MirrorsReflecting Hawaii’s natural beauty is easily done using the new technology of “copper-free” mirrors. Only in the last few years has the glass industry discovered that it was the copper used in the reflective coating of the glass that was reacting to the salt in Hawaii’s air, causing it to turn black at the edges and sometimes even in the middle of your expanse of mirror.

Mirrors are used also in some schools of feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment.

Mirrors are made by applying a reflective coating to glass, due to its ease of fabrication, its rigidity, and its ability to take a smooth finish. The reflective coating is typically applied to the back surface of the glass, so that it is protected from corrosion and accidental damage (glass is much more scratch-resistant than most coatings). The glass is shaped, polished and cleaned, and is then coated. Glass mirrors are most often coated with silver or aluminum, implemented by a series of coatings:

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  1. Tin
  2. Silver
  3. Chemical Activator
  4. Paint

The tin is applied because the silver will not bond with the glass. The activator causes the tin/silver to harden. The paint protects the coating on the back of the mirror from scratches and other accidental damage.

Mirrors come in a variety of colors and thicknesses:

  • Colors: clear, bronze and grey
  • Thicknesses: 1/8”, 3/16”, ¼”
  • Varieties: 5/32” safety back mirrors (used for closet mirrored doors). When it breaks, it will stay in place rather than spill on your carpet. Often, we will use this mirror in place of a 1/8” mirror for your safety at no additional charge.

TRANSPARENT, LAMINATED AND OTHER TYPES OF MIRRORS:

FaucetCloseUpA two-way mirror, also sometimes referred to as a one-way mirror or one-way glass, reflects some percentage of the light and lets some other percentage pass. It is a sheet of glass coated with a layer of metal only a few dozen atoms thick, allowing some of the light through the surface (from both sides). It is used between a dark room and a brightly lit room. People on the brightly lit side see their own reflection — it looks like a normal mirror. People on the dark side see through it — it looks like a transparent window. It may be used to observe criminal suspects or customers. It works ONLY on a 10:1 light to dark ratio, otherwise, it behaves like a normal piece of glass.

Laminated mirror: Often mirrors in elevators and boats require the use of a safety mirror. This is another product available only on the Mainland.

Graffiti-filmed mirror: Unfortunately, an entire industry has been created by vandals in restrooms. We also have offerings for offices, shopping centers, schools, and heavy trafficked areas a graffiti film which is applied to mirrors. Once scratched, you remove the film and re-apply another, saving many dollars.

CUSTOM MIRROR FABRICATION:

The industry standard is a seamed edge. However, the following is also available:

  • Fabrication: Seam, Flat polish, beveled, and ground edges.
  • Holes – ¼”, ½”, ¾”,1”, 1 ½”, 2”, 3” and 4” are available.
  • Notches and corner notches may be cut as well.

Cutting Capability:

Cutting: Straight line cuts
Hand cut: Pattern Templates, Diameters, and Ovals.

Let us help you with YOUR special project, again by calling us at 833-1111, or sending us an e-mail at: customerservice@akamaiglass.com.  Mahalo!