Aluminium Mirror

What Is Aluminium Mirror?

Aluminium mirror is produced by depositing a thin layer of aluminium onto the surface of float glass using vacuum magnetron sputtering technology. Unlike traditional silver-based mirror — where a chemical silver solution is applied in a wet process — aluminium mirror is manufactured in a sealed vacuum environment, producing a clean, uniform coating without the need for copper or lead-based protective layers.

The result is an inherently lead-free and copper-free mirror product with a distinctive, slightly cooler reflection tone compared to silver mirror. Aluminium mirror is widely used across interior spaces that are generally dry.

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance

Not all aluminium mirror is manufactured to the same standard. The aluminium mirror supplied by Mawby & King features an enhanced protective coating system that delivers improved longevity and resistance to moisture and chemical exposure — reducing the edge blackening and spot degradation that can affect standard products. Note: aluminium mirror is not suitable for bathrooms or humid environments — silvered mirror must be used for these applications.

Tested by Mawby & King

Mawby & King brings a level of quality assurance to imported aluminium mirror that general glass distributors simply cannot match. We operate our own mirror manufacturing line and employ experienced mirror technicians who understand coating quality, corrosion performance and the subtle visual indicators that distinguish a well-made mirror from a substandard one.

Every incoming batch of aluminium mirror is inspected and tested at our Leicester facility before it enters our stock or is dispatched to customers. This is not a token check — our team applies the same testing protocols and quality standards used on our own manufactured mirror products. We can confirm that the enhanced corrosion resistance specification is being met, not just claimed.

Many importers and distributors have no mirror manufacturing capability and therefore no practical means of verifying coating quality. They may not even be aware of the performance differences between standard and enhanced aluminium mirror products. When you buy aluminium mirror from Mawby & King, you are buying from people who have made mirror for decades and know exactly what they are looking at.

Applications

• Wardrobe and sliding door systems — Lightweight feel with a modern, cool-toned reflection
• Decorative wall panels and cladding — Clean lines and contemporary aesthetics
• Retail and commercial interiors — Consistent quality across large-format installations
• Furniture manufacturing — Lead-free and copper-free for environmental compliance

Bathrooms and humid environments: not suitable. Silvered mirror must be used for these applications.

Safety Film Backing BS EN 12600

Safety film is a polyester-based adhesive film typically applied to the back surface of mirror or lacquered glass. In the event of breakage, the film holds the fragments together, reducing the risk of injury from falling glass. Safety film backing is commonly specified for mirrors, especially where building regulations require compliance with BS EN 12600.

Mirrors are not available as toughened due to manufacturing constraints and also perceptible reduction in optical quality.