Installing backpainted glass
Installing backpainted glass
Options for installing backpainted glass
Mirror mastic. You can use mirror mastic to install your backpainted glass project. Do not use the “caulk tube”-style mirror mastic that you can find in home improvement stores. This type of mastic is not sufficient to bond your project to your substrate. Instead, use the paint-can style mirror mastic. Mirror mastic (the kind that comes in a paint can), is sufficient to bond your backpainted glass to drywall, wood, tile or other substrate materials. Some formulations of mirror mastic are black. Don’t worry – the mastic will not show through the backpainted glass. If the color of the mastic is a concern, some manufacturers do make a white formulation. Apply the mastic according to the manufacturer’s directions. Usually, cleanup with mineral spirits is recommended.
Neutral-cure silicone glues. Silicone glues can be used to mount backpainted glass, but it’s important to choose a neutral-cure silicone glue. (GE Silicone II products are neutral-cure glues.) Neutral cure silicone is a low-odor product that begins to cure immediately upon contact with air. Neutral cure silicone adhesives typically don’t require any additives or mixing, and begin to skin almost immediately. No significant surface preparation is required for the substrate, as long as the substrate surface is clean and dry. If the intended substrate surface is oily, it can be cleaned with a solvent like paint thinner. Priming is also not necessary for the substrate surface. Do not use acetoxy-cure silicone glues. These adhesives release acetic acid during the curing process, and have a slight odor while curing. Acetoxy silicone glues will not harm the glass paint itself, but they can corrode metals. Because they can cause damage to the substrate, we do not recommend their use with glass paint projects.
Double-sided glazier’s tape. If you’re not sure about using mastic or silicone adhesive, you can also use double-sided glazier’s tape. The adhesive on the tape will not show through the backpainted glass, nor will it deteriorate over time. If you intend to use double-sided glazier’s tape, be sure to select a tape that is rated for the weight of your backpainted glass project.
If you’d like more information about mounting backpainted glass, please visit the rest of our site. If you’d like to purchase Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit our online store .
Photo Credit: Davide Guglielmo, via FreeImages.com
