How Were Antique Mirrors Etched?
Etching a mirror involves altering its surface using a corrosive acid or other abrasive technique, such as sandblasting. An etched surface, which can appear frosted or whitened, has a textured feel that is rough, while the non-etched area remains smooth. Etching adds elegant detail to glass surfaces, making antique etched mirrors desirable collectibles. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Hydrofluoric acid, used several hundred years before its chemical identification in Sweden in 1771, created etched designs on glass and continues to serve this purpose today.
The Victorians crafted detailed etched mirrors and used etching to decorate the glass on windows and doors, often in bars and public houses. Etching provided elaborate elegance, as well as privacy, as the resulting texture masked the glass panes' transparent nature.
With the invention of sandblasting in the late 1870s, acid-free etching became possible. However, acid etching continued to be utilized in the creation of mirrors, as with the geometric- and floral-patterned reflective surfaces of the Art Deco era.
Technique
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In his article "Brilliant Glass: Brilliant Cut and Acid Etched Glass Decoration," glass artist and maker Rodney Bender discusses acid etching, noting that glass was initially etched with the fumes of acid rather than the liquid itself. Acid-resistant paint was applied to the surface, which was then exposed to acidic fumes that corroded the unpainted portions of the glass. When the paint was removed, the underlying surface was clear, while the remaining etched design appeared frosted, a decorative contrast with a desirable effect.
Glass could also be etched by immersion in liquid acid. For example, acid was poured onto the surface of the glass after a wall of animal fat was painted around the edge to prevent overflow. Once again, an image was created by the contrast between a painted, protected design and the unprotected, acid-corroded glass. Abrasive substances such as emery powder and mica flakes were at times used to further texturize glass surfaces, which could create a shimmering effect.
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Developments
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When a technique of mass production was developed using a pre-etched steel plate to help transfer a design to glass, etching on a wider scale was achieved, as identical pieces could be crafted without the artist being present, according to patternglass.com.
Etched layers were made possible by additional developments. For example, during the 19th century, white acid was created by mixing hydrofluoric acid with an alkali. This substance achieved a heavy frosting effect on the glass, which could be contrasted by further etching using different strains of diluted hydrofluoric acid. This process, called French embossing, resulted in a variety of tones and was often used in conjunction with engraving to create detailed mirror masterpieces.
Sandblasting, which was cheaper than acid etching, was invented in the late 1870s. This process uses compressed air to blow a texturizing substance, such as sand, across a surface to produce a frosted effect. Often a stencil is involved to create precision in design.
Etched Patterns
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Common etched mirror patterns include flowers, geometric shapes and scrolls. Fruit and vines also appear on etched glass. Etching adds elegant detail to mirrors, changing them from plain reflective surfaces to works of art.
Flowers, birds and tassels graced Victorian-era etched surfaces in ornate detail.
Art deco etched mirrors boasted curved lines, bold angles and even Egyptian motifs. At times geometric simplicity contrasted the ornamental nature of Victorian etched mirrors, but with no less impact.
Modern Etching
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Today etching is still alive and well. In additional to professional sources, do-it-yourself mirror craft projects abound. DIY websites feature at-home etching endeavors, often using stencils and etching cream to create frosted images on the surface of a mirror.
While these projects are broken down into manageable steps, crafters need to use caution when applying etching cream, since it contains acid that may irritate the skin and ruin clothing.
Nonetheless, as illustrated by decades of antique treasures and the current popularity of DIY mirrored craft projects, etched mirrors continue to interest collectors and artists alike.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit mirror image by TAlex from Fotolia.com
