Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 09, 2010 10:40pm | #1

   Mirrors can be mounted with special mirror adhesive designed not to harm the mirroring on the back--a special purpose stuff, rather like liquid nails.  I've even found it at big box stores.  You do have to make sure the substate is solid. 

2. 
   ring | Mar 10, 2010 03:36am | #2

   The rabbet should be painted to match the surrounding wood, because you will see its reflection in the mirror.

   As for attachment, 2 very common and equally effective ways -

   1. Special mirror adhesive (comes in a tube like RTV) that won't attack the silver.

   2. Double-sided sticky tape.  No hassle at all, and excellent for a mirror of the size you are talking about.

1. 
   PenobscotMan | Mar 10, 2010 08:44am | #3

   Thanks -- but I don't quite understand the adhesive approach.  The mirror is not going on the face of a panel (in which case adhesive sounds right), but into a rabbet, like a picture in a frame.  So the fastening has to be behind the unit.  Or are you saying that I should put the tape/adhesive IN the rabbet, then set the mirror on that, without any mechanical fastening.  I have to say this sounds odd (no offense intended!)

1. 
   ring | Mar 10, 2010 11:30pm | #6

   First of all, I think that Ray's approach - to try to use the original mounting system - is the right way for an older piece.  But FWIW, you can lay the door on its face, drop the mirror into position, and then just apply the mirror adhesive around the gap, from the rear only, spreading it with your finger.  Let it set that way for a day and your good to go.

3. 
   joinerswork | Mar 10, 2010 09:55am | #4

   Penobscot,

   Take a close look at the edge of the rabbet to see if you can find evidence of small glue blocks used to secure the mirror.  These are usually triangular in section, and an inch or two long.  The bevelled edges of the blocks wedge the glass in place, and keep it from shifting after the glue sets.

   Usually there is some evidence if there was a board covering the back of the mirror.  You'll see nail or screw holes around the perimeter of the opening, and often a shadow or ghost that shows its size and shape. 

   Sometimes it was plywood, and I'd guess that given your estimate of the piece's age, that this might have been the case.  But often on older pieces, solid wood, sometimes as thick as 3/4"  was applied over the opening and attached with largish screws.  These panels were frequently bevelled on their outer edges, and as frequently,are  split down their length..

   I like to lay a sheet of brown paper, or corrugated cardboard between the board and the silvered surface of the mirror's back-- something to fill any space between the back of the mirror and the face of the covering board, as well as to provide a cushion to prevent any scuffing of the silver.

   Ray

1. 
   PenobscotMan | Mar 11, 2010 08:41am | #7

   Yes, there are nail or brad holes around the inner surface, as if something had been laid over the mirror and frame - but I would have thought that the board would have lain in the rabbet, not over the frame.

   I'll look for evidence of glued-in wedges.  That's an interesting approach and would avoid the problem of trying to install stops in a too-shallow rabbet.

   Thanks for all the advice, guys.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 12, 2010 10:47am | #9

   "but I would have thought

   "but I would have thought that the board would have lain in the rabbet, not over the frame."

   I have a couple of production-level inherited antiques that were constructed this way. It seems they didn't care much about what the wall saw, and took the simpler approach.

4. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 10, 2010 11:31am | #5

   For a period piece like this, I'd lean toward using the same technique as when the piece was built - likely along the lines that Ray described. I would, however, suggest "updating" the original method to the extent of using acid-free paper and cardboard. Using bevel-edged mirrors was also fairly common in that period, and would add to the value and aesthetics of the piece.

5. 
   Cincinnati10 | Mar 12, 2010 09:07am | #8

   Can you mount a 1/4" plywood

   Can you mount a 1/4" plywood back that covers the mirror and the frame?

   Alternatively, attach  another frame with a slightly smaller opening over the back.

   I prefer the former option because it provides more protection to the mirror.