Sea Glass Mirror, Take 2

I had already prepped a second mirror with backer glass, so I was ready to try my sea glass experiment with improvements incorporated. First I taped off the mirror glass, then I set about arranging / adhering the sea glass (this time deep blue) in place with mosaic adhesive. Now to wait a day or two for the mosaic adhesive to cure and we can try the resin coating.

Curing and ready for resin

Sea Glass Mirror – notes

So the resin was cured enough 24 hours later to take a look at how this experiment turned out. Conclusion: changes need to be made. First, I think I should have kept the sea glass within the edges of the clear backer glass. I can fill in empty spaces with glass chips / frit, or leave them plain resin. I think it is better to tape off the edges so that no resin spills over the edge. Keeping the sea glass inside the backer glass area will allow me to do that. Second, I think I should try to tape off the mirror glass. The resin did not smooth out well over this mirror, so it ends up with a “fun house” look when you are using it. The overall piece is pretty to look at, but not functional.

Seaglass Funhuse Mirror
Seaglass Funhuse Mirror
Seaglass Funhouse Mirror 10"x19"
Seaglass Funhouse Mirror, approximately 10″x19″

I’m not sure how best to tape off the mirror for my second try at this, but I have a few ideas.

Sea Glass Mirror

I keep forgetting to take pictures / post, but I have been working on a couple of projects using some mirror and sea glass I have had for awhile. First I cut the mirror to size, then I cut some glass from some recycled windows to serve as backer glass for the mirror. That actually took me a couple of weeks as I’ve been busy with other things.

Mirror glued to clear backer glass
Closer view of edges of backer glass

I left the mirror and backer glass overnight for the mosaic adhesive to dry, then arranged some sea glass around the mirror. I’m still deciding where to go with it – whether to add layers of sea glass, shells, other decorative items and resin – or not.

Layer one of sea glass – mosaic adhesive drying.