How to produce the mirror

How to produce the mirror

In modern aluminum silvering, a sheet of glass is placed in a vacuum chamber with electrically heated nichrome coils that can evaporate aluminum. In a vacuum, the hot aluminum atoms travel in straight lines. When they hit the surface of the mirror, they cool and stick. Some mirror makers evaporate a layer of quartz or beryllia on the mirror; others expose it to pure oxygen or air in an oven so that it will form a tough, clear layer of aluminum oxide.

Mirrors made by this method are classified as either back-silvered, with the silvered layer viewed through the glass; or front-silvered, (called a first surface mirror) with the reflective layer on the surface towards the incoming light or image. Most common household mirrors are back-silvered since this protects the fragile reflective layer from corrosion, scratches, and other damage. However, precision optical surfaces normally need the reflective material on the front surface of the glass to avoid introducing optical aberrations. First surface mirrors use the substrate to keep form. There are optical mirrors such as Mangin mirrors that are back-silvered (reflective coating on the rear surface) as part of their optical design.

How to produce the mirror

Although the silvering on a second surface mirror such as a household mirror is often actual silver the "silvering" on precision optical instruments such as telescopes is usually aluminum. Even though silver has the best initial front-surface reflectivity in the visible spectrum it is unsuitable for optical mirrors because it quickly oxidizes and absorbs atmospheric sulfur to create a dark, low-reflectivity tarnish. Although aluminum also oxidizes quickly, the thin aluminum oxide (sapphire) layer is transparent, and so the high-reflectivity underlying aluminum stays visible.

The "silvering" on infrared instruments is usually gold. It has the best reflectivity in the infrared spectrum and has high resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

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 The safest table for your home

This morning the Today show reported on the number of children who die from injuries related to glass tables. Sadly, many glass-topped tables are not made with tempered glass, which would prevent these life-threatening injuries. Here's what you can do to make your furniture safe...

Tempered glass is regular glass that has been treated with high temperatures to increase strength and change the break pattern. When ordinary glass breaks large shards can easily puncture the skin and lacerate blood vessels. Tempered glass, on the other hand, breaks into small pieces, reducing the risk of bleeding and death from broken glass. Tempered glass is also stronger and can withstand greater pressure and heat.

If you have a glass topped table that is not tempered you do not have to get rid of it. There are many manufacturing companies that will temper the piece for you. If you aren't sure if your glass table is tempered, you can use a polarized lens to see the stress marks left behind from the tempering process. You can also check with the manufacturer about the type of glass used for your particular piece of furniture. Another quick test is to check your glass for scratches and marks. Un-tempered glass scratches easily.

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Antique Mirror

Mirror antiquing is a traditional, handcrafted process that highlights the magic of light and moving reflections in homes, workplaces, luxury hotels and even movie and television sets. We specialize in high-quality, decorative mirrors for architectural and decorative applications. Inquiries from homeowners, architects, designers and set designers are welcome. We pride ourselves on meeting each client's individual needs with exceptional attention to detail in order to create the highest quality product;no job is too big or too small.

The “antique” mirror is magical. Antique Mirror decided to harness this sixth sense and put the ancient allure back into modern mirrors by restoring the hint of magic that has been taken away by modern technical perfection. This goal is achieved by playing with oxidation and by the masterful use of a “black” background, which evokes watery depths. As these techniques have evolved, abstract coloured designs have been added to transform the mirror from its original function as a “medium” of images into a decorative element that can also be used (even eminently so) to build or just enhance our environments. Ancient knowledge and an innate culture, together with modern business sense, have enabled an aesthetically “artistic” activity to be taken to an advanced industrial level. Antique Mirror “industrially” produces multiple products that are “artistically” similar but not identical. Experience and technique, motivated by high levels of creativity and imagination, have produced an incredibly wide range of possibilities for using silvered and decorated flat glass.

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The best mirror for your bathroom

There is an endless number of ways to design a bathroom, from creating a layout to choosing colors and fixtures. When it comes to decor, mirrors are a necessity in the bathroom — but that doesn’t mean they have to be basic or lack style.Whether you’re looking to redecorate your entire bathroom or just want to update your style with an eye-catching piece, we have plenty of bathroom mirror ideas to get you inspired.

Bathroom mirrors

Create a look that’s twice as stunning by duplicating the style two (or even three) times. This is most commonly done over double sinks, but multiple mirrors could be used over a long single-sink vanity as an alternative to one large mirror.

One of our favorite bathroom mirror ideas is choosing an unconventional shape is an easy and effective way to make a statement in any size or style bathroom. Many vintage styles offer interesting shapes and intricate designs. It’s the perfect way to add a statement piece to your bathroom without adding unnecessary accessories that clutter the room.

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