Advanced Water-Based Silvered Mirror
Gen IV. Our cleanest and most durable mirror formulation yet — with state-of-the-art water-based coating technology and zero lead content.
Manufacturing Technology
Mawby & King mirror is produced using an advanced water-based paint system that eliminates the need for lead-based compounds entirely. This represents a significant advancement over traditional mirror manufacturing processes, which historically relied on lead-containing paints as a protective backing layer.
Our mirror manufacturing line was first installed in 1988 and has been enhanced multiple times to incorporate the latest coating technologies. The current generation — in production since 2022 — delivers our highest performance to date: superior corrosion resistance, improved durability and a cleaner, more sustainable manufacturing process.
How Silvered Mirror Is Made
Silvered mirror manufacturing is a multi-stage precision process. A sheet of high-quality float glass is first thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants. A thin layer of silver is then deposited onto the glass surface through a chemical reaction — this silver layer is what creates the reflective surface.
The silver layer is extremely thin and delicate, so it must be protected by additional coatings. In traditional manufacturing, a copper layer and then lead-based paint were applied. At Mawby & King, we have replaced these legacy materials with palladium and an advanced water-based paint system that provides superior protection without any lead content.
Corrosion Resistance BS EN 1036
Mirror degradation — commonly seen as dark spots or edge blackening — is caused by moisture and chemical agents penetrating the protective backing layers and attacking the silver reflective coating. Our water-based paint system creates a highly effective moisture barrier that far exceeds the requirements of industry standard accelerated corrosion testing.
This superior corrosion resistance translates directly to longer product life in real-world installations, particularly in moisture-prone environments such as bathrooms, kitchens and commercial washrooms.
Every batch of mirror we produce is tested to the BS EN 1036 standard, and consistently demonstrates durability beyond industry requirements.
Available Substrates
- Clear glass — Standard float glass for traditional mirror applications
- Satin glass — Acid-etched surface for a softened, diffused reflection
- Tinted glass — Bronze, grey and other tints for decorative 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.
Our sales team can provide information, samples, and pricing for your requirements.
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