Yep, TMG, I was at my daughter's recently and looked at her watercan I made earlier this year. The mirror backing is starting to break down - UGH!!! I can't remember if I used Weldbond. GE II, or E6000. Need to make notes on these things.
What adhesive did you use?

I just brought home two long thin pieces of mirror to cut up. Glad to hear about the back coating before I cut them. Or should they be coated after citting to be sure to get all the fresh edges?? I am not sure what to get to use. Anyone have a name oof the right stuff??

Chris

OH NO!!......That's awful news! I used E6000 on my livingroom mirror, and that stuff eats through plastic mirror jem backs after an hour, so that could be ruined real soon. Glad I haven't used too many mirror tiles yet. What a bummer!

Hazie

I had an other thought. My very first mosaic was a birdbath that still sits in my yard. I had no idea what I was doing. My cousin lent me her nippers, gave me some mirror strips, I nipped away then went to the local glass store and he introduced me to E6000. So I used it on my concrete birdbath over 3 years ago and it has not shown any sign of deterioration. So, Hazie, I hope you're safe.
Could it be moisture getting under the mirrors??? Moisture in bathrooms can detriorate mirrors, so can it do that to mosaics?

I loved to use mirrors in my mosaics, but will be more conservative until we resolve this issue. Can't wait to hear from others.

What adhesive are you using on your mirrors and how are they holding up over time???

Hmmm, I haven't had any problems either (yet). I have a stepping stone that's 5 yrs old, looks fine. I used Weldbond as my adhesive.
But ya know what? I think that would kinds give them an antique kinda feeling. Don't know that it would bother me that much.

So glad to hear that D3bbi!
If they are ok in a birdbath outside, then I'm not too worried!
Yay!!

Hazie

I just remembered I used mirror on my turquoise and purple Shabstract table and also the table in the bathroom. So far they are fine but is has been months. Like spring or so. I might have used the E6000 on the turquoise table mirror pieces. I REALLY do not remember what I used on the bathroom table mirrors.

I remember reading not to spray your mirrors with windex and let it get under the frames. That will ruin them. Spray the towel and then wipe the mirror. I would be happy to paint the backs with something next time if I knew what to use. I love the mirrors in things. Especially the colored mirrors.

Chris

I used E-6000 ( I think ) That's some pretty strong stuff. I think from now on -- when I have my pieces of mirrors cut out - I'll spray them on the backs . This way the edges will get sealed ,too .

Dang it! Live and learn.
Is this the stuff you are supposed to use on the mirror before you glue it? I think I have read somewhere on here that someone seals their mirror, but don't remember who. The pic is very small on the far right side of the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: mirror sealer?

I was assuming that shoving the mirror bits in the silicone was sealing the mirror. Wouldn't silicone seal the back?

p

You'd sure think so, huh Pea?

Hazie

The mirror backing stuff I bought says to spray 1/2" stip along the edges. Mine was out side for about 3 months, no problem yet. They are about 8x10" pieces of mirror, though. I was trying to figure out how to do it if I used smaller pieces.

Maria

Very good and timely info. I was just thinking about incorporating small colored mirrors on my medicine cabinet and it would definitely be very visible if there was a problem. I was already wondering if I had to buy some special mirror on mirror glue so maybe I'll just stay away from them for now. Unfortunately, the most mirror I used was on my brother's bowling ball which sets outside year round. I don't know whether I'll ask or not......

Pat, I used Mirror edge sealant by Somaca. Delphi sells it. Not SURE how good it is yet.
It comes in a spray can

Maria

This is what I use - It's really good. It sprays a thick coat of "Laquer like" stuff on the back. I even use this when I Send stuff with mirrors out to be plated. I got mine at the stained glass store .

Here is a link that might be useful: Mirror sealant

(cut/pasted from wrong place...idiot me)

Stupid question time again...
Could it be a case that some adhesives actually PROTECT the piece, and that the areas that may not have been covered by the adhesive are the spots that are deteriorating instead?
For example if you just put a "dot" of adhesive on the piece, but leave the outer edges exposed...?

Sunshine, I have used that sealant in my stained glass pieces that had mirror. It is real nasty - messy! I would try the spray next time.

MM, that's a thought but I don't think so in my case. On my daughter's water can, a lot of the black spots were in the middle of the piece. I am not that good to get glue only on the outside.

I'm wondering of some mirror has weaker backings/coatings. I buy mine from HD in a box of 12" X 12".

I remember in the 70's my dad did the whole bathroom wall in those mirrir tiles with the gold swirls in them. Within weeks you could see where the backing was deteriating where he had hit it with the caulk gun! I think he probably used something like liquid nails, but I learned from that to always use "mirror mastic" when gluing large mirrors. I hadn't thought though, about using small pieces in mosaic!

Jennie's comment made me remember this. When I moved in with my then boyfriend, now DH, he had mirrors all over one wall of his bedroom! I couldn't stand it so we took them down and made a "nice" room. lol. Since we are moving, I have been cleaning out and lo and behold the mirrors are in the attic!! I had totally forgotten. More stuff for me to play with!!

BTW, you think that is why they use those ugly clips when they hang mirror, so the silver won't wear off? Never thought about that before now.

I had clipped a post awhile back about mirrors so here it is....
Gretch- I was advised on a different forum to spray the back of a mirror I made with automotive undercarriage spray. You can get it at any hardware store, or automotive dept. in a spray can, pretty cheap (around $5) It resembles tar once its dried and protects the silver backing on your mirror from weather damage. Love your mirror! Kathy

I cant remember what post it was from but it seemed like an important thing to remember!!!!!

that post was by Tasymo, and the product is basically asphaltum, it's also used in faux painting and is available at Lowes... part of the porcelian crackle system.

After reading this thread I just went in my bathroom and looked at the mirror pieces in my counter and backsplash. I can see my reflection through the epoxy, no blackening. If it's sealing that's needed, those suckers are about as protected as it gets. GE II adhesive, then two layers of epoxy resin. I've never used anything but GE II and thinset. I need to branch out into Weldbond, E6000, etc someday, perhaps... But then as my daddy always says, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! :)