We are specialists at resilvering mirrors and restoring frames, especially those of antique or heirloom quality. The two old mirrors show below demonstrate how we can repair and refinish the frame then resilver the glass so that it's clear and shiny as new. |
This 1907 mirror was tired and beat after 95 years 
Now it has been marvelously restored!
More before and after pictures
Restoration to right side vividly demonstrates this mirror's hidden potential Enlarged view
Mirror Restoration Steps
Each antique mirror has its own unique characteristics, such as shape, beveling, etched designs, mineral content, glass color, bubbles and rippling/waviness. After careful consideration and with much experience we plan the restoration. Basic steps are the remove of deteriorated silver, preparation of the glass, and re-application of real silver. This gives your antique mirror the brilliance and clarity it originally had.Candidates for Restoration
Before deciding to re-silver your mirror, clean it thoroughly. Check its physical conditions for scratches, chips, cracks and pits. These imperfections are a sign of age and will become more visible due to the mirror's new brilliance and clarity. They will not detract from its value, but rather be evidence of age or integrity of your treasured item.
Unusual shape mirrors and car mirrors
If you have a mirror of sentimental value, a specialty mirror such as an antique car mirror or convex mirror, we will be more than happy to re-silver them as well. If you design your own furniture and need colored glass mirrors (smoke, cobalt blue, etc...) or prefer the 'distressed look' to create that unique affect we can also custom make new mirrors.
Picture Frames with Ornate, Gold or Silver Guilt Features
In conjunction with providing mirror re-silvering services, we also specialize in repairing and restoring antique picture frames. We have developed techniques to repair the original plaster designs, gold and silver guilds, paints and exposed wood areas that were favored in Victorian Times and earlier.
Thank you for visiting,
Jan & Richard Spevak
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FAQ:
1. How long does it take?
I silver every two weeks. Chemicals are very expensive and the re-silvering process is very labor intensive. There is a lot of time spent on set-up and clean-up, therefore, it is more efficient to re-silver a large amount of mirrors at one time.
2. Can I repair spots or small areas of the antique mirrors?
Unfortunately, no. When applying new silver to any surface, it has to be extremely clean or the silver will become contaminated causing discoloration and later deterioration.
3. Do we remove the mirror from its frame?
We can at the cost of $50.00 per hour of service. It can take a few minutes, or an hour depending on the manner the mirror is mounted. You can save yourself money by removing the mirror from the frame yourself. Use extreme caution as old glass is very fragile and chips, cracks and can break easily. We recommend you cover the backside of the mirror with cardboard or cloth before attempting to pry the mirror out of its frame with tools as a precaution. If your tools accidentally slip, you could damage the mirror permanently. We also recommend you place the frame and mirror face down on a non-scratchable surface to preserve the condition of the frame.
4. Can my mirror break?
Yes, but very seldom. Great care is taken to prevent breakage, but old glass is fragile and has stress points that can not be identified before the re-silvering process begins. The most common evidence of built up stress is chips or cracks in the corners. If your mirror breaks for no apparent reason during normal processing, we are not responsible. You assume the risk. Sorry, however, if it does break, I will return it to you.
5. What results can I expect when you re-silver my old mirror?
Generally, it will restore its original brilliance and clarity. Sometimes when the old silver deteriorates, it permanently stains the glass. That type of staining does not exhibit itself until the new silver is applied. Usually it is a small area and most customers are accepting of this, as this is a sign of age and does not detract from the reflective surface.
Another example or unrestored mirror circa. 1860s
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