ATM 1st Surface mirror from bathroom mirror?

[vance s burnham <vburnham@juno.com>]

In an attempt to produce a first surface mirror at home I tried to remove the "paint" from the back of a regular mirror (12" square from Home Depot) for use as the diagonal/filter for a solar scope.

 

The ZipStrip I tried looked like it was neutral in pH as the ingredients were organic solvents.

 

Result:

 

The "Paint" was unscathed (epoxy?)

 

Any suggestions for removal of the "paint" without harming the metal?  And, any guesses to the percentage transmission of the metal coating?

 

respectfully,

Vance S. Burnham