Re: ATM striping and repolishing 4.5 mirror

[Myosin@aol.com]

If you are going to polish, there's no reason why you have to strip off the 
aluminum coating first. If you want to, use a solution of lye in water (be 
careful when mixing - follow directions of package exactly and be sure to add 
lye slowly to cold water, with lots of stirring) Pour solution on mirror (you 
can put mirror face-up in kitchen sink when Momma is away) and you'll see the 
aluminum dissolve. Don't touch the lye solution, but let cold tap water run 
over the mirror until all lye is washed off. Don't worry about your drains - 
the lye will help clean them!

thgis really isn't dangerous but remember the lye is caustic so be careful to 
clean up well and don't let it splatter into your eyes!

I'm guessing here, but a teaspoon of lye pellets in a glass of water should 
be about right.

You can also use a mineral acid, but I do not recommend that since you'll 
have to buy a bottle of concentrated acid and it shouldn't be kept around the 
house. It is nasty stuff, whereas a can of lye pellets stores quite well.

Frank