Distressed look mirrors: investigation by SEM-EDS and EPMA-WDS mapping on antiquing methods

The reflective layer of six samples of differently featured antiqued mirrors were studied by inspection with Optical and Scanning Electron Microscope and analyzed by SEM-EDS and by EPMA-WDS elemental mapping. This study faced for the first time the distressing techniques of silver mirrors. Antiqued look mirrors are silver mirrors intentionally distressed by manufacturers to give them an effect of ancient look. Distressing techniques involve chemical reactions between silver and some distressing agents to achieve loss or degradation of part of silver reflective layer to produce irregular darken or non-reflective areas. The investigation results allowed to recognize two main types of distressing techniques, different distressing agents and involved chemical processes