Why Plastic mirror? Acrylic mirror VS Glass mirror

Durable and Chic: The Benefits of Acrylic Mirrors

Advantages: Acrylic Mirror Sheet vs. Glass Mirror

Acrylic mirrors are crafted from cast perspex sheet with a highly reflective surface achieved through a specialized finishing process involving a shiny metal coating. Being made of a plastic polymer, Excelite silver mirrors and gold mirror can be customized to nearly any size, thickness and shape, making them a versatile choice for various applications.

The use of plastic mirrors instead of glass in construction, consumer goods, and DIY projects has gained popularity in recent years due to numerous advantages. Let's delve into why Acrylic mirrors are a compelling alternative to traditional glass mirrors.

Acrylic Mirrors:

Perspex mirrors are solid and durable yet lightweight—approximately half the weight of glass—making them easy to handle and install. They are impact-resistant and shatterproof, making them ideal for gyms mirror wall, dance mirror, martial arts schools, and malls where safety is a priority.

Maintaining perspex mirror is simple, thanks to their easy-to-clean surfaces that are less prone to smearing compared to glass. These mirrors are UV-resistant and weather-resistant when specially treated against moisture. 

Acrylic mirrors can be equipped with a self-adhesive backing, allowing them to be easily applied to surfaces without the need for additional adhesives. This feature simplifies installation and makes acrylic mirrors ideal for DIY projects and various applications where convenience is important. Simply remove the protective backing and firmly press the mirror onto the desired surface for a secure and hassle-free attachment.

Can I cut an Acrylic mirror?

Yes, you can cut an acrylic mirror to your desired size. Here are a few common tools you can use for cutting:

1. Circular Saw: Ideal for straight cuts on larger acrylic sheets. Use a fine-toothed blade designed for cutting plastic to avoid chipping.

2. Jigsaw: Useful for cutting curved or intricate shapes. Again, ensure the blade is suitable for plastics to achieve clean cuts.

3. Laser Cutting: This method provides highly precise and clean edges, making it perfect for detailed or custom shapes. It's especially useful for professional or artistic applications.

4. Scoring Tool (for Thin Acrylic): For thinner sheets, you can score the surface multiple times with a plastic scoring knife and then snap the sheet along the scored line.

The process of cutting an acrylic sheet is very similar to cutting a polycarbonate sheet. For detailed guidance, you can refer to the blog "How to Cut Polycarbonate Sheet."

Can I bend acrylic mirror?

Yes, you can bend an acrylic mirror, but it requires careful handling to avoid cracking or damaging the reflective coating. Here's how you can do it:

Methods for Bending Acrylic Mirror:

1. Heat Bending:

   • Use a strip heater, heat gun, or oven to gently heat the acrylic along the desired bend line.
   • Ensure the heat is evenly distributed to prevent bubbles or uneven bending.
   • Once the acrylic becomes pliable, bend it slowly into the desired shape.
   • Hold the sheet in place until it cools and solidifies.

2. Cold Bending (for Gentle Curves):

   • Thin acrylic mirrors can be gently flexed and held in place using a frame or structure.
   • Avoid over-bending to prevent stress fractures or warping.

How to hang an acrylic mirror?

Installing a plastic mirror is very straightforward due to its lightweight nature. Simply apply double-sided tape to the back of the mirror. To prevent warping, use thin, high-strength adhesive tape and ensure the surface is flat and even before mounting.

Mirrors Beyond Glass

Here at Excelite Plastic, we believe mirrors are an underrated piece of home decor. They fit seamlessly into any space and design style, brightening rooms, creating an illusion of space, and offering other sensory benefits.

While most customers gravitate towards traditional glass mirrors, plastic developments have led to the creation of acrylic and polycarbonate mirrors. Developed for increased safety in places like schools, hospitals, stables, and prisons, plastic mirrors are virtually indestructible and safer than glass.

Benefits of Plastic Mirrors:

• Safety and Resilience: Acrylic mirrors are 17 times stronger than glass, making them ideal for high-impact areas without the risk of shattering. Scratched surfaces can be restored with acrylic polish.

• Lightweight and Flexible: Excelite acrylic and polycarbonate mirrors are half the weight of glass, making them easier to handle and install. Their flexibility allows for bending during installation, reducing the risk of breakage.

• Ease of Installation: Fitting plastic mirrors is quicker and safer than glass mirrors. They can be mounted using acrylic mirror adhesive or screws on flat surfaces.

• Low Cost: Acrylic mirrors are cost-effective and long-lasting. Little maintenance is required, with simple cleaning using household detergent and warm water.

Common Applications:

Plastic mirrors are versatile and can be used as:

• Bathroom Mirrors
• Hallway Mirrors
• Garden Mirrors
• Dance mirrors
• Playroom Mirrors (child-safe acrylic)
• Mirrored Table Tops
• Gym mirror

Downsides of Acrylic Mirrors

While acrylic mirrors offer several advantages, they also come with certain downsides to consider:

1. Scratch Susceptibility: Acrylic mirrors are more prone to scratching compared to glass mirrors. Care must be taken during cleaning and maintenance to avoid visible scratches.

2. Less Optical Clarity: Acrylic mirrors may not provide the same level of optical clarity as glass mirrors. They can sometimes exhibit slight distortions or a less sharp reflection if you apply to an uneven surface.

3. Vulnerability to Chemicals: Acrylic mirrors can be damaged by certain chemicals, particularly those containing ammonia or alcohol. Using the wrong cleaning agents can cause clouding or surface degradation.

4. Flexibility: While flexibility can be an advantage in certain applications, acrylic mirrors may not be as rigid as glass mirrors, which can affect their performance in certain settings.

5. Limited Heat Resistance: Acrylic mirrors have lower heat resistance compared to glass, and they can deform or warp when exposed to high temperatures more than 110 °C.

Cut to size while you wait, pick up, or same day delivery

Order custom-sized acrylic mirrors for your project and enjoy safe delivery, or pick up from Dandenong South warehouse. Contact our friendly team for more information on Excelite acrylic and polycarbonate mirrors.

Excelite acrylic mirrors offer durability, versatility, wide color range, and safety compared to traditional glass mirrors. Explore our range of acrylic mirrors for your next project