Modern mirrors are smooth and clear, creating an almost perfect reflection of the world around them. That wasn't always the case; historical versions often presented dull, warped images of what they reflected. Modern manufacturing techniques are to thank for the perfect reflection you see in the bathroom and the way the decorative mirror in your living room seems to expand the space.

Historical Mirrors

In the past, the best reflective surfaces were created by polishing metal. The finer the polish, the shinier the surface. Since both reflective metals and the fine craftsmanship needed to turn them into mirrors were expensive, they were most common among the wealthy and the nobility. In the 1600s, an easier method arose. Since glass has a fine, smooth surface with few pits or flaws, craftsmen began coating the back of a sheet of glass with melted silver. They called this process silvering, and the same name remains in use today even though silver is no longer the most common material for mirror backing.

There are two reasons for replacing silver as the most common backing material: first, it's expensive, and second, it tarnishes, creating spots on the mirror. For a short period of time, many manufacturers used mercury for silvering. However, mercury is toxic and has to be contained against the glass. This is why modern mirrors use an alternate material.

The Modern Mirror Manufacturing Process

Modern manufacturers apply a thin layer of aluminum to a sheet of glass to create the smooth mirrors we're familiar with. The aluminum can be sprayed onto the glass. However, the most common approach currently is to heat up the aluminum inside a vacuum chamber. The particles of aluminum hit the glass surface, which is colder, encouraging them to bond there. This allows manufacturers to create a thin, extremely even layer.

To add quality mirrors to your home decor, contact The Glass Guru of Macedonia. Serving residences up to 25 miles from their office, they also offer window replacement, foggy window repairs, and a wide range of other glass services to their clients in Ohio. Most restorations can be completed in 20 minutes, and they offer a 10-year warranty on their repair services. Call (330) 467-5318 to schedule an appointment or see a full selection of mirrors and other products on their website.