Best Glass Companies in Minneapolis

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  By incorporating mirrors and glass into your home, you can add decoration and functionality. When used effectively, these decorative items can amplify natural light and bring an increased sense of depth to any room. They can also improve visibility, enhance lighting, and create the illusion of more space. If you’re thinking about adding one or both of these popular design elements to your home, learning more about their form, function, and upkeep can help you choose the ideal products and hire the right professional for the job.

• How do mirrors work?

  Modern mirrors are typically made from clear glass that’s coated on one side with a thin metal film to form a reflective surface. When rays of light hit this reflective surface, they bounce back at an identical angle. Your eyes then see this reflected light as a reverse, or mirror, image.

• How are mirrors made?

  Mirrors are made through a process known as silvering, which involves spraying metals such as aluminum or silver onto the back of a clear glass pane. The metal, which is typically heated in a vacuum, bonds to the cooler glass to form the reflective surface of the mirror.

• Are mirrors accurate?

  The accuracy of a mirror depends on the purity, flatness, and thickness of the glass pane, and the evenness and quality of the reflective coating. A higher-quality mirror provides a more accurate reflection, while a lower-quality mirror may distort the image.

• Why are mirrors so expensive?

  Mirrors are expensive because they’re constructed from glass panels and coated with a tarnish-free metal, both of which are costly. High-quality mirrors tend to be particularly expensive because they can't be mass produced. To ensure accuracy, high-quality mirrors must be custom made from expensive materials such as borosilicate glass or Corning's Ultra-Low Expansion Glass.

• How can you clean mirrors without streaks?

  First, remove tough dirt using rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Then, spray your mirror evenly with a cleaning fluid that’s specially formulated for glass. Using a microfiber cloth, work downward, zigzagging until all streaks are removed and the mirror is completely dry.

• How should you pack mirrors for moving?

  Mirrors should be packed in specially designed mirror boxes, which adjust to reduce shifting. Before boxing your mirror, affix cardboard to the front and back, and wrap it securely, first in packing paper and then bubble wrap. Fill any empty spaces in the box with crumpled packing paper, and then tape it closed.