Today, there is a huge selection of all kinds of modern finishing materials that help create an original and unique interior. Among them, a mirror panel on a self-adhesive basis stands out especially. She perfectly decorates any room, without requiring high costs.
Description
Everyone has long been accustomed to ordinary mirrors, and this detail of the interior is considered quite ordinary. Quite another - this is their kind, which are mirror panels. They have a special shape, there are no chamfers at the edges, and processing carried out using special technology gives them a decent look and maximum safety. Mirrored self-adhesive panels are sheets of polystyrene or glass coated with a layer of metallized amalgam and an adhesive base on one side. Their sizes are various and make up to five square meters. Decorative facets that complement some panels allow you to create an original embossed pattern. This finishing material fits perfectly into almost any interior.
Purpose of Mirror Panels
Reflective surfaces used for wall or ceiling decoration primarily fulfill a decorative function. They are widely used in residential premises, as well as in trading floors, shops, offices. It’s hard to imagine a nightclub or restaurant today without such decoration. In small shops selling clothes or shoes, mirrored wall panels on a self-adhesive basis can visually increase the space and range.
This is a very good option for small rooms. Due to the high reflectivity of the panels, it is enough to install small spotlights to illuminate the room.
Characteristics and advantages
Mirror plastic has found widespread use in interior design due to its undeniable advantages over other materials. Unlike a conventional mirror, it is much lighter, more flexible, so it is quite easy to attach not only to walls or ceiling, but also to round columns, suspended structures.
Plastic is a very durable material, able to withstand severe shock and chemical attack, without deforming from time to time and retaining its appearance for many years. The self-adhesive mirror plate has a perfectly flat surface, which after installation does not require grouting, sanding or other similar types of work.
To decorate the bathroom or pool, you can choose special moisture-proof panels. Easy installation and compatibility with other materials makes it very easy to install this coating on any flat surface. Caring for mirror panels is also quite simple: just wipe them from time to time with a soft cloth with any detergents that do not contain abrasives.
Panel Views
Glass or polystyrene can be used as a base. Self-adhesive mirror panels made of glass have only one serious drawback - too much weight. But they are more resistant to moisture, temperature extremes, various mechanical and chemical influences. Mirror polystyrene has a weight that is three times less than glass. This material also benefits significantly in impact resistance. It is also much easier to process (cut, drill), which allows the use of polystyrene for unusual design decisions. But it is less resistant against mechanical damage: it is easily scratched, the amalgam can peel off when handled carelessly.
The mirror panel on a self-adhesive basis can have the most different thickness and shape (rectangular, square). It is produced both in the form of separate small-sized plates, and in the form of rolls. Color can also be different and depends on the type of amalgam applied. Silver or aluminum spraying gives the panel a silver color. A golden hue is obtained thanks to a bronze amalgam.
Widely used all kinds of modern techniques for decorating the mirror panels themselves. The most popular are sandblasting glass, facet (grinding the edge of the mirror at a certain angle), rhinestones, photo printing, stained glass, painting.
Mounting
Starting to work with rolled material, it must be completely unwound and laid on the floor until completely straightened. The use of any goods for this purpose is undesirable, so as not to spoil the appearance of the product. The self-adhesive mirror plate is covered with a protective film, which should only be removed after installation.
A mirror coating is glued onto the prepared even surface, which before that must be thoroughly cleaned of the old coating, dust, oil stains and other all kinds of contaminants. The panels are pressed very tightly to the surface to avoid the appearance of the slightest bubbles. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the possible compression and expansion of the material from exposure to various temperatures and leave a small gap between the plates (at least 0.5 mm).
What to look for when choosing
Despite its indisputable advantages, mirror panels on a self-adhesive basis (their photos are placed in this article) - the material is quite moody. Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention to the integrity of the package, because any damage to it can affect the condition of the product.
The strength of the panel directly depends on the number of stiffeners. The main thing is that they do not appear on the surface - in this case, it is better to refuse the purchase. Also, do not take panels with poorly stained areas, a dirty back. It is recommended and check the plane to avoid the acquisition of defective products.