MATERIAL DATA SHEET

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

Processed Glass
mineral › Glass › Processed Glass
mineralglassreflectivesilvermirrorAS2208bathroomdecorativeprocessed-glass
ATLAS CODE
MIN-GLA-PRO-013
Mirror, silver-backed (3mm, 4mm, 6mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Glass
Regulatory Status Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Density
2500 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
11.5 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Lifespan
20-30 years yrs
Description

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.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • Bathroom vanity mirrors
  • Wardrobe doors
  • Commercial fitouts
  • Retail displays
  • Architectural features
  • Dance studios
  • Gymnasiums
  • Elevator interiors
  • Decorative wall panels
  • Furniture applications
Recycled Content 20
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 11.5 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 155 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
High reflectivity (92-95%)Excellent optical clarityAvailable in multiple thicknessesCan be cut and processed to custom sizesSafety backing options availableCompliant with Australian standardsEstablished local supply chainSuitable for humid environments when properly sealedLong warranty periods (5-7 years typical)Recyclable substrate
Cautions
Susceptible to edge corrosion (black edge)Cannot use ammonia-based cleanersFragile without safety backingHeavy (7.5-15 kg/m² depending on thickness)Requires professional installationHigher cost than aluminium mirrorsLimited exterior applicationsVOC emissions during manufactureSilver tarnishing if coating damagedNot suitable for high-temperature applications
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-GLA-PRO-013
Density (Dry) 2500 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.5
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 5.5
Surface Roughness 0.1 μm
UV Resistance Moderate - silver protected by glass and coatings
Chemical Resistance Good - except ammonia and acids
pH Tolerance 5-9
Compressive Strength 1000 MPa
Tensile Strength 40 MPa
Flexural Strength 45 MPa
Elastic Modulus 70000 GPa
Impact Resistance Low - requires safety backing for impact zones J/m
Poisson's Ratio 0.22
Abrasion Resistance Moderate - glass surface scratch-resistant to 5.5 Mohs
Thermal Conductivity 1 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.003 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 9 μm/m·K
Melting Point 600 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 28
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 92 %

Silver-backed mirrors date from 1835 when German chemist Justus von Liebig developed the silver nitrate reduction process, replacing earlier tin-mercury amalgam methods. Modern float glass substrates and improved protective coatings have enhanced durability since the 1960s. Recent developments include copper-free and lead-free formulations for environmental compliance.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-GLA-PRO-013
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible per AS 1530.1
Fire Resistance Rating Non-rated hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None from glass; paint may emit fumes
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 11.5 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 155 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 20%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
VOC Emissions Low - from paint backing only g/L
Skill Level Licensed glazier recommended
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 0.5-2 hours per m² hr/m²
Curing Time 24 hours hours
Setting Time 2-4 hours min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 30-70% RH %
Required Tools
Glass suction cupsSilicone gunLevelMeasuring tapeGlass cutter (if sizing required)Safety equipment (gloves, glasses)
Certifications Required
State glazier licence where required
Weather Limitations
Avoid installation below 5°CProtect from rain during installation
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-GLA-PRO-013
Material Cost $200-250/m²
Installation Cost $50-100/m²
Annual Maintenance $10-20/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $400-500/m²
Market Availability Readily available - all capital cities
Lead Time 1-2 weeks standard; 2-4 weeks custom weeks
Design Life 20-30 years years
Warranty Period 5-7 years years
Maintenance Interval 6 months months
Service Temp Range -15 to 45°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good - glass unaffected
Dimensional Stability Excellent - minimal thermal movement
Certifications Held
AS/NZS 2208:1996 (safety versions)ISO 14001 (manufacturer dependent)Lead-free options available
Fire Code Compliance
Non-combustible material
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022BCA Volume One & TwoASTM C1503ASTM C1036ISO 12543 (laminated glass)ISO 12540EN 1036EN 12150 (if toughened)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-GLA-PRO-013 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4