Simple Ways To Make Mirrors | EHow

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Simple Ways to Make Mirrors By Daniel Westlake eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Mirrors are made of chemicals which form to make liquid silver, which can then be painted on to a piece of glass to make a common mirror. This chemical process can be complicated and dangerous. However, it is also possible to make mirrors without this chemical hassle, with other materials simply attached to glass. While the mirror won't necessarily look like a real mirror, it may still do the trick.

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Foil

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By attaching incredibly reflective foil to a piece of glass, or even another material with the dimensions of the mirror you want to use, a reflective mirror surface can be created. Tin foil which is bought in the supermarket is not quite reflective enough, so reflective foil insulation should be used for the simple mirror you are trying to create. This foil is like the malleable surface of a mirror. These come in roles and can be rolled out over the surface of a piece of glass, and either taped or glued down to the glass itself. Attached over a wood frame, the reflective foil insulation can be stapled or glued to the back of the wood frame.

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Reflective Mirror Tape

Highly reflective mirror tape can also be used. This is easy to attach to a piece of glass, as this type of tape has a very strong adhesive on the back of it. This may lead to a slightly funky-looking mirror, as the tape strips are only so wide, and even if placed perfectly together—side by side and not overlapping—there will be breaks between each strip, marring the pure reflection in the mirror.

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The Old-Fashioned Way

For some people, mixing chemicals together to actually silver a mirror might be simple, if they have the proper tools and chemicals at their disposal. The whole process usually only takes about three to hour hours and requires chemicals like silver nitrate, sodium oxide, ammonia and sugar, and a good heating and cooling surface. There is also an incredible amount of stirring involved when making the mixture. However, it is most important to do this in a well-ventilated or outdoor area, as the fumes that can come off the mixture can be very harmful to your health.

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references

• Reflective Insulation
• MIrror Tape
• Silvering Glass

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

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