Acrylic sheet mirror
Acrylic is lightweight and shatter-resistant and an alternative to glass. Acrylic mirrors have all the properties of acrylic thermoplastic and are half the weight of glass. Acrylic mirrors can be used in interior decoration applications for decoration and display. As it is shatter-resistant it can also be used where safety is required.
It can be easily fabricated and cut with power saws, cold-bent to get a curved shape, strip heated for a sharp bend and holes can be drilled in it using soft metal bits. Its surface can be decorated by painting, stenciling, engraving and hot stamping. It has low fabrication and installation costs.
Acrylic is a combustible plastic and therefore should not come in contact with any flame or sources of fire. It has excellent weather resistance, but it is not recommended for outdoor applications. The acrylic sheet mirror expands and contracts as the temperature changes. It should not be used in humid conditions as it can warp the material.
It offers reflectivity of 85% - 90% and therefore can be used in displays and other mirror applications. Though it should not be used for precise image reflections.
Maintenance of the sheets
The acrylic sheets are covered with protective masking on the top side of the sheet. This should not be removed during the fabrication process. The sheets should be kept away from excessive heat and other chemicals. They should be stored in a cool and dry area.
The sheets should be stored horizontally and if there are different sizes of sheets then the smaller ones should be placed on the larger ones. The sheets are provided with a durable paint backing and masking in the front. The sheets should be handled with the mirror side down.
To clean the sheets use a mild soap with a soft cloth and wipe the surface. Cleaning sprays or chemical compounds or chemicals should not be used to clean the mirrored sheets. To clean the surface use a plastic cleaner and a cloth.
Using the sheets
To avoid the bending of the mirror sheet and the image getting affected the mirrored sheet should be mounted on a rigid and flat backing. If plywood is used then the surface should be coated with a primer-sealer to remove and seal off any moisture. The adhesive should be used to fix the mirror sheet.
A thicker piece of material will be more rigid and therefore offer more optical clarity. If the mirror sheets are installed properly and the right thickness is used then it will help to reduce visual imperfections.
Another option is to drill holes and fasten the mirror sheet to the wall using screws. If the screws are over-tight then it can cause damage and distortions.