Mirrors can be divided into the following categories according to their materials and processes, combining the base material, reflective layer process and Comprehensive classification of functional characteristics:
1. Classification by base material
1. Glass substrate mirror (mainstream type)
• Float glass mirror: the most commonly used substrate, with high surface flatness and good light transmittance,
The film process forms a reflective layer.
• Tempered glass mirror: After high temperature tempering treatment, the strength is increased by 3-5 times, and it becomes blunt after breaking.
Corner particles, high safety, suitable for children’s rooms or gyms.
• Ultra-clear glass mirror: using low iron glass to eliminate the green tint of ordinary glass and increase light
transmittance
The image quality reaches over 92%, and there is no color cast, which is suitable for makeup mirrors and fitting mirrors.
2. Non-glass substrate mirror (applicable in special scenarios)
• Acrylic mirror: Made of PMMA coated with aluminum, it is light and resistant to falling but easy to scratch.
The reflectivity is about 75%-80%, which is suitable for children’s toys or mobile makeup mirrors.
• Metal mirror: such as stainless steel mirror, copper mirror, which is formed into a mirror surface through metal polishing and is corrosion-resistant
However, its reflectivity is low (60%-70%) and it is mostly used in retro decoration or laboratories.
• Plastic mirror: PET film coated with aluminum, low cost but short life (about 1 year), reflective effect
Poor, commonly seen in disposable decorations.
2. Classification by reflective layer process
1. Silver Mirror
• Glass substrate silver coating + copper layer + waterproof paint, reflectivity up to 99%, clear imaging and it is corrosion-resistant and has a service life of up to 20 years, but the cost is relatively high.
• Copper-free mirror: omit the copper layer, directly plate silver + double-layer protective paint to avoid the oxidation of traditional silver mirrors.
Solve the blackening problem and be more environmentally friendly.
2. Aluminum mirror
• Vacuum aluminum plating + single layer of protective paint, reflectivity 85%-90%, lower price than silver mirror 20%-30%, but spots are more likely to appear in humid environments.
3. Other coating processes
• Mercury mirror: Mercury reflective layer, reflectivity 92%, strong corrosion resistance and long life, but due to The toxicity of mercury is gradually being eliminated.
• Nano-coated mirrors: such as anti-fog mirrors (electric heating or nano-coating), anti-glare mirrors, Special coatings meet functional requirements.
3. Classification by function and surface treatment
1. Anti-fog mirror: specially designed for bathrooms, it uses electric heating or nano-coating to prevent condensation.
2. Decorative mirrors: such as tea mirrors, gray mirrors (adding metal oxides to adjust the color), carved mirrors (surface etching carved patterns) for artistic decoration.
3. Safety mirror: laminated glass mirror (PVB film explosion-proof in the middle) or acrylic mirror, suitable for children Activity area.
4. Niche special materials
• Ceramic mirror: an ancient craft, mostly used as decoration in modern times.
• Mirror film: A flexible material similar to tinfoil, lightweight but with high construction requirements, suitable for ceiling decoration.
Purchase Recommendations
• Humid environment: Choose tempered glass + double-painted silver mirror or anti-fog mirror.
• High definition requirements: ultra-clear glass + silver mirror reflective layer.
• Limited budget: Aluminum mirror + ordinary float glass combination.