We provide these basic written AMPS Mirror Patina Instructions to help guide you through the
process of creating your own Antique Mirror effects.
For more detailed instruction and insights, please view our Basic Antique Mirror Patina Videos
Sourcing Mirrors for Sample Making and Mirror Projects
Do NOT use mirror tiles from Home Depot or Walmart. They are now BUYING their mirrors from China and
they will not patina correctly and/or will be difficult to strip.
Lowe’s Mirror-OK for now. Check box to make sure it does not say “product of China”.
Best Bet: Local Mirror and Glass Company that sources mirror made in the USA.
Brands to look for:
Scar Guard mirror from ACI / Binswanger corp. / Virginia mirror / Carolina Mirror
SPECIAL NOTE: THE STRIPPING AND A.M.P.S. PROCESS SHOULD BE DONE IN TEMPERATURES ABOVE 72F.
STEP 1: STRIP PAINTED PROTECTIVE COATING FROM BACK OF MIRROR WITH A.M.P.S.
MIRROR PAINT REMOVER
WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES & EYEWARE WHILE USING AMPS MIRROR PAINT REMOVER. USE IN A WELL VENTILATED
AREA. WEARING A RESPIRATOR MASK IS ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Place mirror on a non-abrasive surface, reflective side down. Shake or stir AMPS Mirror Paint Remover well and pour onto the
painted protective coating on back of mirror. Distribute an even, thick coat with a roller over the paint surface. (Use synthetic nonfoam roller for best results.) Take care to coat the edges and corners well.
Allow the AMPS Citri-Strip Mirror Paint Remover to remain on painted protective coating for about 30-45 minutes or until the paint
curdles-this can take longer due to environmental conditions or backing paint used. Covering the stripper with a thin layer of plastic
will keep it wet and may help accelerate the process. Re-apply to areas that may have been missed, as needed. Note: Mirror
temperature must be above 70 degrees to effectively / completely strip painted protective coating. If working temperatures are
cold, mirrors may be warmed with a thermal blanket or heat lamp. Exposing mirrors to hot sunlight during the stripping and
patination processes will greatly accelerate these processes.
When the painted protective coating has curdled completely, expose the reflective coating by pushing paint away with a soft rubber
squeegee, brush, or paint roller. Note that AMPS Mirror Paint Remover will not harm the reflective mirror coating.
When the painted protective coating is removed and the reflective coating exposed, there will be a light golden texture on the
surface of the reflective coating. This texture should be eliminated to ensure control of the antiquing process. Adding a small
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amount of AMPS Mirror Paint Remover to the reflective coating surface and rolling over the surface with paint roller will eliminate
this golden texture generally in less than a minute.
Wash away residual AMPS Mirror Paint Remover and any remaining paint from the exposed reflective coating with water while
gently rubbing the surface with a soft clean rag or sponge. Wipe dry with a soft microfiber cloth. The exposed surface is very fragile,
so avoid stratching and continue with your decorative patina process within 24 hours, if possible.
Step 2: APPLY A.M.P.S. FOR DESIRED EFFECT
Antique Mirror Patina Solution A.M.P.S. Gel is an alkaline that mixed with water makes a mirror patina solution. This solution will
effectively tarnish and distress the exposed reflective coating on the back of mirror.
Because A.M.P.S is an alkaline solution and not acid, tarnish and distress patterns appear gradually allowing more control over the
mirror antiquing process.
Mixing and A.M.P.S. Solution:
Stir the A.M.P.S. Gel WELL before each use and before diluting with water to make an A.M.P.S. antiquing solution. Use the following
ratios for varying levels of distressing.
Full Strength A.M.P.S.: Mix 1 tablespoon of A.M.P.S. Gel with 16 ounces of WARM tap water. This dilution strength useful for most
mirror antiquing applications.
Extra Strength A.M.P.S.: Mix 2 tablespoons of A.M.P.S. Gel with 16 ounces of WARM tap water. This dilution strength is useful for
heavy distressing with Modello patterns.
Half Strength A.M.P.S.: Mix 1/2 tablespoon of A.M.P.S. Gel with 16 ounces of WARM tap water. This dilution strength is useful for
light and subtle patination of mirror surfaces.
16 fluid ounces of A.M.P.S. solution will tarnish approx. 20 square feet of mirror surface.
STORAGE:
Seal solution in a tightly sealed container and store in dark cool place. Refrigeration of A.M.P.S. will also extend solution life.
SHELF LIFE:
A.M.P.S. Gel• 24 Months
Mixed A.M.P.S. Solution• 6 Months when properly stored.
METHODS OF APPLICATION
Various patterns of distress and tarnish are possible using different methods of application. Creating patterns in mirror is also
possible using stencils or Modellos.
Freehand designs in mirror may also be created using A.M.P.S. Gel.
For satisfactory results: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT BOTH MIRROR AND A.M.P.S. SOLUTION ARE KEPT AT A MINIMUM 70 F.
Within 5-10 minutes after A.M.P.S. solution is applied onto the exposed silver reflective coating on the back of mirror the reflective
coating will darken and change color and distress and tarnish patterns will begin to appear on front or reflective side of mirror.
When the desired level of tarnish and distress is achieved, washing A.M.P.S. off the reflective coating with water will stop the
reaction. Note that the mirror surface may continue to distress 10%-15% AFTER the mirror has been rinsed.
WIPING TECHNIQUE
Dampen exposed silver reflective coating on back of mirror with water. Pour enough A.M.P.S solution onto back of mirror surface to
cover the entire surface area and with a soft cloth or paper towel distribute solution in one direction over entire surface area.
Continue to wipe solution over reflective coating in the same direction in intervals of 2 / 3 minutes. When distress and tarnish have
progressed to the desired level, arrest reaction by washing solution off with water. Allow mirror to air dry and seal with paint.
SATURATION TECHNIQUE
Cover the exposed reflective coating on the back of mirror with a natural fiber cotton or muslin cloth and saturate with water.
Smooth out any wrinkles with a paint roller. Spray A.M.P.S. solution onto the cloth and disperse evenly with paint roller. The
reflective coating will begin to darken, this change of color can be observed through a muslin cloth. Observe transformation of
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tarnish and distress from front of mirror and when desired effect is achieved, remove the cloth and wash A.M.P.S. away with water,
stopping the reaction.
POUR TECHNIQUE
Wipe moisture from exposed reflective coating on back of mirror with a soft cloth or paper towel. Tilt the mirror slightly and pour
A.M.P.S. solution full strength onto surface of mirror. Note that A.M.P.S. will work faster if solution is hot: 150 F. Do not wipe pour
patterns created with A.M.P.S. As the solution dries, observe the transformation of pour patterns from the front side of mirror.
When distress has progressed to the desired level, arrest the chemical reaction by washing with water or wipe tarnish patterns away
with a damp rag. Allow surface to dry and seal with paint.
FINE MIST TECHNIQUE
This technique is ideal to use to create designs using Modello patterns and lace fabric. Use a paint strainer to strain A.M.P.S. solution
into a fine mist spray bottle. Hold the spray bottle 10-12” above the mirror surface and spray A.M.P.S. solution straight out at a
parallel angle to the mirror. Allow the mist to fall gently onto the surface. Wait 5 minutes and repeat for additional distressing. Allow
the A.M.P.S. solution to air dry while observing transformation of tarnish and distress from front side of mirror. When the desired
level of tarnish and distress is achieved, arrest chemical reaction by washing solution off with water. Optionally allow A.M.P.S. to
remain on the surface for 4-5 hours, or overnight. Wipe with a damp cloth or paper towel to expose clear glass in the pattern areas.
ROYAL DESIGN STUDIO MULTI-USE STENCILS
Stencils may be used to create patterns in mirror. A multi-use stencil is a sheet of mylar or other material with an open pattern /
design cut into it. These types of stencils may be used multiple times.
1. On the down side of stencil spray a light mist of water, pat excess water droplets with a paper towel or cloth leaving stencil damp.
2. Apply stencil to dry exposed reflective coating (back of mirror), the moisture on the down side of the stencil will create an
adhesive action holding it in place.
3. Spray 2 light mist coats of full-strength A.M.P.S. over the open patterned areas of the stencil.
4. Allow A.M.P.S. to dry (about 10 minutes) and then carefully remove stencil and observe transformation of tarnish pattern in
mirror. After 4/5 hours the tarnish in the pattern areas treated with A.M.P.S. will degrade to a point where the tarnish may be
completely removed with a damp cloth or stippled with a dry brush creating texture in the degraded reflective coating. Note that
any level of tarnish may be stopped at any time after application of A.M.P.S. by washing the reflective coating with water.
MODELLO® DECORATIVE MASKING STENCILS
A Modello or single use vinyl stencil may be used to create unique patterns in mirror. Once the stencil has been applied it must be
burnished (pressed down) with a burnishing tool to insure that A.M.P.S. does not seep under the vinyl protected (resist) areas. The
mirror area covered by the vinyl will remain “new” mirror and the exposed reflective coating silver area will be “antiqued”. Cover
any exposed edges of the reflective coating with heavy paper then tape the edges of the paper to the stencil. Only use the
Saturation or Fine Mist Technique with Modello® patterns. Apply the A.M.P.S. solution to the exposed pattern areas ONLY. This will
help to avoid having excess A.M.P.S. bleed under Modello® pattern or into any exposed areas.
To remove all or most of the silver reflective coating in the patterned area, allow the solution to work for
4-5 hours or overnight. Rinse with water or gently rub the surface with a damp cloth to completely remove the tarnished mirror
from design area. This process will result in clear or almost clear glass next to new mirror. Remove the Modello® pattern. Option:
Use Half Strength A.M.P.S. solution to softly antique the remaining mirror backing.
A.M.P.S. GEL
A.M.P.S. Gel may be used to create controlled freehand design & patterns in mirror. Shake or stir AMPS Gel well before each use.
Using an artist’s paintbrush, apply a thin coating of AMPS Gel onto reflective coating. A.M.P.S. Gel is ideal for use with stencils.
Simply apply Gel to any areas of the reflective coating you wish to distress or remove. If you wish to remove the treated areas of
reflective coating, allow AMPS Gel to work for 3-4 hours and wipe off with a damp cloth. Rinse well to make sure treated surface is
washed clear of A.M.P.S. Gel.
STEP 3: COLOR AND DECORATING OPTIONS
COLORED EFFECTS
After the reflective coating is treated with A.M.P.S. with there may be areas where clear glass is exposed in the tarnish / distress
patterns. The color of the tarnish and distress patterns will be shades of rust / sepia and charcoal gray. The reflective mirror coating
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sheer and somewhat translucent. When degraded with A.M.P.S., the tarnish and distressed areas created have more translucencies
within the patterns of sepia and charcoal gray distress. Some areas of distress may be rubbed away with a damp cloth exposing
clear glass against the lighter areas of distress in the mirror surface-therefore, the color applied will show through the clear areas
where the tarnish has been rubbed away and will affect the color tone of sepia / charcoal gray tarnish.
SPRAY PAINTS
Spray paints are a fast and easy way to color the back of the mirror surface. You can find Rustoleum® spray paints in a variety of
colors, including Metallics, Textured Metallics, and Hammered Metallics. Silver, copper and bronze are all good colors to try.
GILDING
•
•
•
Apply or water-based gold leaf size with a foam brush or velour roller. Allow the size to “come to tack”, approx. 15-20
minutes. Metal leaf can then be applied in a solid or distressed manner.
Allow gilding to dry overnight before applying paint layers.
Antique silver or bronze mica powder can be mixed with shellac to make a glaze to be applied as the first coat after
distressing.
STEP 4: SEALING AND PROTECTING WITH PAINT
For sealing the back of mirror over the treated reflective coating, we like to roll on a minimum of two coats of Rustoleum ®Oil Base
Flat Enamel. Sherwin Williams® also makes a good quality, commercial-grade flat oil base enamel: Kem Lustral/ F-65 / B-50
We also recommend Clear or Amber Shellac by Zinsser (spray, roll or brush). You should apply a minimum of 3 coats (preferably
brushed) of a combination of shellac/paint to adequately seal and protect the back of the mirror. This could be 1 coat of shellac
followed by 2 coats of paint, or 2 coats of shellac followed by 1 coat of paint. Proper sealing and protection of the back of the mirror
is particularly important when mirror mastic will be used to apply the mirror to a wall or furniture piece. If installing mirrors with
mirror mastic, use only REGULAR mirror mastic (Palmer’s). Do NOT use Quick-Dry Mastic or Liquid Nails.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS:
Read & follow all manufactures recommendations for use of A.M.P.S. Mirror Backing Paint Remover and Antique Mirror Patina
Solution Gel / A.M.P.S. Gel is an alkaline and has a DOT rating of 2, a mild corrosive. Heating A.M.P.S. Gel in solution will accelerate
patina process but will also produces odor and fumes. Avoid mixing with other chemicals, acids or alcohols. A.M.P.S. is not a
carcinogen but may cause irritation to airway passages or skin. A.M.P.S. contains sulfates and individuals with other respiratory
conditions such as asthma should avoid inhalation exposure to A.M.P.S.
AMPS Mirror Backing Paint Remover is a water-based, environmentally friendly paint remover designed to remove the tough
protective coating from the back of a mirror while leaving its reflective surface unharmed. Eye protection, chemical safety gloves &
protective clothing recommended. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions should avoid inhalation exposure to this
product. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not ingest. Use in well-ventilated area
IF EXPOSED TO SKIN
• Wash thoroughly with soap & water.
IF SPLASHED IN EYES
• Flush eyes with cold water for 15 minutes.
IF SWALLOWED
• A.M.P.S. - Induce vomiting and call physician immediately.
• Mirror Stripper - DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING!
Drink 2 glasses of water and call physician immediately.
HELPFUL LINKS
Antique Mirror and Glass Etching Videos
Antique Mirror Patina Solution Products
Royal Design Studio mylar stencils
Modello Designs decorative masking stencils
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