Q. 4548. Silvering Glass Globes.

Manufacturer and builder 5, 1892

What is the process of silvering glass globes, often used as lawn and garden ornaments?
- G. C, B., Bridgeport, N. Y.

Answer.
This is usually accomplished by the use of a fluid amalgam, composed of mercury and tin, or of mercury, tin, lead and bismuth. To make the amalgam, take 4 ounces of mercury and feed into it as much tin foil as it will take up and still retain some fluidity. The globe to be silvered should be warmed. Then inject the amalgam into the opening of the globe with a glass tube, or by other convenient means, and turn the globe about until the amalgam to run out has covered every part. Thin allow the surplus amalgam to run out. Another method is as follows: Melt ½ ounce of tin and ½ ounce of lead together in a clean iron ladle. When melted, add ½ ounce of bismuth; skim off the chess, remove the ladle from the fire, and, before the alloy cools, add 5 ounces of mercury. Tubs addition will rinse the metal to remain somewhat fluid when cool. Apply to the globe its above directed. Observe the caution not to inhale the fumes of the mercury which are given if when it is added to the hot alloy.