clean it with a soft cloth and distilled water to prevent any dirt or oils from accumulating and making the silvering more prone to tarnishing.
How do you care for mercury glass?
Nursing mercury glass to keep it looking its best is a relatively simple process. To clean and preserve any mercury glass piece, use a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber paper towel and a basic water and white vinegar solution: a few drops of vinegar in an 8-ounce glass of warm water.
Dip the cloth in the solution, wring it out and then gently wipe the glass. Be sure to not submerge the mercury glass piece in the cleaning solution either! To prevent the trapping of moisture, acids and oils, you can also use a polish specifically designed for glass or consider a thinner, wax-based bee’s wax.
This can add a protective coating of wax to create a further barrier of protection. Never use a commercial cleaner, detergent, ammonia, vinegar, or any abrasive material on the surface of the glass. Ultraviolet radiation from direct sunlight tends to yellow the glass, so it’s best to keep mercury glass pieces away from long-term sun exposure and direct sunlight.
Is modern mercury glass safe?
Yes, modern mercury glass is generally considered safe for use in home décor and is not believed to pose any health risks. Although the name “mercury glass” might sound like it could be hazardous, it actually does not contain any mercury.
Mercury glass is a craft of art created by combining silver nitrate solution with an alkaline solution, creating a silvery, reflective finish, which gives the appearance of mercury. It’s a popular choice for many decorative items around the home and is often found as vases, candle holders, decorations and even furniture.
The materials used to create the glass are not considered toxic and it’s believed to be safe to handle and use. However, consuming or inhaling any objects created with the silver nitrate solution or other materials used to make the glass could be hazardous, so it’s best to keep mercury glass away from small children and pets.
Care should also be taken when cleaning the glass, as silver nitrate can tarnish if not maintained properly. With proper handling and care, however, mercury glass is an attractive and safe choice for your home décor.
When did they stop using mercury in mirrors?
The use of mercury in mirrors began in the 19th century, but their use has been largely phased out due to safety concerns. In the late 1990s, some countries such as the United States and Canada began to phase out the use of mercury in mirrors, calling for its complete removal in consumer-level glass products.
This move was made as a result of health concerns related to the compound. Today, mercury-containing mirrors are no longer produced and are mostly rare, vintage or antique items.
Is mercury used in making mirrors?
No, mercury is not used in making mirrors. Mirrors are traditionally made with a thin layer of aluminum or silver deposited on the back of a sheet of glass, or sometimes plastic. Mercury is not used in this process due to the fact that it would corrode the surface of the metal, diminishing the reflectivity of the mirror.
Additionally, due to the dense atmospheric pressure of mercury and the fact that it is liquid at room temperature, it cannot be used to create a thin, reflective layer such as the one used on a mirror.
Is there another name for mercury glass?
Yes, mercury glass is sometimes referred to as silvered glass, silvered mirror glass, aged mirror glass, or antique mirror glass. Mercury glass is distinguished by the silvery, mercury-like finish it has, which is created by coating the glass with a amalgam of silver and mercury, then heating it up so that the mercury evaporates and the silver finish remains.
This finish makes it look like an antique piece of glass from a different time. Mercury glass is usually found in the form of decorative items, such as vases and ornaments, or in items like hurricane lamps and chandeliers.
How can I tell if my beads are Mercury glass?
First, you should be able to tell the difference between a smooth finish on regular glass and the patchy, streaky, iridescent finish of Mercury glass. If you look closely and tilt the beads in the light, you should be able to see the silvering inside the glass.
The sparkle and patina will also be unique to Mercury glass. You can also test the weight, as Mercury glass is quite a bit heavier than regular glass. Lastly, if you are still unsure, you can purchase a cheap test kit from a hobby or craft store to tell if the beads are actually mercury glass.
Is there mercury in Christmas lights?
No, there is no mercury in Christmas lights. In the past, some Christmas lights may have contained mercury, a toxic heavy metal, but this is no longer the case. Today, most Christmas lights are made either with LEDs or incandescent bulbs.
Both of these are mercury free, and while LEDs are slightly more energy efficient, they both provide the same beautiful holiday lighting.
How is a mirror made mercury?
Mirrors made with mercury involve the use of a reflective backing surface such as glass, which is coated on one side with a thin layer of a liquid solution containing silver and ammonia. This liquid is then heated to a high temperature while being tightly sealed in a vacuum chamber.
The reaction between the silver and ammonia create amalgam, and the heat vaporizes the mercury to form a thin layer on the reflective surface. Once cooled, the resulting reflective layer acts as a mirror due to the fact that the mercury vapor has created a series of smooth, highly reflective surfaces.
The resulting mercury mirror can then be polished to increase its reflectivity and durability.
How do you antique a mirror?
Antiquing a mirror is a great way to give it a vintage look, and there are several easy ways to do it. The most straightforward is to use paint or wax to darken the frame. Start by sanding the mirror frame with fine-grit sandpaper to create some “tooth” for the paint or wax to adhere to.
Wipe the frame with a slightly damp cloth to remove any sawdust, then let it dry. Take an oil- or shellac-based liquor stain of your choice. Using a rag, rub the stain onto the frame in circular motions.
The more you apply, the darker the finish will be. You can also brush on dark wax on the frame for a similar look. If you’re not confident in your ability to paint or wax a frame, you can purchase an already distressed mirror from a home décor store.
Most of these mirrors have a vintage feel due to the chipped and worn edges. You can also purchase peel-and-stick appliques to give it a more rustic look. Finally, you can age your mirror with a silvering technique that uses chemical reactions and oxidation.
Pour some ferric chloride solution into a plastic container and dip the mirror in it. This will create a corrosive reaction that produces a silver-colored edge. This method is quite simple, but safety is paramount because ferric chloride is quite caustic.
What can you do with old mirrors?
There are numerous creative and useful ways to repurpose old mirrors! One option is to cut the mirror and frame it in a unique way such as around a coffee table, feature wall, or as a backsplash. You can also turn them into outdoor landscape accents—like a well-placed mirror behind a birdbath, or incorporate them into a garden wall.
If you have enough mirror pieces, you could even create a custom mosaic! Other ideas include making a personalized décor piece like a sunburst mirror, a decorative tray, or a distinctive wall hanging.
You can also repurpose them into room dividers, or as a headboard. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could turn the mirror into a terrarium or a fish bowl. Finally, mirrors are also commonly transformed into furniture like console table, bedside tables, or a vanity.
How do you paint a mirror to look distressed?
Painting a mirror to look distressed is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require some patience and precision. To begin, you will need to prepare the mirror for painting by cleaning it and sanding it down, as this will ensure that the paint will adhere to the surface effectively.
Once the mirror is prepped and you have the paint color of your choice, you will want to use a sponge, brush, or rag to begin painting the mirror. For a distressed look, start off with a coat of the chosen paint color and then layer on additional colors of your choosing.
Once the paint has dried, you can use various sandpapers to add in distressed areas of the mirror. Working with a gentle hand, work your way around the mirror and apply additional coats of paint if you like.
You can also dabble in some areas to give the mirror an aged and weathered look. Allow each layer to dry before continuing to the next step. Finally, once you are satisfied with the distressed look of your mirror, seal the paint with a top coat of clear sealer and enjoy!.
How do you distress a mirror from the front?
Distressing a mirror from the front can be slightly more difficult than distressing one from the back, as you will have to be more careful when applying the distress. Depending on what look you want for your mirror, you can either use sandpaper to literally sand down individual parts of the glass and give it a more aged and worn look, or you can use paint and sponges to create a more abstract, ‘shabby chic’ look.
Begin by deciding how distressed you want the mirror to be. If you decide to sand down certain areas, you can use a finer grit of sandpaper to start and gradually make more distressed areas with a rougher grit sandpaper.
Once you have achieved the desired level of distress, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust and dirt.
If you decide to use paint, you can use a sponge to dab paint onto certain areas of the glass. You can mix different colors of paint or use a single color to create color patterns or highlights. To create the aged, shabby look, make sure to be sparing with the paint, leaving the majority of the mirror unpainted for a more authentic look.
Once the paint is dry, use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess paint.
No matter which method you choose for distressing the mirror, make sure you take your time and carefully craft the look you desire. With just a little patience and effort, you can have a one-of-a-kind mirror that can add a unique and personal touch to your home or workspace.
