GANA Mirror Division Does Demos at Glass Fabrication and Glazing Conference
April 9, 2009

The Glass Association of North America's (GANA) Mirror Division sponsored a mirror installation session during the Glass Fabrication and Glazing Education Conference, which took place in Cincinnati earlier this week. Rick Cummings of CKV Products walked an audience of about 30 glaziers through tips and techniques for accurate measuring and cutting of mirrors.

Cummings demonstrated his methods for measuring mirrors out of square, before showing the intent audience how to cut mirrors out of square and his techniques for cutting holes for outlets and switches. Cummings advised that while several different cutters are available, "I've found the key is to have a good blade."

Next, Benny Walker of Vitro America provided the listeners with some additional tips and techniques to take home to their shops.

For starters, he reminded the audience not to store mirrors flat as the glass exhibits fewer strains when stored vertically. “A lot of people still do this but please do not store mirrors flat.” In addition, he noted that it’s important to closely inspect boxes upon their arrival to make sure there is no moisture present that could attack the backing or stain the face of the mirrors.

When it comes to fabrication, he reminded the audience to keep their work area clean, since grit and dirt can hurt the mirror's front and backing. Wearing gloves and vacuuming the cutting table area were some of the suggestions he offered. For grinding and polishing operations, he stressed the importance of using clean, fresh water and an appropriate coolant as a lubricant. "pH is important. It can mess up your mirror, and it can mess up your machine," he noted, adding, "Machine set up is so important."

For installation, Walker simply stressed, "Please do not use silicone … use mastics." He added, "I've seen people send the mirror back and say the mirror was bad when the mirror was the only good part. It was the silicone."

He also reminded the audience not to use ammonia cleaners that can remove the copper layer if applied on the mirror's edge. "Then all you're left with is silver and it's just like the silver in your home. It tarnishes," he said. "I cannot stress enough to leave that copper alone and that means don't put stuff on it."

Benny also pointed his listeners to the GANA website for further information, tips and guidelines on fabricating and installing mirrors. CLICK HERE for more information.

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