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Resilver Mirror - Wicker Repair - Beetles in the cupboard |
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If you have a mirror that has some silvering missing and you'd like to have it have a better appearance without too much expense see how to "resilver" the mirror in the information below. |
How to Resilver a Mirror Quickly, Easily and Cheaply
If there is just some silvering missing you won't need to remove the rest of it and if there are a few stains along with missing silvering, they add to the character of the piece, but if you need to remove the old silver (again, not recommended, very dangerous) you can scrape the old silver off with a scraper (be sure it's a safe scraper and not just a razor blade) or remove it chemically (still, not recommended, very dangerous). It's better to leave the old silver on the mirror. Be sure to dispose of the residue properly, because it will contain mercury and other dangerous elements. Check with your local landfill people to find out how to dispose of the residue or dust. Wear a dust mask if you scrape the old silver off and be sure that it filters very very fine dust. Here is a good example of some toxic disposal information Now the undangerous part as long as you wear sturdy gloves to keep from getting cut on the edge of a mirror and wear eye protection. 1/8 inch mirrorNext you will need an inexpensive piece of 1/8" mirror large enough to put against the back of the original mirror. If the mirror is square or rectangular the job is done. Shaped mirrorIf the original mirror is shaped, then lay the original mirror on top of the new mirror and trace around the original mirror. If the mark is larger than the original mirror, be sure to remove the original mirror and reduce the size of the marked area so it will fit inside the rabbet of the frame. Next, using a glass cutter remove the excess mirror. Ask for some scrap glass to practice onIf you haven't cut glass before ask for some scrap glass pieces, where you buy the mirror, to practice on. If you aren't too successful with your glass cutting, then have the glass shop cut the shape for you. They will charge a fee which will be considerably less than resilvering or replacing a shaped, beveled mirror. Quick Tip.When cutting glass only make one pass with the glass cutter. When
the cutting tool scores the glass it sets up a vibration of the molecules of
the glass throughout the thickness of the glass and the vibrating molecules are
what makes the glass break where it does, not the score. Wicker Repair Is Finally HereThe wicker section is finally here. Lots of information about weaving wicker, repairing wicker, chair caning and more wicker, rattan and cane information. BeetlesIf you have a problem with beetles infesting your flour, cereal and other
items, the best way to get rid of them is to get rid of the infested items, then vacuum, clean, then seal them out. First a word about insecticides.Insecticides aren't recommended for use in food storage areas. Insecticides should be used only as a last resort and even then you should learn all you can about the insecticide and after it's use it needs to be absolutely and totally sealed away from any type of food, no matter how the food is packaged. Clean and sealWhile all surfaces are dry, vacuum all surfaces and be sure to pay close attention to any cracks, crevices and beetle holes in the wood. After the vacuuming dump the vacuum cleaner bag or cup outside in the garbage, then clean the insides of the cupboards with a good household cleaner. You'll want to seal up any cracks and crannies or previous beetle holes, so
it's best to go over the whole interior area with
liquid deglosser
to be sure that the paint will stick to every possible surface. Then an
undercoat, Kilz Cleaning alone will eliminate some beetle pupae and vacuuming will take care of a large amount, the liquid deglosser will get some more that may be hardy types. If any real hardy chest pounders make it through all that they will generally meet their demise when they are sealed into Kilz. After the Kilz, apply a coat of washable semi-gloss paint. Eliminating places for the beetles to pupateWhen you're eliminating places for the beetles to pupate, be sure to check things like labels, some bottles have thin foam labels to protect the bottles and would make good nesting places. Replace the labels with self sticking labels you can write on. Put anything else you can in glass containers. Beetles can bore into plastic, but plastic bags that will zip shut can be use as a temporary measure, at least until you're sure that you've gotten rid of the little bugs. Try not to be too grossed out by the bugs, remember that there are cultures where bugs are a delicacy. (Bleck!)
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