Hey guys: I've got a slight conundrum and I'm wondering if anyone here has ever done this and, if so, what methods/tools you may have used that produced good results.
I've got an idea for a little craft project: I wanna remove the paint/silver backing off of a mirror and paint-in the cleared-off areas with scenery, objects, designs, etc.
So the basic end result I want is: to have your regular reflective mirror with pictures that show through painted on the backside of it.
Now, I've done some reasearch on the subject and I've read up on using paint stripper & nitric or muriatic acid to remove the silver backing; the toxic possibilities of these chemicals, lead, etc.
I know you can use a razor-blade scraper, putty knife or something similar to literally scratch the silver backing off, thus exposing the plain glass to paint on. I know you run the risk of scratching the glass up by doing this, but let's face it: if you wanna do a really intricate design, chemical applications really won't produce the crisp lines you'll want to make a good-looking decorator mirror.
The designs I'd really like to paint are kinda complicated; something akin to Mehndi henna tattoos. (or maybe a long, branching ivy vine encircling a round mirror)
So I guess what I'm asking is: If you've ever done something like this, what tool did you use to scratch off the silver mirror backing with and did it scratch the glass up in the process?
OR
Did you use a completely different process than either one I've mentioned that worked well and, if so, what are the steps, precautions, etc?
Thank you, in advance, for anyone who takes the time to help me out with any advice/instructions.
I've got an idea for a little craft project: I wanna remove the paint/silver backing off of a mirror and paint-in the cleared-off areas with scenery, objects, designs, etc.
So the basic end result I want is: to have your regular reflective mirror with pictures that show through painted on the backside of it.
Now, I've done some reasearch on the subject and I've read up on using paint stripper & nitric or muriatic acid to remove the silver backing; the toxic possibilities of these chemicals, lead, etc.
I know you can use a razor-blade scraper, putty knife or something similar to literally scratch the silver backing off, thus exposing the plain glass to paint on. I know you run the risk of scratching the glass up by doing this, but let's face it: if you wanna do a really intricate design, chemical applications really won't produce the crisp lines you'll want to make a good-looking decorator mirror.
The designs I'd really like to paint are kinda complicated; something akin to Mehndi henna tattoos. (or maybe a long, branching ivy vine encircling a round mirror)
So I guess what I'm asking is: If you've ever done something like this, what tool did you use to scratch off the silver mirror backing with and did it scratch the glass up in the process?
OR
Did you use a completely different process than either one I've mentioned that worked well and, if so, what are the steps, precautions, etc?
Thank you, in advance, for anyone who takes the time to help me out with any advice/instructions.
Um, I think there's a bit of misunderstanding here - I 
