Antique Mirror Patina Solution Instructions
A.M.P.S. PROCESS MUST BE USED IN TEMPERATURES ABOVE 70 F.
STEP 1. STRIP PAINTED PROTECTIVE COATING FROM BACK OF MIRROR WITH A.M.P.S. MIRROR PAINT REMOVER
Mirror temperature must be above 70 degrees to effectively / completely strip painted protective coating. If working temperatures are cold, mirrors may be warmed with a thermal blanket, or heat lamp.
1-A: A.M.P.S. MIRROR PAINT REMOVER APPLICATION
WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES & EYEWARE WHILE USING AMPS MIRROR PAINT REMOVER. USE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA. A.M.P.S. Mirror Paint Remover will not harm reflective coating.
Place mirror on a non-abrasive surface, reflective side down / paint side up. Shake AMPS Mirror Paint Remover well and pour onto painted protective coating. Distribute an even thick coat with paint roller. (Use synthetic non-foam roller.)
1-B: A.M.P.S. MIRROR PAINT REMOVER PROCESS
Allow AMPS Mirror Paint Remover to remain on painted protective coating for approximately 20 minutes or until paint curdles.
Re-apply to areas that may have been missed.
1-C: PAINT REMOVAL
When painted coating has curdled, we recommend the following two ways to remove it. 1.) Paper Removal Technique: The curdled paint may be removed with newsprint or butcher paper. Press paper onto the curdled paint evenly over entire surface. The paint and residual paint remover will stick to the paper and pulling the paper away will allow even removal of paint and residual stripper.
2.) Push-Off: Expose the reflective coating by pushing paint off with a paint roller.
1-D: REMOVE GOLDEN TEXTURE
There will be a light golden texture on newly exposed reflective surface. This texture should be eliminated to ensure control of the antiquing process. To remove this golden texture add a small amount of AMPS Mirror Paint Remover to
the reflective coating. Rolling the paint remover over the surface with paint roller will eliminate this golden texture in less than one minute.
1-E: RINSE MIRROR
Wash away residual AMPS Mirror Paint Remover and remaining paint from reflective coating with water while gently rubbing surface with a gloved hand or soft clean rag. This action will produce a clean even silver reflective coating.
STEP 2.
ANTIQUING PROCESS
APPLY A.M.P.S. FOR
DESIRED EFFECT
2-A: WHAT IS ANTIQUE MIRROR PATINA SOLUTION
Antique Mirror Patina Solution A.M.P.S. Gel is alkaline and when mixed with water makes a concentrated alkaline solution. This solution will effectively tarnish and distress the exposed reflective coating on the back of mirror. Because A.M.P.S is an alkaline solution and not acid, tarnish and distress patterns appear gradually allowing more control over the mirror antiquing process.
2-B: ANTIQUE MIRROR PATINA SOLUTION STRENGTH
Stir or shake A.M.P.S. Gel well before each use. Stronger (more concentrated) solution will produce darker levels of tarnish and distress Weaker (less concentrated) solution will produce lighter levels of tarnish and distress.
DOUBLE STRENGTH:
Double strength solution can be either by Mix 2 tablespoons AMPS Gel per 16 fl oz water. Mix 1 tablespoon AMPS Gel per 8 fl oz water.
FULL STRENGTH: Mix 1 tablespoon of A.M.P.S. Gel per 16 fl oz of water to make full strength A.M.P.S. 16 fl oz of full strength A.M.P.S. will tarnish approx. 20 square feet of mirror surface.
3⁄4 STRENGTH:
Add 8 fl oz of plain water to Full Strength Solution to make a 3⁄4 strength solution.
MEDIUM STRENGTH:
Full Strength solution may be added to an equal portion of water to make a medium strength solution. Example: 1 Part Full Strength A.M.P.S. : 1 Part water
16 fl oz full strength solution : 16 fl oz water
STORAGE: Seal solution in a tightly sealed container and store in dark cool place. Refrigeration of A.M.P.S. will also extend solution life.
SHELF LIFE:
A.M.P.S. Gel 24 Months Gel in Solution 6 Months when properly stored.
2-C: APPLICATION METHODS of A.M.P.S.
Various patterns of distress and tarnish are possible using different methods of application. Creating patterns in mirror is also possible using stencils or Modellos. Freehand designs in mirror may also be created using A.M.P.S. Gel.
IMPORTANT: MIRROR & A.M.P.S. SOLUTION MUSTBE KEPT AT A 70oF +.
Within 10 minutes after application of A.M.P.S. onto the silver reflective coating on the back of mirror, the reflective coating will darken and change color. Distress and tarnish patterns will begin to appear on front or reflective side of mirror. When the desired level of tarnish and distress is achieved, wash A.M.P.S. off the reflective coating with water and stop the reaction.
2-C-1: WIPING TECHNIQUE:
Dampen exposed silver reflective coating on back of mirror with water. Pour enough A.M.P.S solution onto back of mirror to cover the entire surface. With a soft cloth/paper towel/microfiber, distribute solution in one direction over entire surface. Continue wiping solution over reflective coating in same direction every 2 to 3 minutes. When distress and tarnish have progressed to the desired level, arrest reaction by washing solution off with water. Allow mirror to air-dry and seal with paint.
2-C-2: SATURATION TECHNIQUE
Cover the exposed reflective coating on the back of mirror with a natural fiber cotton / muslin cloth and saturate with water. Smooth out wrinkles with a paint roller. Pour full strength A.M.P.S. solution onto the cloth and disperse evenly with paint roller.
The reflective coating will begin to darken, this change of color can be observed through the cloth. Observe transformation of tarnish and distress from front of mirror and when desired effect is achieved, remove the cloth and wash A.M.P.S. away with water, stopping the reaction.
The Saturation Technique will tarnish the reflective coating deeply and can remove areas of the coating. This may be a desirable effect keeping in mind that paint color will show through these areas. Note that when using the Saturation Technique, full strength A.M.P.S. may be diluted to a 3⁄4 strength solution for lighter tarnish effects.
2-C-3: POUR TECHNIQUE:
Dry exposed reflective coating on back of mirror with a soft cloth or paper towel. Tilt the mirror slightly and pour A.M.P.S. solution full strength onto surface of mirror.
A.M.P.S. works faster if solution is hot (150oF). Do not wipe pour patterns created with A.M.P.S., as solution dries. Observe the transformation of pour patterns from front side of mirror. When distress has progressed to the desired level, arrest chemical reaction by washing with water or wipe tarnish patterns away with a damp rag exposing clear glass patterns against remaining mirror surface. Allow surface to dry. Seal with paint.
2-C-4: SPRAY TECHNIQUE:
Wipe moisture from exposed reflective coating with a soft cloth or paper towel. With a spray bottle, spray A.M.P.S. solution onto back of mirror surface creating small dots or foxing patterns. Allow to air dry while observing transformation of tarnish and distress from front side of mirror. When the desired level of tarnish and distress is achieved, arrest chemical reaction by washing solution off with water or allow A.M.P.S. to remain on surface for 4/5 hours then wipe with damp cloth or paper towel exposing clear glass dots against the mirror surface then seal with paint.
2-D: MULTI-USE STENCIL
Stencils may be used to create patterns in mirror. A multi-use stencil is a sheet of mylar or other material with an open pattern / design cut into it.
1. On the down side of stencil spray a light mist of water, pat excess water droplets with a paper towel or cloth leaving stencil damp. 2. Apply stencil to dry exposed reflective coating (back of mirror), the moisture on the down side of the stencil will create an adhesive action holding it in place.
3. Spray 2 light mist coats of full-strength A.M.P.S. over the open patterned areas of the stencil. 4. Allow A.M.P.S. to dry (about 10 minutes) and then carefully remove stencil and observe transformation of tarnish pattern in mirror. After 4/5 hours the tarnish in the pattern areas treated with A.M.P.S. will degrade to a point where the tarnish may be completely removed with a damp cloth or stippled with a dry brush (creating texture in the degraded reflective coating).
Note that any level of tarnish may be stopped at any time after application of A.M.P.S. by washing the reflective coating with water.
2-E: MODELLO OR SINGLE USE PEEL & VINYL STENCIL
1. A Modello or single use vinyl stencil may be used to create unique patterns in mirror. These sticky stencils have an adhesive backing that allows them to stick to the mirrorʼs silver surface. Once the stencil has been applied it must be burnished (pressed down) with a burnishing tool to insure that A.M.P.S. does not seep under the vinyl protected (resist) areas.
To put it simply... the area covered by the vinyl will remain new mirror and the exposed reflective coating silver area will be antiqued. Cover any exposed edges of the reflective coating with heavy paper then tape the edges of the paper to the stencil. 2. Spray 2 light mist coats of full-strength A.M.P.S. over the design area.
3. To remove all or most of the silver reflective coating in the Patterned area, allow the solution to work for 4 /5 hours then, gently rub with a damp cloth to completely remove tarnish from design area. This process will result in clear glass next to new mirror. 4. Hold the mirror up to the light and or in front of a white surface to observe if any reflective coating remains on the glass. 5. Allow mirror to air dry. 6. Carefully remove Modello stencil and seal with shellac, paint or metal / gold leaf if desired.
2-F: FINE MIST SPRAYER WITH STINCIL FOR CLEAN PATTERN LINES: WHEN USING FINE MIST SPRAYER, STRAIN A.M.P.S. WITH A PAPER TOWEL OR
CONE PAINT STRAINER OR COFFEE FILTER.
To ensure an even pattern with clean lines when spraying A.M.P.S. through a stencil pattern use a fine mist sprayer found in a beauty supply store or plant atomizer found at a garden shop.
Spray a light even coat of full strength A.M.P.S. in the air about 10 inches above the work surface at a right angle allowing the mist to fall through the open portions of the stencil onto the exposed reflective surface. Allow A.M.P.S. to work about 4 hours (place mirror in the sun if possible). The treated reflective pattern may be now be stippled with a soft brush creating a texture pattern in the tarnish or completely removed using a damp cloth exposing clear glass next to the mirror surfaces protected by the closed portions of the stencil.
2-G: FREEHAND DESIGNS WITH A.M.P.S. GEL
A.M.P.S. Gel may be used to create controlled freehand design & patterns in mirror. Shake or stir AMPS Gel well before each use. Using an artistʼs paintbrush, apply a thin coating of AMPS Gel onto reflective coating. A.M.P.S. Gel is ideal for use with stencils. Simply apply to any areas of the reflective coating you wish to distress or remove. If you wish to remove the treated areas of reflective coating, allow AMPS Gel to work for 3 / 4 (expose to the sun if possible) hours and wipe off with a damp cloth, make sure treated surface is washed clear of A.M.P.S. Gel.
STEP 3. COLOR & SEAL ANTIQUED MIRROR
3-A: COLORED EFFECTS
After the reflective coating has been treated with A.M.P.S., the reflective coating may have areas where clear glass is exposed in the tarnish / distress patterns.
The color of the tarnish and distress will be shades of rust / sepia and charcoal gray. Note that the reflective coating is sheer, somewhat translucent and when degraded with A.M.P.S. the tarnish and distressed areas created have more translucencies within the patterns of sepia and charcoal gray distress. Some areas of distress ( areas of heavier distress ) may be rubbed away with a damp cloth exposing clear glass against the lighter areas of distress in the mirror surface.
The color applied to seal the mirror will show through the clear areas where the tarnish has been rubbed away and will affect the color tone of sepia / charcoal gray tarnish.
Antique silver or bronze mica powder mixed with shellac making a glaze may be applied as the first coat. Two more coats of gray / black oil base paint applied over this first coat of shellac will seal the treated reflective coating well enough to block out mastic if the mirror is going to be applied to a wall or piece of furniture.
3-B: GILDING
Clear Glass Patterns In Mirror: Apply oil or water based gold leaf size with a foam brush or velour roller and allow to tack / become aggressively sticky (at least 20 min). Leaf can then be applied in a solid (filled in) or distressed (broken spaces) manner. Allow gilding to dry overnight before applying paint layers. Mica powders can be used to flash gild the sized mirror surface for very interesting effects. After allowing the size to tack, use small stencil brushes to pick up the micas and stipple onto the sized areas. Always wear a protective mask when working with mica powders to avoid breathing in small airborne particles.
3-D: SEALING / PAINT RECOMMENDATIONS:
For sealing the back of mirror over the treated reflective coating, we like to use. Rustoleum Oil Base Flat Enamel (spray, roll or brush) Rustoleum Hammered Spray Paint this comes in various color choices. Sherwin Williams commercial grade flat oil base enamel Kem Lustral/ F-65 / B-50 Shellac by Zinsser in Clear or Orange (spray, roll or brush).
MIRROR BASICS
Mirror can be found in 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch thickness. Pre-cut mirror tiles may be purchased at home improvement stores such as Loweʼs or Home Depot and are generally 12 x 12 inches in diameter. If the mirror sizes for your project are to be larger than 12 x 12 inches, or requires custom sizing, then ordering mirror through your local glass and mirror shop is recommended.
MIRRORS THAT WONT WORK
A.M.P.S. does not work with Palladium mirrors. Palladium mirrors are commonly found at craft stores, such as Michaels, and are usually manufactured outside the U.S.A. Mirrors found at your local glass shop, Loweʼs, The Home Depot etc are recommended.
MIRRORS THAT WILL WORK
Brand names to ask for are Binswanger / ACI, Carolina and Virginia Mirror. These brands of mirror will have a flat gray painted protective coating on the back. A small percentage of mirrors sold in the states and abroad have a green or glossy gray- green backing and this backing is more difficult to remove with the AMPS stripper.
ORDERING CUSTOM MORRORS:
You will want to locate the best glass and mirror shop in your town for custom mirrors, particularly if you are doing custom shapes and require exact sizing. Custom mirror thicknesses are 1/8, 3/16, and 1⁄4 Mirror glass is available in multiple colors including clear, gray, bronze, blue, green and black. You will most likely want to order clear.
Standard shapes include squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, hexagons and octagons. Special shapes CAN be cut when an exact paper pattern is provided. The most common edge treatment is call a pencil polish edge & is a satin finish. Beveled edges are also common and can be done in sizes ranging from 1⁄2 to 1 1⁄2. Wider bevels are not available on 1/8 thick mirror glass.
If exact measurements are crucial, be sure to request that they hold to exact size, as standard tolerances can range from 1/16 to 1/8. This will generally be an up charge.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS:
Read & follow all manufactures recommendations for use of A.M.P.S. Mirror Backing Paint Remover and Antique Mirror Patina Solution Gel / A.M.P.S. Gel is an alkaline and has a DOT rating of 2, a mild corrosive. Heating A.M.P.S. Gel in solution will accelerate patina process but will also produces odor and fumes. Avoid mixing with other chemicals, acids or alcohols. A.M.P.S. is not a carcinogen but may cause irritation to airway passages or skin. A.M.P.S. contains sulfates and individuals with other respiratory conditions such as asthma should avoid inhalation exposure to A.M.P.S.
IF EXPOSED TO SKIN Wash thoroughly with soap & water. IF SPLASHED IN EYES Flush eyes with cold water for 15 minutes. IF SWALLOWED A.M.P.S. - Induce vomiting and call physician immediately. Mirror Stripper - DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! Drink 2 glasses of water and call physician immediately.
AMPS Industries 1919 Oxmoor Rd # 420 Birmingham, AL 35209 www.antiquemirrorps.com info@antiquemirrorps.com 205-240-9429 205-478-7146