Have you ever wondered how mirrors are made? It’s glass, right? We hear it all the time! But it’s different from glass, isn’t it? Well, put your questions to rest! We’ll unveil the magic of how a glass is converted into a mirror.

THE PROCESS OF MIRROR MAKING

In 1835, the renowned German chemist Justus von Liebig revolutionized mirror production. Liebig’s breakthrough involved a method to coat glass with a thin layer of metallic silver through a chemical reaction. He accomplished this by applying a solution of silver nitrate in ammonia to the glass and exposing it to vapors of formaldehyde. Through this process, the silver nitrate transformed into a fine layer of metallic silver, securely adhering to the glass. This innovation significantly contributed to the widespread availability of mirrors, marking a milestone in the history of mirror manufacturing.

HOW MIRRORS ARE MADE TODAY?

Modern mirrors are often made using a wet deposition technique that utilizes silver or aluminum. The production process begins with a meticulous cleaning and polishing of the glass substrate to remove any impurities and contaminants. 

To promote bonding, the glass is initially coated with tin chloride, as silver cannot directly adhere to glass surfaces. Afterward, a silver coating is applied, and a chemical activator is introduced to boost the metal’s hardness. 

To enhance its durability, a layer of copper is incorporated. A protective layer of paint is applied to safeguard the metal coating from any potential damage. After going through the acid washing and heat treatment, the manufacturing process is completed, resulting in a polished mirror that is ready to be used.

ALL-IN-ALL

Mirror-making has made significant progress. Nowadays, there are many different types, forms, and designs of mirrors that PSG offers to showcase its commitment to modern trends and create visually appealing spaces.