Mirror Safety

[khaleesi]

i've seen some really nice mirrored kitchen cabinet doors, that i would like to use instead of edging strips or plinths to finish off a section in my kitchen. The only problem is, that although they are made to measure they have told me that the width i would like them cut to is not wide enough. I'm now wondering if i could maybe make my own. I know a company that can cut normal mirrors to size, and i'm thinking that i could then no more nail them onto some mdf and attach the hinges to the other side (of the mdf). My only concern is the safety side to it, as they will be right next to the sink. It would be great if someone could give me some reassurance that my idea is safe or any other advice. Thank you safety

[Buenchico]

I'm definitely no expert here, and I'd definitely welcome further input from people who really know what they're talking about, but it occurs to me that mirrors are 'back-silvered'. i.e. they're sheets of normal glass with a silvered layer applied to the back of them.

If you use any form of glue (such as 'No More Nails') you'll actually be sticking the silver layer to the MDF, rather than the glass itself, and I wonder if there's a risk that the glass will pull away from that layer (leaving you with the 'silvering' still stuck to the MDF and a pile of broken glass on the floor).

A more secure way of attaching the mirror to the MDF might be required.

[douglas9401]

Back up your adhesive with some thing like this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-SETS-OF-MIRROR-MOUNTING-CLIP-KITS-WITH-INSTRUCTIONS-9F0-/400472185990?hash=item5d3e009c86:m:m98rRcowYTdZX4KBJ30sraQ

[woofgang]

Have you thought about using acrylic mirror? These people cut to size and will add extras like holes or rounded corners, or you can google acrylic mirror for other suppliers. I have not used this particular firm but have bought acrylic mirror offcuts for use in crafting from ebay. You honestly can’t tell the difference and its much safer. It isn’t as scratch resistant as glass but that shouldn’t matter where you want to use it?
https://www.theplasticpeople.co.uk/products/uses/plastic-mirrors/acrylic-(perspex)-silver-mirror/

[Flonska]

Given the convention sinks tend to be located near to a window in the kitchen, have you checked what the possible impact might be of any light entering the room and reflecting off the mirrors?

[gingejbee]

I personally wouldn't use mirrors made of conventional glass...much too risky imo. Domestic situations like this usually need "safety" glass...tempered etc. Or, the acrylic stuff mentioned above....

[donny48]

The weight of a glass mirror could prove too much for the hinges.

[Tilly2]

I think mirrored kitchen cupboard doors would be difficult to keep clean.

[Togo]

Don't use acrylic, it is notorious for distorting images. Yo can get safety backed mirror that will stay intact although broken and is the safe option. You will probably need to go to a major glazing supplies company someone like Solaglas. I receive a small pension from my time with them, and they are part of the Glaverbel Group.
https://www.bmukmirrors.com/blogs/news/16824784-what-is-safety-backed-film-glass

[Smowball]

They'd be an absolute nightmare to keep clean!

[Togo]

//Standard Mirrors can have a Polypropylene Mirror backing applied to them to provide a safety film, which 'holds' the mirror together preventing large sections of mirror from falling in case of breakages.//

http://www.ggpglass.co.uk/safety-mirrors

This may help too. A local glazer may be able to supply and fit the backing to mirror cut to your required sizes.

[Tilly2]

....my kitchen windows are bad enough!

[Togo]

Donny has a point regarding weight. You can get 3mm mirror and would need to look at the door frame construction. You can also upgrade the door hinges to heavy duty ones that are used to carry solid timber or heavy MDF doors.

[Smowball]

Mine too Tilly!! And I've got mirrored wardrobe doors- not by choice, they were here when we moved in. Nightmare lol

[gingejbee]

Isn't the safety-backed mirror just as easily broken as conventional mirror? I'd want something that was difficult to break in a domestic situation....not something that just "held together" when broken.

[Togo]

You can get laminated or toughened glass mirror.......But now you are talking big money.

[woofgang]

The pieces of acrylic mirror which I have purchased are indistinguishable from glass mirror. I suspect that where there are distortion problems, its either cheap poor quality acrylic mirror or it has been deformed when it was mounted.

[Togo]

Woof I have had some experience with it. In small pieces or areas it is acceptable, but once you get to a certain area or size, no matter how careful you mount or fix it you will get distortions. You will find that the suppliers all have a disclaimer regarding distortion. Not knocking the product it has many great uses, but it is not pleasant to live with 24/7 if it is giving the hall of mirrors effect.

[woofgang]

true, but it sounds like the bits the OP needs are quite small.

[khaleesi]

That's really all mirrors are chris? We're getting ripped off then.

I do only need two small pieces, so i'm not too worried about keeping them clean, nor about the weight. I Think woofgang is really on to something with his perspex idea. It's so cheap and i think i'm gonna feel so much better about not installing something that could potentially hurt someone. That's also a really good call Flonska, i'll put some mirrors there tomorrow to see if i do get any bad reflections