Problem Repair/Replace a mirror backboard

Create a Post
L

Linda & Dave

Grumbler
Joined
Dec 11, 2007
Posts
29
:bdh: I know this may be beating a dead horse, but does one have any suggestions for repairing or replacing a pressed wood backboard for a mirror? A customer brought in a 24" dia. mirror that belonged to her grandmother and ask if we could fix the backboard. The backboard has rivetted into it 'J' shaped clips that attach the backboard to the mirror. Also rivetted into the backboard is (sorry, past tense: was) strap hangers for hanging. The strap hangers have been pulled out of the pressed wood; hence, the need for repair/replacement. The key word here is the clips holding the mirror are rivetted into place. So I'm not sure one can remove the backboard without tearing up the backboard...........so any thoughts, ideas, recommendation my learned professors.
 
Make a new backing board from plywood or masonite, drill out the original hardware and re-rivet them into the mirror. Everyone has a rivet gun, right?

Or do it the way you would usually do it. Fasten a piece of Coroplast or foamboard with whatever fasteners you would usually use in a frame that size.

Attach strap hangers to the frame. 24" isn't huge.
 
You could Epoxy an additional backboard to it that is slightly smaller than the original. That would give you plenty of coverage to insure it doesn't come loose in the future.
 
Just thought of something - maybe you are talking about a round mirror with no frame - just the backing board and clips. I have one like that from the thirties (blue glass!). Mine is 27.5" across and is attached to a 1/4" backing board with 4 J clips.

So if it is like that, replace the backing board entirely and re-use customer hardware.
 
The fact that it is riveted would lead one to belive it is masonite. Just glue a new backer on it and be done with it. Half inch plywood would be ideal so hardware could be screwed in to it.
 
You're correct - 60+ yr. old round mirror, no frame, just backing board and J clips. The back could be a masonite, but its warped and somewhat brittle. Gluing a new backer onto it would be out of the question. So your idea(s) gluing a new backer may be the way to go. I also think I can get replacement J clips from the local hardware store. Thanks everyone for the help.
 
Create a Post
Back
Top