resilver

Resilver refers to the process of applying a fresh reflective silver coating to the back of a glass mirror, restoring its reflectivity when the original silver layer has degraded or detached. It is commonly used in the restoration of antique or decorative mirrors, where humidity, cleaning, or age has caused tarnish, flaking, or corrosion of the silver layer.

In practice, resilvering is performed by conservators or glass restorers. The procedure varies, but it generally involves assessing the condition, removing the old backing and damaged silver, cleaning the glass, and depositing a new silver coating on the back by chemical reduction (historically using Tollens’ reagent, a silver nitrate ammonia solution). A protective backing is then applied to prevent tarnish and provide durability; traditional backings included copper undercoating and lacquer or paint, while some modern methods use resin coatings. Some contemporary restorations may employ alternative reflective coatings such as aluminum, but resilvering emphasizes restoring a silver-based reflective layer for authenticity in historic mirrors.

Resilvering aims to preserve the mirror’s appearance and historical value. It is not always feasible if the glass is cracked or the silver adhesion is poor, and in some cases replacement of the mirror backing is preferred. The procedure involves specialized handling and chemical hazards and is typically performed by trained professionals.

Related topics include silvering chemistry, conservation ethics, and the care of antique mirrors.