Most people are familiar with how glass is made. Maybe you’ve seen videos of how expert glass-blowers transform sand-like materials into beautiful pieces of art. However, mirrors take it a step further, leaving many to wonder, How are mirrors made?

Mirrors play an important role in daily life, from enhancing home decor to letting us look behind us while we drive. If you’ve found yourself asking “How are mirrors made?”, keep reading to explore the intricate processes behind mirror manufacturing and gain insight into the craftsmanship and technology that make mirrors possible.

The History of Mirrors

Before we can answer the question “How are mirrors made?”, we must first understand the history of mirrors. We actually explored this topic in a previous blog post, “Reflect On The History Of The Mirror,” but we’ll cover the basics here, as well.

To uncover the beginnings of the mirror, we must look back to ancient times. The first mirrors were crafted from polished obsidian, a smooth volcanic glass that forms when lava hardens and cools quickly. These mirrors date back to around 6000 BCE in Anatolia, a region in modern-day Turkey. 

Copper mirrors first appeared in Mesopotamia around 4000 BCE, and polished stone mirrors emerged in the Americas in 2000 BCE. Around the same time, Asian civilizations began polishing bronze into mirrors, with some believing they held magical properties. Later, the ancient Greeks and Romans used polished copper and silver as mirrors.

Glass mirrors didn’t become commonplace until the early 14th century in Italy. They coated blown glass with reflective metal, creating highly sought-after luxury items. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century introduced new silvering techniques, which made mirrors more accessible than ever. 

Modern manufacturing techniques have made mirrors even better quality and less costly than in the past, but we’ll get to that in a minute. 

Raw Materials Used in Mirror Making

Now that you’re familiar with the history of mirrors, you’re one step closer to answering the question “How are mirrors made?” 

The last thing we need to get into before we can explore mirror manufacturing techniques is the raw materials used to make them. There are two main components to know: the glass substrate and the reflective coating. 

Glass Substrate

Glass substrate is the high-quality, flat glass that’s used as the base material for mirrors. Glass made from silica is most commonly used in mirrors. It’s essential for the glass to be completely clear and smooth, as any imperfections will impact the mirror’s final appearance. 

Reflective Coating

The reflective coating is what gives the mirror its shine. Silver was commonly used in the past, but aluminum has since replaced it due to its superior reflective properties. 

How Are Mirrors Made?

It’s finally time to answer the question on everyone’s mind: How are mirrors made? Let’s take a look at each step in the mirror-making process and gain a greater appreciation of the expertise that goes into making these underappreciated products.

• Preparation of the glass: First, the glass is cut to size — typically in large sheets. It’s then cleaned and polished with water and cerium oxide powder to remove dust, oils, and other impurities, creating a pristine surface. 
• Application of reflective coating: Liquid tin is applied to the back of the mirror, while liquid silver or aluminum is applied to the front. The two metals create a chemical reaction and harden into a flat, reflective surface.
• Protective layers: Next, layers of paint and copper are applied to the mirror’s surface to protect it from damage. The mirror is dried between layers, and after the final coating, it goes through an acid wash to remove excess metal. 
• Quality control: Experts inspect the glass for defects like scratches, bubbles, or uneven coatings.
• Final cutting: Finally, the glass is cut to the client’s specifications and shipped off. 

Specialized Types of Mirrors

Specialized mirrors are made using different processes. Two-way mirrors, for example, have a thin, non-concealing metallic layer that reflects light while still allowing transparency from the other side. Safety mirrors use laminated or tempered glass to ensure added durability.

Decorative mirrors may utilize artistic details such as etching, coloring, and unique shapes to create an eye-catching look.

Practical Applications of Mirrors

We use mirrors every day. From functional bathroom mirrors to aesthetic statement pieces, they’re in everyone’s homes. Mirrors are also used in telescopes, lasers, and solar panels, allowing us to enjoy the latest technology. They also ensure safety while driving, allowing us to see our surroundings at a glance. 

Custom Mirrors from Moyes Glass

At Moyes Glass, the answer to the question “How are mirrors made?” is that they’re crafted with expertise, asdf, and attention to detail. Whether you’re searching for the perfect statement piece for your home or upgrading your commercial space, we have the quality glass and mirrors you need. Contact us today to explore your options. 

Since almost the beginning of humankind, mirrors have been used for many different purposes. The word mirror comes from the French “mirour” and Latin “mirari” which means to admire. From personal reflection and grooming to religion and art, mirrors have gone through a major journey to create a complex history. This blog will explore multiple parts of the mirror creation journey and how it became what it is today. 

Obsidian Mirrors

The first mirrors were made of polished obsidian. Obsidian is a naturally polished volcanic glass that was used for personal grooming but was also used in ceremonial practices. These mirrors date back to around 6000 BC before copper and metal mirrors started to make their way into the hands of ancient civilizations. 

Obsidian mirrors were found in Anatolia in 6000 BCE, copper mirrors were crafted in Mesopotamia around 4000 BCE, and polished stone mirrors from the Americas date around 2000 BCE and beyond.

Polished Metal

China and India started polishing bronze around 2000 BC to create bigger mirror options. Some believed they held magical properties and were used to repel evil spirits. As mirror history continued develop, different materials were tested to improve accessibility.

The Greeks and Romans later polished copper and silver to show reflections. Later, the Romans experimented with glass-coated mirrors, but they found they were not as durable as the metal mirrors that were already developed. 

Moving Into Glass Mirrors

Glass mirrors didn’t make their way into frequent use until the early 14th century in Italy. Glass makers used glass blowing to create clear glass and then coated one side of this with reflective metal to create glass mirrors. Venetian mirrors were often seen as luxury items and were sought after by the elite in European countries. 

Early glass mirrors were made by blowing a glass bubble and then cutting it to make a convex or concave shape. Imperfections were common and led to distorted images. High cost, poor quality, and small size made mirrors uncommon until the late nineteenth century. 

During the Industrial Revolution, mirrors were now being coated with a thin layer of metallic silver to make them more durable. When mass production techniques were introduced to businesses, this made mirrors much more accessible to the average consumer. 

The Symbolism Of Mirrors

Throughout different times in history, mirrors have been used for more than just reflection. Some things that mirrors have stood for are truth, mystery, self-reflection, self-awareness, vanity, beauty, etc. Ancient myths, stories, modern literature, and movies have all depicted mirrors in different ways. 

Different types and sizes of mirrors can represent different things or make us appear differently. Depending on the type of mirror, the glass can show different angles or colors because of reflective light. As glass manufacturing and mirrors became more popular, the meanings behind them also evolved.

Modern Developments 

Today, mirrors are manufactured with more advanced technology to ensure high quality and clarity. Mirrors are now made with a thin layer of aluminum or silver on the back of the glass and with a protective coating to help limit oxidation. 

Mirrors have found their way into multiple industries throughout history, which helped to improve building and research. Mirrors are used in astronomy, medicine, technology, automotive, construction, fashion, and more. Just like other inventions and technology, the options for mirrors are endless. They are still pushing the boundaries of innovation in today’s modern world.

When it comes to interior design, mirrors can help improve the design. Mirrors can be practical as well as decorative when placed in a home. Since mirrors are reflective, they can help make a room feel larger and brighter. Because of developments in glass, mirrors can be tinted and are more resistant to shattering which makes them more worth the investment. 

Mirrors And Glass Projects From Moyes Glass

Moyes Glass offers windows, mirrors, doors, sliding glass walls, shower doors, and more. Our team manufactures all of our products in-house to ensure the highest quality possible. Our team wants to help you improve the functionality and aesthetics of your home with quality glass products. 

For more than 55 years, we have been providing home products to communities in Northern Utah. Our business has grown over the years to offer more durable options and color variations. Not only do we sell new products, but we also offer replacement glass and offer support long after we install windows on your home. If you are looking for a glass installer that puts customers first, reach out to Moyes Glass.