Do NOT tumble Van Gogh! It will def chip. I THINK the mirror glass will have the same results.

'Nuff said.

In all the glass I tumbled yesterday,8 loads, there was a few small bits of mirror. Just the regular not colored. Not sure if colored makes a difference. The regular did chip around the edges just a little. I would be more concerned with that the water and tumbeling would do to weaken the backing and turn them dark later. I did not see these mirror pieces when filling the tumblers and there was only three so no great loss.

Chris

good point Chris

I HAVE tumbled my mirror pieces and have not seen any noticeable difference. But thinking on Chris' comment that maybe the tumbling 'weakens' the mirror backing leads me to wonder if that is what is making the mirror deteriorate on some mosaics. I will be sealing my mirror backs from now on AFTER tumbling.

Thanks ladies for the advice!
I appreciate knowing I can come to you all for the answers!
What a great forum!
Thanks again!
Crystal

Hi Guys,

Whats a glass tumbler? Havent seen one here in Australia, what do you use them for?

Renee

Vintage, they are rock tumblers that when you put your glass in it, it softens the edges to make them kid friendly and people friendly.They tumble (kinda like a wash machine) against each other and it wears down the edges. I use mine to make beach glass for projects. You can see what they look like if you visit harbor freights web site and type in rock tumbler.

Does tumbling affect the smooth flat side of stined glass or just the edges? I can only find a toy one here in Australia.

Tumbling only affects the edges except as noted above for glass like Van Gogh that has a painted backing. It sure is nice for 3D projects to have smooth edges.

Vintage, I thought maybe a little explanation was needed. If you want to smooth the edges of your glass, just put the glass in the tumbler with water (about 1/2"-1" over the glass) and a drop of dish detergent. Let it run for 30-45 minutes. If you want the sea glass look, then you add the grit and must tumble it for quite a while.

You can get the same results by placing your glass in a jar or plastic container and shake it or roll it around.

cool thanks guys