Dielectric TV Mirror FAQ

TV Mirror FAQ

How do your TV mirrors work?
Our TV mirrors are a semi-transparent film of aluminum deposited on an acrylic substrate. The allows a percentage of the light to pass though while reflecting the remainder.

Your eyes automatically focus on the surface that is brightest. When the TV is off, all the light is reflecting off the mirror, so it's all you can see, despite it being semitransparent. When the TV turns on, the screen underneath is brighter than the reflected light on the mirror, so our eyes automatically focus on it instead, ignoring the light bouncing off the mirror.
What is the difference between a two way mirror and a TV mirror?
They are similar: the TV mirror is specially designed to allow more light to pass through. In other words, it's more transparent and less opaque than a standard two way mirror, which is intended for security, not viewability.
What is the difference between your bathroom and dielectric mirrors?

The main difference is in the quality and transparency of the mirror coating.

Bathroom: Mirror coated acrylic. Highly reflective, allowing 25% of the light through the mirror. The maximum size: is 48"x96", and the recommended maximum is 36"x48" to avoid warping. Bathroom mirrors tend to have the occasional defect in the coating (these defects are not noticeable unless you put a large TV behind the mirror), so we don't recommend using them for a project where the television is large and watched for hours at a time. Bathroom mirrors are less transparent and more reflective, which means there is a better reflection when shaving or putting on makeup.
Dielectric: Mirror coated glass. Our glass mirrors are perfectly flat, with a high quality, flawless reflection. They reflect about 35% of the light and 65% passes through. They are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, and for special bathroom installations where it's not the primary mirror used to view your reflection. They are also ideal for bars, clubs, restaurants, and other commercial applications. Dielectric TV mirrors are glare-resistant and ideal for large TV screens. Maximum size: 69"x128"
What is the best brand and model of TV to use?
The best overall line of TV's on the market is the Sharp Aquos. They are thin, light, and have fantastic picture quality. The positioning of the remote sensor makes it easy to mount a mirror over the TV without blocking it.
Can dielectric TV mirrors be used in the bathroom?
Yes, that's what we recommend if you are using a large TV, want good picture quality, and do not plan to use it to view your reflection. If you plan to use the mirror to view yourself, the dielectric is probably not what you want to use.
Can bathroom TV mirrors be used in the bedroom?
Bathroom mirrors are too reflective to be used in rooms which are exposed to sunlight. However, for a small screen TV project where you are trying to save money by going with our less expensive mirrors, the bathroom mirror may be preferred over the much more expensive dielectric mirror.
What advice do you have for using a TV mirror to hide a television?
Our TV mirrors are specially designed for high performance with LCD and plasma TVs. You will want to use a television that is relatively bright, because some of the light will be going through the mirror. For best viewing conditions, the room should be lit with dim ambient lighting or be pitch black. This will minimize glare on the surface of the mirror. Your television should be mounted as close as possible to the mirror, flush against it if possible, so there are not reflections going on between them.
You will want to make sure that no water will touch the coated side, because it can cause permanent damage if left for more than a few minutes. The non-coated side is not damaged by water. If used in a humid environment, such as a bathroom, seal the perimeter with a silicon sealant to keep the moisture out.
Feel free to order a product sample from us first to see how it works before investing in a larger mirror. Sample pieces are useful for testing glue and cutting methods before using them on your larger mirror.
What is the best TV to use with your mirrors?
We don't recommend a particular brand or model, because there are better ones coming out every month. The brightest LCD TV available is your best option. Plasmas work fine, but tend to be pretty hot, and you don't want to trap the heat in with a mirror and frame. CRT's also if you already have one you want to use. However, it is difficult to hide a CRT TV with a mirror because it's too thick to be hidden from view.
Our recommended online store to buy your TV from is NewEgg.com
We recommend lcdtvbuyingguide.com, plasmatvbuyingguide.com, and dlptvreview.com to get more information on buying a television.
How do your TV mirror products compare to your competition?
There are only a couple other companies we know of that sell mirror televisions who are not reselling our products. They tend to be of good quality and are worth checking out, but are vastly more expensive, and less flexible in how you can use them. The advantages of our products are that our mirrors are inexpensive, can be used in a variety of different projects, and can be used in front of very large (68"+) televisions. The disadvantage of using our mirrors is that they are not a plug-and-play solution--you will generally need to make it a do-it-yourself project or hire a contractor to come in and install it for you. If you are looking for a more complete solution than just buying the TV mirror, we offer professionally framed mirrors which fit over many different kinds of TV's. We also offer Reversica TV Cabinets.
Is it possible that the mirror will break in the mail?
It's rare for the mirrors to break in the mail. They are packaged with a custom size box and foam material to ensure that they are well-protected. Mirrors are insured against breakage.
Do you offer combined shipping discounts?
Yes, they are automatically computed when you use our online shopping cart. Further discounts are available if you plan to buy 5 or more of the same size of mirror. Please see our quantity discount page for more information.
What is the best tool to use to cut the mirrors?
For large acrylic sheets, the best tool is a table saw with a fine-toothed, no-melt blade. For smaller pieces, use a band or scroll saw. If you are on a budget, a Dremel tool with the optional woodworking circular saw attachment works. Jigsaws also work, though less well because you need to hold it down hard to keep it in place. Routers, when properly used, can cut our mirrors as well. Do not remove the protective lamination from the mirror before cutting it. Please wear appropriate protective gear, such as goggles when working with our products. Do not operate a saw without the blade guard. For further information, please see our guide on how to cut them.
After cutting, remove lamination from both sides.
What should I use to clean the surface of the mirror?
For dust and lose debris, use canned air (computer duster). For smudges, fingerprints, and stains you can use Novus Plastic Polish No. 1 and Novus Polish Mates, which are specially designed to clean and protect acrylic.

Use canned air to remove dust
How should I use the sample you send me, when it's not big enough?
It's often helpful to cut a hole in a large piece of cardboard, and place the sample over the hole. This will allow you to test the lighting with just a small piece.
Do you frame mirrors?
We sell some various sizes of frames, but don't do custom framing. However, it should be easy for you to get a custom frame made at a local frame store. Buy the mirror first before having the frame made, so that the frame can be made to fit perfectly. Leave the protective lamination on so it's not damaged before being framed.
Does it matter which side is facing outwards?
The coated side is closer to the TV and the uncoated side is closer to the viewer. The reason for this is that the coated side can be damaged by repeated cleaning.
How do I figure out which side is the coated side?
Hold an object such as your fingernail against the mirror. If there is a gap between the object and its reflection, it is the uncoated side. If there is no gap between the object and its reflection, it is the coated side.
COATED SIDE - no gap between finger and reflection

UNCOATED SIDE - gap between finger and reflection
What is the best way to clean the mirror?
Be careful with your new mirror—acrylic scratches fairly easily! Cleaning of dust should be done with compressed air (computer duster) to avoid leaving streaks. To clean oil or fingerprints, use Novus 1 cleaner and Novus Polish Mates. Novus 1 can heal light scuffs and scratches, and adds a protective coating to prevent future damage. Please see our website if you are interested in ordering Novus products. Do not use Windex or other corrosive agents on your mirror. Do not soak in water. Do not use Novus on the coated side unless it is necessary to clean oily residue.
What is the appropriate way to handle and care for the mirror?
Do not store mirrors at an angle, or they will bend over time. The coated side is sensitive to water, but the uncoated side isn’t. Avoid leaving the coated side exposed to high humidity or outdoor conditions. The coated side has a protective transparent coating on it which protects it from scratching. Try to avoid having to clean the coated side, because it’s possible the cleaning solution will leave residue and the wipes will leave scuff marks. The uncoated side is fine to clean repeatedly, as long as you are using special plastic cleaner such as Novus 1 and Polish Mates.
Clean using Novus 1 & Polish Mates
Is the sound from the speakers blocked by your mirrors?
Yes, it will be muffled. We recommend using external speakers when possible. Some televisions have speakers in the rear or sides, which can work well for some projects.
How fast will you process my order?
Sizes under 36"x48" usually take only 1-2 business days before shipping. Sizes over that can take up to a week to cut, pack, and ship. Shipping options are available when you check out using our shopping cart. We will ship via FedEx Ground if you select our default shipping method. We do not ship via USPS unless you are ordering a product sample.
What glue should I use with acrylic?
We recommend epoxy for a permanent bond. From our experiences, many other glues don't provide a good long-term bond. We sell tan colored opaque epoxy on our main product page. Do not permanently glue the mirrors to anything of value. Instead, frame them and then mount the frame around or next to the object. If you are gluing the mirror directly to an object, be sure and only glue around the edges or in back of covered areas. Glue can show through the semi transparent mirror under some lighting conditions.
What's the largest size you can cut?
Bathroom mirrors: up to 48"x96", but we recommend keeping it 36"x48" or smaller.
Bedroom mirrors: up to 36"x48"
What kind of professional can install your mirrors?
We often work with carpenters, home builders, general contractors, architects, framers, glass companies, and other contractors working in similar areas.
Will any additional fabrication be needed once I receive your mirror?
If you don't plan to frame the mirror, you may want to have the edges smoothed and beveled. Also, if you need a circular shape, you will need to have it custom cut to your specifications. Sign and plastic fabrication shops are able to help you with that. Do not remove the protective lamination if you are planning to have more work done on it.
What are the technical specifications of the material?

Disclaimer: Our data is based on information we believe to be reliable. It is offered in good faith, but without guarantee, because conditions and methods of use are beyond our control. We recommend that our customers determine the suitability of our materials before using them in situations involving risk.
How much do the mirrors weigh?
1/4" Thick - 22.6 oz per sq foot (640g)
What chemicals have an effect on the mirrors?
Like all plastic materials, the mirrored acrylic will react when exposed to many chemicals. Below is a partial list of chemicals known to react with acrylic mirrors. Exposure to them should be avoided. Factors such as fabrication stresses, exposure to loads or changing temperatures and the method of application can all influence the possible reaction. In all cases, care should be taken with dry chemicals or solvents used near the mirrored acrylic.
KNOWN CHEMICALS THAT ATTACK MIRRORED ACRYLIC:
BENZENE ETHYL ALCOHOL
LACQUER THINNERS KETONES
ESTERS METHYL ALCOHOL
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE ETHERS
TOLUENE