Acrylic mirrors are a fairly new phenomenon. They represent a flat plastic surface on which a layer of amalgam is applied. A layer of reflective amalgam is applied to acrylic using the same technique as a conventional mirror. Otherwise, the difference between these types of mirrors is quite large.
Why buy acrylic mirrors?
Acrylic mirrors are often used for intricate decorative finishes because they are much stronger than glass mirrors. In this case, the reflectivity of acrylic corresponds to the reflectivity of glass mirrors. Acrylic is five or six times as strong as glass, so it is likely to accidentally break an acrylic mirror much less. In fact, an acrylic mirror can only be broken on purpose, with a lot of effort. That is why acrylic mirrors are often purchased for decorating children's rooms. After all, shards of an acrylic mirror do not have sharp edges that can cut a child.
It should be noted that with all the positive qualities, acrylic mirrors are more expensive than glass ones. True, there is very little chance of breaking or ruining the acrylic mirror upon delivery, especially if the house does not have an elevator.
Acrylic mirrors for design
Acrylic mirrors are highly resistant to chemical attack. Acids, alkalis, solvents, and other aggressive substances cannot harm the reflective surface. So, acrylic mirrors can be safely used for decorating bathrooms, kitchens or as an outdoor covering for cladding buildings. By the way, such mirrors are ideal for outdoor decoration, because they have tremendous thermal stability and do not react to temperature changes, unlike glass mirrors.
Another significant difference between acrylic and glass is its ease of processing. Acrylic mirrors are very easy to cut, grind and drill. Any shape can be cut from the acrylic surface. This property of acrylic surfaces is often used by designers to create incredible interiors. You can also buy an acrylic mirror sheet of almost any size, which is well suited for large-scale projects.
Acrylic mirrors are about twice as light as conventional mirrors.
Acrylic mirrors are much lighter than glass mirrors, making them much easier to transport and install. Plus, acrylic is much warmer to the touch than glass, which makes it a little nicer.
Thanks to all these properties, acrylic mirrors have seriously pushed the usual glass ones. Acrylic is increasingly used in interior decoration, especially in places where large mirror surfaces are required. This material is used for glazing doors, creating mirrored ceilings, wall decor. Designers prefer this material for the decoration of complex curved surfaces, because it is much easier to work with it than with glass.
