Frequently Asked Questions:
 
Q-1. I am interested in your product, do I need special equipment and is the process toxic?
A-1.  Only a few simple supplies are needed to create a wide range of antique/ distressed mirror effects using our simple three step process. A short list of supplies is included with the full kit we offer and you may already have most of these items on hand.
The process is very user friendly and almost anyone can use our products with safety and ease.  Our exclusive Citri Strip Metal Stripper has NO Methylene Chloride NO harsh fumes, approved by the California Clean Air Act it is the only stripper that we have found to work Also, Antique Mirror Patina Solution is an alkaline, a mild corrosive much like a concentrated detergent, not an acid.

Q-2. What is the Refund Policy?

A-2. A refund can be issued if A.M.P.S. does not work as described when all instructions are followed.

Q-3. What is the Return Policy?

A-3. Returns can be accepted if product arrives damaged or if A.M.P.S. does not work as described when all instructions are followed.

Q-4. What is the Shipping Policy?

A-4. Orders will be shipped within 48 hours of processing unless special arrangements are made.

Q-5. Will the temperature in my work space affect the results?

A-5.  Yes, the Citri Strip Metal Stripper and Antique Mirror Patina Solution require temperatures of 65 F or above to work properly.  The temperature of the mirror must also be 65 F or above.  Glass absorbs heat or cold and holds it in; if your work space is cold the temperature should be raised several hours before you begin your project.  An electric thermal blanket is a useful tool to warm a mirror.

Q-6. Can I create the effect I am looking for?

A-6.  Defiantly yes, a wide range of antique mirror effects are possible; simply add water to the concentrated Antique Mirror Patina Solution to control the level of tarnish / distress on your mirror.  Various patterns of tarnish and distress are created by spraying, pouring, wiping, brushing the solution onto the electroplated reflective surface.  The color of paint used to seal your mirror will create the final desired effect.

Q-7. How do I create the sepia tones that are seen in some antique mirrors?”

A-7. Gold paint will create sepia tones in your new mirror when applied over the electroplated surface after treating with Antique Mirror Patina Solution. The electro plated reflective surface on new mirror is somewhat translucent and the areas treated with Antique Mirror Patina Solution will be even more translucent allowing tones of color to show through. Also,  heating the solution before applying it will create sepia tones.  Heat the solution in a metal utensil using a hot plate or heat water in a microwave then mixing the hot water with the concentrate Antique Mirror Patina Solution before application will work.

Q-8. I want to apply my new antique mirror to a wall or another surface like furniture, how do I seal it properly?

A-8.  Three coats of paint will work to seal the surface and prevent mirror mastic or silicone from showing up on the front of your mirror.
I like to use one coat of shellac over one coat of paint, this works very well.

Q-9. Will the exposed electroplated reflective coating scratch easily?

A-9.  The electroplated reflective coating and the front of the mirror can be scratched if the surfaces come in contact with sharp / gritty surfaces and or objects. Always protect mirror surfaces with a layer of non print paper when laying flat or stacking.

Q-10. I want to create a paneled mirrored wall using several panels?

A-10.  When your group of mirrors are cut to fit in the space your paneling, you should have the mirror shop number them in sequence.  If a grease pencil or marker is used for this, apply masking tape over the numbers so that they aren’t washed off during the process.  The painted protective coating on your mirrors can be stripped one at a time or laid out on a table all together. When ready to create the desired effect, arrange your mirrors on a flat clean surface in sequence just as they will be applied to your wall, then apply the solution. 
This will distribute an even, natural tarnish / distressed effect over the entire surface of your panels.

Q-11. Should I test different techniques and dilutions of the concentrate before I attempt the final project?

A-11  Test mirrors are recommended, it will take a little practice to find the look you want.

Q-12. After applying the solution to the electroplated reflective surface do I need to allow the solution to dry completely to achieve the look I want?

A-12. Not necessarily… After applying the solution onto the electroplated reflective surface, you can watch the transformation of the tarnish and distress from the front side of the mirror. 
When the desired look is realized then arrest the chemical reaction of the solution by dousing with clean water.  Then allow the surface to
dry and seal with paint and or shellac.

Q-13. My mirror is in a frame, do I have to remove the mirror before using this process?

A-13. Removing the mirror from the frame would be ideal but not absolutely necessary. While your mirror is still in the frame, after applying the Citri Strip Metal Stripper  to the painted protective coating on the back of the mirror, the released paint and stripper can be removed with a piece of thin card board or a plastic paint scraper. Residual stripper and paint may be cleaned off with wet paper towel or rag.  Then apply the Antique Mirror Patina Solution for the desired effect and seal with paint or shellac.

Q-14.  Is it possible to create patterns in the mirror using this process?

A-14.  Yes, almost anything may be used as a resist or stencil.
Some examples are tape, open metal or cane screen, stencils with open patterns, or any object that will lay flat on the electroplated reflective surface.  Spraying the Antique Mirror Patina Solution over the pattern is the technique of choice within this idea.