Product Overview
Front surface mirrors are also commonly referred to as first surface
mirrors and are used for a variety of different types of uses. Front
surface mirrors are different than a conventional mirror because they
can create a direct reflection as opposed to the ghosting effect that
you experience with a standard mirror. The direct reflection is produced
through technology that is much different than the technology used for
conventional mirrors.
Let’s start by first talking about exactly what a first surface or front
surface mirror is and then we will discuss the different types and how
they are used for various different projects.
What is a Front Surface Mirror?
A front surface mirror produces a sharper reflection than a
conventional mirror where your image tends to be hazier due to the
process in which the image reflects off the glass surface.
For example, if you place your finger up against a conventional mirror
you will not only experience a slight space between your finger and the
mirror but the image of your finger will not be as sharp as if you
placed it against a front surface mirror. The image of your finger on a
conventional mirror contains a ghosting effect as a result of light
being required to pass through the glass so it can use the silvery back
on the mirror to reflect the image.
With a front surface mirror the image of your finger against the mirror
will be much sharper due to a coating that is used on the front surface
of the glass. The coating is made of vacuum deposited aluminum which
results in a sharper reflection since the light is not required to pass
through the glass before reflection can occur.
Front Surface Mirror Grades
Where conventional mirrors are often made of polished metal or
plastic, a front surface mirror is made of high quality aluminum and the
coating is much more consistent than conventional mirrors. Depending
upon the manufacturer you choose there are grades of front surface
mirror that offer options that range from economy grade which uses a
lower grade of aluminum to a premium grade which can include superior
quality grade aluminum and glass substrate. They can also be
manufactured in different grades of acrylic or glass.
How Are Front Surface Mirrors Used?
Because the reflective coating of a front surface
mirror is on the top surface this type of mirror is used for projecting
images on a screen and in other instruments that operate through light
reflection. The top surface coating allows the images to be projected
clearly instead of having to pass through a glass surface which will
significantly compromise the quality of the projected image.
A glass front surface mirror is completely opaque and has up to 97%
reflection. This type of front surface
mirror is used for:
Military Training Simulators: This type of application creates a
virtual representation of different warfare environments which requires
glass front surface mirror technology.
Astronomy Instruments: Glass front surface mirror technology is also
used in instruments used for astronomy such as telescopes which use an
objective lens to collect and reflect light from a distant object so you
can view an up close image of the object.
Broadcasting and Projection: Broadcasting technology and projection
instruments require glass front surface mirrors to create a clear image
on a screen where they would otherwise be obstructed with a conventional
mirror.
Acrylic front surface mirrors contain a mirror coated acrylic and have a
slightly reduced reflective quality when compared to a glass front
surface mirror. Acrylic front surface mirrors are used for:
Arts or Hobbies: If you require an instrument to work on your art or
hobby project an acrylic front surface mirror is appropriate since they
are less costly and less likely to shatter.
Outdoor Use: Acrylic front surface mirrors are generally used for
outdoor purposes such as for security on a building or for automotive
purposes.
Retail Display: Acrylic front surface mirrors are often used for
retail displays to produce a special lighting effect or where a
reflection in more than one direction is desired.
Front Surface Mirror Maintenance
Pricing & Ordering