In this article, we will talk about self-adhesive mirror film and self-adhesive mirror plastic, about all its possible pros and cons. So, mirror film is a safer and more practical replacement for a regular mirror. , unlike film or plastic, it is much easier to install, there is no need to make holes in the walls and spoil the wallpaper. Mirror film has exactly the same reflection as in a regular mirror, so you won’t notice the difference between it and a regular mirror. Let's look at it in more detail point by point.
Appearance
The special multilayer coating is made of high-quality polymers, which, even with constant heating, do not emit harmful substances, and the canvas itself hardly heats up. The mirror surface transmits 25% of heat and 15% of sunlight, creating comfortable coolness and soft lighting in the apartment.
Mirror self-adhesive film also performs a decorative function. With it you can easily update the facade. Architectural mirror films can be made in various colors, in the form of multi-colored panels; they are durable and can withstand temperature changes well.
Care
There are no special care instructions. Light mirror tinting of windows requires increased attention, which requires careful handling when cleaning.
The use of brushes or cleaning powders is not recommended. For cleaning, purchase a soft, lint-free cloth.
You can clean the surface from dust using a soap solution using liquid soap or baby shampoo. Solvents are not allowed in the solution.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of mirror film:
- Maintaining confidentiality of personal space.
- Comfortable in both hot and cold weather.
- Possibility of choosing the degree of darkness.
- Furniture and curtains do not fade.
- Security of the premises. Usually, when choosing a coating, it is possible to select the percentage of impact resistance. Some of these films prevent glass from breaking even when fired by air guns.
- The glass never fogs up.
- Design variety of models: films can be made in rolls, or sold in even squares of different colors and sizes.
- Some sound insulation.
- Protection against electromagnetic radiation.
- Environmental friendliness and durability.
- Practicality.
- Ease of installation.
Flaws:
- In the evening, when using lamps, glass loses its ability to hide what is happening inside.
Types of mirror self-adhesive film for windows
There are the following types of mirror film coating:
- Heat-saving mirror self-adhesive film - applied to the inner surface of windows. A comfortable room temperature is maintained thanks to its ability to reflect heat rays. All the heat is stored inside.
- Reflective mirror film with one-way visibility effect. In this case, the opposite effect occurs. The surface reflects excess heat, keeping you cool even on the hottest day. In addition, this coating perfectly protects your home from prying eyes during the day.
- Architectural mirror film that protects from the sun is a universal decorative element for the facade. It can be glued both to French windows and to small attic windows, as well as to decorate window openings in toilet rooms, especially if they face the street. Often the film is applied to the surface in the form of a panel. It is not afraid of moisture, has high strength and wear resistance. To decorate glass or transparent plastic interior partitions, such mirror films are made without applying amalgam . The coating creates a light transparent lace effect.
- Impact-resistant - especially durable decorative self-adhesive mirror film, the so-called “safe mirror”. He is not afraid of blows or chips. The most durable variations will be able to protect the owner from fragments even in the event of an explosion or shot from an air gun. The glass will, of course, crack, but it will not shatter.
- Acrylic panel is a type of mirror coating that is applied to a solid base, most often on ultra-thin and durable plastic. Acrylic mirror film is used for the production of wardrobe doors, in bathrooms, for decorating bedrooms, hallways and other rooms.
Before applying self-adhesive mirror film to glass, you need to check the level of illumination at home with a special device - a lux meter. If the resulting figure is below 65 percent, then gluing such a coating is not recommended.
Application area
This is a polymer product consisting of 2 or 3 layers. The first layer is a surface with acrylic glue applied to it, the second is metallized with an anti-adhesive coating. In three-layer products, a colored layer is placed between these two.
The material is used in construction for glazing in apartment and private buildings, shopping centers, sports and office buildings.
The main functions of the devices used for tinting are presented in the table.
| Window tinting (functions) | Where is it used and how does it work? |
| UV protection | Windows, loggias, balconies with glazing exposed to sunlight. Reflective film protects interior decoration and furniture from fading |
| Protection from prying attention | The problem is faced by residents of the first floors, houses and office buildings located in maximum proximity to each other. The material creates a one-way appearance. It is not visible from the outside what is inside. And, conversely, those inside can clearly see what is happening outside. |
| Decorative detail of the interior (exterior) | Often, tinting with a mirror film becomes a detail of the interior design of a room. It can also be used to improve the exterior of the entire building as a whole. |
| Additional protection of indoor pools from algal blooms | By preventing sunlight from entering the room and the pool water, the polymer coating becomes an additional means of slowing down the process of water blooming in the pool |
How to stick mirror film on a window?
A person does not need any special skills to apply mirror film. First you need to prepare your tools: glass cleaner with a degreasing effect, a scraper with an angle, a dry lint-free cloth.
Installation sequence and important rules:
- Clean the surface of the glass from dirt and wipe it dry.
- It is important to remember that the film tends to stretch slightly. Therefore, it is better to cut it not to the size of the window, but a little smaller.
- Release the film from the protective coating.
- Avoid applying the film on very cold or hot days. In the first case, the adhesive base will dry out poorly, in the second, on the contrary, it will dry out too quickly.
- Ensure acceptable room humidity - not lower than 20%. This figure can be increased by using an air spray.
Installation features
A simple type of raw material that does not require much experience or knowledge, but the omission of even small features can spoil the result due to the wrong start of work.
The main surface must be carefully prepared - leveled, cleaned to eliminate distortion and increase adhesion. Mirrors are firmly attached to wood, concrete, stone, cardboard.
The rolled material must be rolled out and left to rest for at least a day before installation. Straightened products are easier to install and adhere more firmly. No pressure is required to artificially speed up the process - rather, the reflective surface will deteriorate.
Work only with a smooth, even base
Installation of a sheet with a mirror coating requires the creation of expansion joints for expansion and contraction under temperature differences. It is enough to leave gaps of 0.5 mm between the panels, but if there are strong temperature changes in the room, it is better to leave 1 mm between the segments. The joints are not noticeable.
When the raw material needs to be pre-cut, it is done along the front surface using a sharply sharpened tool. Polystyrene tiles are cut using equipment with a rotating element operating at high speed. When cutting sheets, it is necessary to periodically cool the material and wait for it to cool down in order to prevent overheating.
Removal without the use of chemicals
To remove the canvas “the old fashioned way” you will need a utility knife, a scraper (necessarily with a rubber edge), a spray bottle and a bowl of water, a hair dryer or a steam generator.
- Apply water to the surface of the film.
- Heat the surface with a hairdryer or steam generator.
- Pry off the swollen surface of the film with a scraper or knife.
- Carefully remove any remaining coating from the surface.
Heating the film under the influence of a large amount of moisture will speed up the process several times.
Availability
Although the main producers are European countries, mirror film and mirror plastic remain very affordable materials. It is also produced in Russia, but so far on a smaller scale. To purchase it, you can come to most local construction stores, ask, and they will probably have the material you need. In addition to local ones, mirror film and mirror plastic are popular in many online stores, which allows you to order the amount of film or plastic you need without leaving your home. The price of this product “doesn’t bite”, but looks quite friendly, although it varies depending on the area.
Removal using special chemical solvents.
It is important to remember that such products are dangerous! If there are small children in the house, it is necessary to postpone this procedure, or closely monitor the child so that no trouble occurs. If handled incorrectly, there may be a burn to the tissues of the surface of the body; if ingested, there is a danger of burns to the esophagus and respiratory tract.
When working with chemicals, you must use a respirator and protective gloves.
The composition of the Israeli production “Shumanit” has proven itself well. Paint removers from the RP-6 series, as well as FENOSOL and COSMOFEN 10, clean the film well.
Glass cleaning procedure
The product must be applied liberally to the glass. After about 10 minutes, the film will begin to dissolve and swell. In this case, you can remove the remaining tinting coating using a scraper or knife. After this, the window must be washed.
Dimensions, prices
The cost of one item can vary by 10 times, due to different compositions and production technologies.
Acrylic products cost up to 20,000 rubles, polystyrene up to 10,000 rubles, PVC plastic – 10,000 rubles.
The difference in price is due to the size of the sheets.
Dimensions of acrylate panels:
- 122*244*0.2 cm — 5,000 rub.;
- 122*244*0.3 cm – 6,000 rub.;
- 205*305*0.3 cm – 16,000 rub.;
- 305*205*0.2 mm – 15,000 rub.
The polystyrene-based coating is available in 6 size variations:
- 100*200*0.1 cm – up to RUB 1,700;
- 100*200*0.2 cm – up to RUB 2,800;
- 122*244*0.15 cm – RUB 2,500;
- 122*244*0.2 cm – 3,000 rub.;
- 122*300*0.2 cm – 6,000 rub.;
- 122*300*0.3 cm – 8,000 rub.
The final price may vary. The difference arises when transportation costs increase and orders from resellers.
Mirror film in the interior
Mirror film coatings can be used in the house and apartment not only for windows. They are used to decorate shelves and partitions, bathrooms and living rooms. Mirror surfaces are especially often used to visually expand the space, soften the light, and highlight areas for rest and relaxation.
Mirror surfaces are a great way to change the look of your apartment and add a touch of intimacy and privacy to your surroundings. In addition, this is an economical way to maintain the optimal temperature, since you don’t have to spend money on buying an air conditioner.
Installation
To install mirror elements yourself, you need to work with a fully prepared surface. The base is self-adhesive, just remove the protective layer and glue the main tile.
However, in order not to spoil the material, you need to do it gradually. First, make markings with a simple pencil to get even edges. Peel off a couple of centimeters from the top, place the piece on the drawn line, and press firmly.
Removing the protective coating
From both sides at the same time, gradually from each, the protective film is removed by another 2-3 cm, the canvas is pressed firmly. The steps are repeated until the sheet is glued. Further work looks similar, but compensation gaps should remain between the tiles on each side.
The seams do not have to be treated, but if they are not white, you can apply white sealant and use a grout mixture, which must then be washed off the mirrors.
