What are Garden Mirrors Made Of?


This article discusses what garden mirrors are made of. Decorating your garden with mirrors does not only add to the charming ambiance of the area, it also makes your garden brighter, adds depth, and creates the illusion of space. Can you use any mirror outdoors? What are the materials used in making garden mirrors and what makes the idea for outdoor use? Let us learn more about this below.

What are garden mirrors made of? Mirrors that are specially designed for outdoor and garden use are made of plastic or polished metal. These materials are durable and can weather the different changes in climate and temperature. Moreover, they are high-quality and will not easily get scratched or damaged.

Decorating your garden using mirrors is always fun and you can be as creative as you want. However, you need to make sure that you use mirrors that are specifically made for outdoor use. These mirrors are tougher compared to regular mirrors that are used indoors. Read the rest of the article below to learn more about what garden mirrors are made of and their benefits.

What are Plastic Mirrors?

Plastic mirrors are a type of mirror that can be used outdoors. They are usually made from acrylic or polycarbonate. The cheaper option is acrylic while polycarbonate is the best choice because it is stronger and has better fire or smoke properties. Plastic mirrors are indestructible and will not easily shatter.

Benefits of using Plastic Mirror

Plastic mirrors are durable, lightweight, affordable, and safer to use. They have the same optical qualities as a glass mirror which goes to say that they can be made to function in the same way as glass mirrors. Below are some of the benefits that you can get from using plastic mirrors for your garden.

Lightweight

One of the benefits that you can get from plastic mirrors is that they are lightweight which makes them easier to handle, transport, and install.

Durable

Another benefit that you can get from plastic mirrors is that they are durable. Plastic mirrors are stronger and will not easily break. Hence, they are perfect for outdoor use. Moreover, mirrors that are made of plastic are more flexible as compared to mirrors that are made of glass. They can bend without breaking.

Safe

Plastic mirrors are safe for outdoor. It will not break as compared to glass and you do not have to deal with dangerous shards of glass. If plastic breaks, it will not cut people the same way that glass does. Moreover, plastic mirrors are stronger than glass and can withstand greater impacts without breaking. To repair scratches from the surface of a plastic mirror, you can use acrylic polish.

Affordable

Another benefit of plastic mirrors is that they are more affordable as compared to glass. Their durability and ease of fitting make them a great addition to your property. Plastic mirror requires less maintenance and can be easily kept clean with the use of gentle cleaning products that can be purchased at your local home depot or online.

What are Stainless Steel Mirrors?

Stainless steel can be provided with a highly-polished commercial finish which makes it bright, shiny, and reflective. The polished surface can be used as a mirror. It is referred to as a mirror finish or mirror polish because the metal is smoothly polished so it looks like a mirror. Stainless steel mirrors can be sued outdoors.

Benefits of Using Stainless Steel Mirrors

Stainless steel mirrors are safe, durable, and do not rust. They are a good choice for outdoor mirrors. It is a good alternative if you do not want to use plastic mirrors for your garden. Let us learn more about their benefits below.

Durable

One of the benefits that you can get from using stainless steel mirrors is that they are durable. Stainless steel is a tough material and is unbreakable. This type of mirror can last for a long time which makes it a great investment for your property.

Safe

Another benefit that you can get from using stainless steel mirrors is that they are safe. They do not break as compared to glass or even plastic. Hence, you can safely place it all over your garden to provide and reflect additional light. You can also check out this article that discusses if garden mirrors are safe in the sun. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Rust-Resistant

Stainless steel mirrors are also rust-resistant. It will still oxidize like any regular carbon steel. On the other hand, the difference is that stainless contains a high level of chromium. Chromium is a shiny silver-gray metal. When it gets in contact with oxygen, it forms an oxide layer on the surface which prevents oxygen from passing and stops oxidation.

Moreover, when the surface of the stainless steel mirror is scratched, it will form a new oxide layer. It is easy to clean and maintain. While stainless steel mirrors are more expensive as compared to glass, the many benefits that you can get make them worth the money that you have paid.

✅ Video – How to Sand and Polish Stainless Steel to Mirror Finish

Skills and Trade shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to sand and polish stainless steel to mirror finish. In the video, how to sand a stainless steel sheet to create a mirror finish is shown. This is an ideal DIY project for the garden. Watch the video for more information.

How to Choose a Garden Mirror

The size of the mirror and the effect that you want to have will determine how you choose a garden mirror. Aside from being an attractive décor for your garden, mirrors can improve the ambiance and brightness of the place. If you are choosing a garden mirror, you might be overwhelmed with the many choices that you can opt from. On the other hand, you should not purchase the first mirror that you see on display. There are some things that you need to consider which will affect the type of mirror that you purchase.

Size

One of the things that you need to consider is the size of the garden mirror. Make sure that you choose a mirror that is proportioned to your garden and provides balance. Aside from that, it should also reflect your plants and makes the place look more spacious. A large mirror can make a small garden look bigger. However, do not purchase a garden mirror that is too large because it can look overwhelming.

Effect

You also need to consider the effect that you want to have on the garden. What do you plan to use the mirror for? Are you using the mirror to reflect the garden? Do you want it to make the small area look more spacious? Would you like for the mirror to reflect light into the shady areas of your garden? The effect that you want to achieve for your garden will also help you choose the right size and style of mirror. You can also check out this article that discusses what makes a mirror suitable for outdoor use. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

How to Get the Best View Using Garden Mirrors

To get the best view using garden mirrors, you need to place them strategically so that it reflects the beautiful areas of your garden. Make sure that it points to stunning views like a fountain, flower beds, and trees. Avoid placing the mirror where it reflects views such as the compost bins.

Can You Use Ordinary Mirrors in the Garden?

You can use ordinary mirrors in the garden but it is not recommended. You need to avoid using ordinary mirrors because they are not waterproof and can easily get damaged from the various weather conditions and temperatures that they are exposed to. Nowadays, you can find a wide array of mirrors that are specifically made for outdoor use. These mirrors are made from materials such as plastic and stainless steel that are durable and long-lasting. You can also read this article that discusses if you can put a normal mirror in the garden. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.

Can You Use Acrylic Mirrors Outdoors?

You can use acrylic mirrors outdoors. It is a good option because it is weather resistant and stronger as compared to glass. Moreover, plastic mirrors are lightweight and shatterproof which makes them an ideal option for busy gardens.

How to Make Mirror Moisture Resistant?

To make the mirror moisture-resistant, you need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulking between the frame of the mirror and the wall. Carefully smooth the caulking over the entire seam. You can also use other sealants to prevent moisture from penetrating the mirror. You can also check out this article that discusses what to do with old mirrors. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Conclusion

You have reached the end of this article that discusses what garden mirrors are made of. We have found out that garden mirrors are made of plastic or stainless steel. These materials are ideal for outdoor use since they are safe and do not easily get damaged. We gave also shared tips on how to purchase the right outdoor mirror. You can choose from a wide array of options available on the market. Thank you for reading!

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