We take mirrors for granted, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. Humans have been captivated by reflections since the beginning of time, which is why mirrors have been used as interior décor since the 17th century. Mirrors have transformed from reflective pools to clear, glass handheld ones.
What makes mirrors so enchanting? Keep on reading to find out what makes them shine.
What Makes Mirrors Different from Other Reflective Surfaces?
You may be surprised to learn this, but the nature of today’s mirrors isn’t fundamentally different from a pool of water. However, mirrors are superior to other reflective surfaces because of their elegant finish and portability. Every mirror contains glass, which makes a person’s reflection appear uniform. Since bodies of water and other surfaces don’t contain glass, your reflection seems distorted.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the process of how mirrors are made and their benefits.
A Brief History of Mirrors
In ancient times, people used obsidian stones to make mirrors because they were highly polished, which produced a clear reflection. As humans evolved, so did technology, and artisans began to use metals such as gold, silver, and aluminum to enhance the mirror’s properties.
In 1600 A.D., craftsman discovered the silvering process, which is when silver stays in liquid form until it covers a whole sheet of glass. This process quickly became the most popular way to make mirrors, and it’s still in use today.
How Are Mirrors Made?
The method of creating a mirror involves cutting a glass sheet in requisite shape, then coating it with silver or aluminum during the chemical process. It’s important to let a mirror technician handle this process because they’re experts at polishing. Any dip or impurity left on the mirror’s surface can create waves, which may result in a distorted reflection.
When technicians conduct a high-precision production, they bring the metal to a boil inside a special chamber. Next, they let it condense on the glass sheet to form a thin metal coating. Experts use specialty machines like evaporators and metal boilers, which you can’t use at home.
Lastly, the technician paints the back of the mirror to protect the metal coatings from damage.
The Benefits of a Mirror
Mirrors aren’t solely for checking yourself out, and they serve various purposes. If you’ve been living under a rock, here are a few reasons why you should install mirrors inside your home or business:
- Mirrors make any space appear larger
- Mirrors make a statement, especially customized ones. You can choose from a wide variety of sizes, styles, and designs, making them effortless to incorporate into almost every space.
- Mirrors invite more lighting from surrounding windows. This makes the light reflect off the glass, which brightens the rest of the room.
- Mirrors next to your front door are helpful when you’re in a rush. You can double-check your outfit if you’re heading to a meeting or lunch date.
Contact Murray Glass
You’re obviously the fairest of them all, but that can be difficult to remember when your mirrors are broken, discolored, or chipped. At Murray Glass, we believe you deserve the luxury that only high-quality mirrors can provide. We’re proud to offer custom mirror services so you can turn your vision into reality, and we also specialize in glass repair. Schedule your consultation today.
