Question mirror strip spacers for a shadowbox

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Grammy Pammy

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Nov 18, 2008
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I am making a shadowbox for some handmade Italian masks which are mounted on black velvet. I would like to use 3 inch strips of mirror for spacers to help bring light and visibility to the interior of the deep frame. Any suggestions on how to mount the mirror strips with out damaging the silver on the back? I intend to use silver tape on the cut edges to give it a more finished look.
Grammy Pammy
 
I've done this on few unconventional stain glass pieces in shadow boxes and used 969 atg tape, with foam board as filler to bring the mirroe flush with the frame. Mirror backingnowdays is pretty tough, try doing a practice run first.
 
I would use acrylic mirror and sand or polish the edges. Much lighter and easier to get perfect edges/cuts.

Lois at Superior Acrylic would do a great job for you.

Otherwise, I would use mirror mastic which is designed exactly for that purpose, but I would support the top piece well until the mastic dried. Since they are so small, you may find that silicone would work well too, but my first choice would be acrylic strips as it is very difficult to get a crisp, clean cut on mirror.

I was a judge for our PPFA Chapter framing contest and one entry tried doing exactly what you are attempting. Done poorly it looks awful.........and his were only about 1" deep.
 
Welcome !!!!

Granny Pammy. Welcome to the Grumble. I'm sure you will get suggestions that will work for you. Since it is a thick piece of mirror I would try the mirror mastic, clamp it and give it plenty of time to dry. By the way did you notice in the Commercial Posts that Natalya Murphy from Creekside in Papillion is trying to have Bear Charlton come in for a fabric wrapped mat class and she is working on getting a PPFA chapter started in the Omaha area.
Mike :D
 
I would be sure to use glass saver or some sort of barrier between the mirror sides and the front glazing to prevent chipping, or just use acrylic for the front (or even safety mirror for the sides). Then use mirror mastic if it is a large piece. Otherwise I'd just use silicone. If you attach the top first and then the sides so they can support the top like a pillar that can give some extra strength should the adhesive fail.
 
And maybe paint the underside of the rabbet... since the mirror may reflect some of that?
 
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