mineral / Glass / Processed Glass

Mirror, silver-backed (3mm, 4mm, 6mm)

High-quality reflective glass with 92-95% light reflectance, consisting of float glass with silver coating, copper layer, and protective paint backing. Available in 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm thicknesses.

Atlas code
MIN-GLA-PRO-013
mineralglassreflectivesilvermirrorAS2208bathroom
Mirror, silver-backed (3mm, 4mm, 6mm)
At-a-glance signals

High-quality reflective glass with 92-95% light reflectance, consisting of float glass with silver coating, copper layer, and protective paint backing. Available in 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm thicknesses.

Overview
Executive summary

Silver-backed mirrors are manufactured from float glass coated with a thin layer of silver (50-100nm) through chemical deposition, protected by a copper layer and dual-coat paint system. The silver provides excellent reflectivity while the copper and paint layers protect against corrosion and mechanical damage. Compliant with AS/NZS 2208:1996 for safety applications when vinyl-backed.

Best when…
  • High reflectivity (92-95%)
  • Excellent optical clarity
  • Available in multiple thicknesses
  • Can be cut and processed to custom sizes
  • Safety backing options available
  • Compliant with Australian standards
  • Established local supply chain
  • Suitable for humid environments when properly sealed
  • Long warranty periods (5-7 years typical)
  • Recyclable substrate
Top advantages
  1. 01 High reflectivity (92-95%)
  2. 02 Excellent optical clarity
  3. 03 Available in multiple thicknesses
  4. 04 Can be cut and processed to custom sizes
  5. 05 Safety backing options available
Top limitations
  1. 01 Susceptible to edge corrosion (black edge)
  2. 02 Cannot use ammonia-based cleaners
  3. 03 Fragile without safety backing
  4. 04 Heavy (7.5-15 kg/m² depending on thickness)
  5. 05 Requires professional installation
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
2500 kg/m³
Specific gravity
2.5
Porosity
0 %
Water absorption
0 %
Hardness
5.5
UV resistance
Moderate - silver protected by glass and coatings
Chemical resistance
Good - except ammonia and acids
pH tolerance
5-9
Surface roughness
0.1 µm
Mechanical ·5
Tensile strength
40 MPa
Compressive strength
1000 MPa
Flexural strength
45 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.22
Impact resistance
Low - requires safety backing for impact zones
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·5
Embodied carbon
11.5
Carbon footprint
11.5
Embodied energy
155 MJ/kg
Recycled content
20 %
Renewable content
0 %
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·5
Combustibility class
Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Fire resistance level
Non-rated // Standard mirrors not fire-rated
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
$200-250/m² // AUD supply only
Material cost (per unit)
$225/m² // AUD average
Lead time
1-2 weeks standard; 2-4 weeks custom
Lifecycle cost
$400-500/m² // 20-year period
Annual maintenance
$10-20/m² // Cleaning and inspection
Market availability
Readily available - all capital cities
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
20-30 years
Maintenance interval
6 months // Cleaning and inspection
Warranty period
5-7 years // Typical manufacturer warranty
Layer D

Where it's used

Bathroom vanity mirrors
Wardrobe doors
Commercial fitouts
Retail displays
Architectural features
Dance studios
Gymnasiums
Elevator interiors
Decorative wall panels
Furniture applications
MIN-GLA-PRO-013 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.