Decorations and renovations? Mirrors!
You might just stop by and fix your hair looking into a mirror. However, have you wondered about the science and history behind it? Surely, you didn’t.
This blog is your one-stop destination for all you need to know about frameless mirrors! You have taken them for granted for very long. It is about time you stop doing that!
According to a trade survey, In the USA alone, in 2018, the sale of personal grooming mirrors amounted to 64.8 million dollars! Not to forget, the usage of mirrors in:
- Architecture
- Interior decoration
- Cameras
- Automobiles
- Telescopes
- Lasers
This brings us to the question: Are they all the same?
Why not every mirror is of the same quality?
No, dear. In fact, organizations in the above-mentioned industries are continuously working with arch mirror manufacturers to raise the bar. So, the next time you buy a frameless mirror, be cautious of the following standards:
Standard for Silvered Flat Glass Mirror
If you are a resident of North America, you might have come across standard ASTM C1503. The silvered flat glass mirrors are to be used indoors. Specifications include thickness, grades, colors, reflectance and more.
Standard for Commercial Silvered Flat Glass Mirror
ISO 25537 is not for the US alone. It is a global standard for mirrors used in furnished buildings. The thickness has to be 2mm-6mm.
Standard for Glass Mirrors Unworked
JSA JIS R 3220 is a Japanese standard relevant to the Asian markets.
Commercial Mirrors from Silver Coated Float Glass
DIN EN 1036 caters to specification and quality inspection methods for glasses for indoor but commercial use.
Okay, so now, you know the theory but how would you apply it? Continue reading to know.
How to determine the quality of a frameless mirror?
Yes, every penny of your hard-earned money counts. To get value for money when impulsively buying a frameless mirror, here’s what you can do:
Check out the following factors
Okay, so now you are standing in a mirror shop. What do you do? The salesmen are forcing you to make a deal. Just check 3 things and you are good to go!
Glass surface and reflection
As long as the mirror has no inconsistencies, has a smooth surface and is not distorting the reflection, make the deal.
Mirror thickness
Thickness of 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 are ideal for residential use but 1\4 is your best bet! Why? Because such a thickness will not distort reflection even if the wall behind is inconsistent.
Mirror silvering
If you notice a thick coating of silver nitrate and other chemical compounds on one side of the mirror, pick it up and bring it home!
Seek a reliable company
Want a customized mirror and don’t have the technical know-how? Then you better leave the job to someone who knows it best- a mirror manufacturer. Find one and describe him/her what your dream mirror looks like!
Low quality vs Good quality mirror
Corporate clients usually use a higher quality of mirrors than retail clients. That definitely doesn’t mean that you want to replace your bathroom frameless mirrorevery now and then!
You are paying up for it. The least you could ask for, in return, is durability! Do not trust your local store with this investment.
Depending on whether you want a functional or decorative mirror, a mirror specialist can hear your application and life expectancy requirement. Discuss. Don’t hurry!
Where to buy a quality frameless mirror?
Local store
A frameless mirror is not a piece of cake. If you want one for your bathroom, an inexpensive one might do. A local shop might be able to help you with that.
The convenience factor kicks in here. Just measure the size of your space. Take it to your nearby mirror shop and get it. Just to be safe, call a consultant in for measurements!
Specialist retailer and manufacturer
If you want a mirror for corporate needs, don’t you dare window shop! Research. Find an expert retailer, explain your case and seek advice! You might want to take your procurement team on board.
Such specialists customize mirrors according to your requirements and budget. Don’t hesitate to speak about your allocated budget. Take your colleagues along if you need them.
Online stores
If you buy online, breathe. No impulsive buying please! Browse through all possible options. You are buying equipment for the office. Spend as much time as you may but don’t end up with a mirror that you don’t need!
You will probably end up buying online. Seek word of mouth. Read the review. View past projects that the supplier has successfully executed. Take referrals. Ask questions. You know the online shopping drill, right?
Wishing you happy frameless mirror shopping!
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