You might be wondering what makes a mirror suitable for outdoor use. Nowadays, a lot of people are using mirrors in their garden because it adds an aesthetic look to the garden and can also make the space bigger. However, not all mirrors are suitable for outdoor use because they can easily break and get damaged due to changes in temperature. Let us learn more below about mirrors and what makes them suitable for outdoor use.
What makes a mirror suitable for outdoors? The durability, material, and quality of the mirror are some of the factors that make it suitable for outdoor use. Outdoor mirrors are usually made from glass or acrylic. These materials are stronger as compared to those that are used for indoor mirrors. For instance, acrylic is durable, lighter, and shatterproof.
Indoor mirrors can stain and weather after constant exposure to different weather conditions. Moreover, these mirrors are not waterproof so they easily tarnish after constantly soaking in the rain. When placing mirrors outdoor, you must choose the best quality that can stand various weather conditions. Check your local home depot or online for some of the best options available.
Why is Acrylic Mirror Best for Outdoors?
Acrylic Mirror is best for outdoor use because it is lightweight but durable. It is a flexible material that is shatterproof so you do not have to worry about cleaning sharp pieces of glass in case the mirror gets knocked off by the wind. As compared to glass mirrors, acrylic is more affordable, easier to transport, and easier to install. Screws or adhesives can be used to mount acrylic mirrors. Acrylic is plastic and is a good alternative for regular mirrors, especially for outdoor use.
Best Mirrors for Outdoor Use
Some of the best mirrors that you can use outdoors include sheet and illusion mirrors. These types of mirrors are ideal for different size of gardens. You can use them in smaller gardens to reflect light and make the space larger and brighter. Let us find out more about these mirrors below.
Sheet Mirrors
These types of mirrors are similar to what is used in dance studios and gyms. They are ideal for outdoor use because they are stronger and more durable as compared to glass. Moreover, sheet mirrors can be easily cut according to the size and shape that you want. You can create a mosaic in a corner wall of your garden using sheet mirrors.
Illusion mirrors
Another type of mirror that is ideal for outdoor is the illusion mirror. They are primarily used as a decorative feature for the garden and walls around your property. These mirrors are interesting because they are uniquely designed to have the same look like a gate or a window that is slightly open. You can use these mirrors to create an enchanting look to your garden creating an illusion of additional space. We have also shared this article titled, can you put a normal mirror in the garden? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
✅ Video – How to Make a DIY Garden Mirror
KezzabethCreates shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to make a DIY garden mirror. If you are looking for ideas on how to improve the look of you garden using mirrors, watch the video below for tips and information that you can refer to.
How to Choose the Best Mirror for Outdoor?
The quality of the mirrors, their measurement, and your budget are some of the things that you need to consider when choosing an outdoor mirror. It is important that you choose a mirror that will not only enhance the look of your outdoor area but is also durable and can withstand different weather and temperature changes.
Quality
One of the things that you need to consider when choosing an outdoor mirror is its quality. Inspect the material of the mirror and find out more about the quality and thickness of the glass as well as the silvering. A glass that has high quality has no inconsistencies and does not produce a distorted reflection. Choose a glass that has a flat surface. While mirrors come in a wide array of thicknesses, it is recommended that you choose the ¼ thick one. With this thickness, your reflection will not be distorted. Moreover, you also need to check the coating of the mirror. Usually, silver nitrate and other chemical compounds are used as a coating on one side of the glass. Choose mirrors with a thick coating of silver for the best quality.
Measurement
Another thing that you need to consider when choosing the best mirror for outdoor use is measurement. The space that you have outdoor must be fit for the size of the mirror that you purchase. Before anything else, measure the space where you plan to place a mirror and choose a mirror according to that size.
Budget
You also need to consider your budget. How much are you willing to pay for a mirror and will it be worth it? Rather than purchasing a low-quality mirror just to save on your budget, you should save your money so that you can buy a high-quality one that will last for a long time. You wouldn’t want to replace your mirror regularly because of poor quality. Take note that cheap mirrors does not last long and you will end up spending a lot of money to replace the broken mirror.
How to Weatherproof Mirrors to Make it Suitable for Outdoor Use
To weatherproof mirrors for your outdoor use, you need to follow some steps which include choosing an edge sealer, preparing the work, and applying the sealer. Sealing the mirror will prevent rusting and discoloration. It will also make the mirror more suitable for outdoor use. Check out the steps below
Step 1 – Choosing an Edge Sealer
The first step is to choose an edge sealer. There is a wide array of edge sealers available at your local hardware store or you can also purchase them online. Choose a high-quality edge sealer that will prevent the blackening of the mirror edges due to various temperature changes and weather conditions. Moreover, the right sealer will protect the mirror from cleaning materials, moisture, and humidity.
Step 2 – Preparing the Work Area
The next step that you need to do is to prepare the work area. When using an edge sealer, make sure that you do it outdoor where there is enough ventilation. You also need to cover the ground with newspaper or cloth that is bigger than the mirror. Furthermore, you need to wear gloves to protect your hands from the sealer.
Step 3 – Applying the Sealer
The next step is to apply the sealer. Make sure to read the instruction in the packaging to determine how the sealer should be properly applied. You can either use a brush or sprayer depending on the type of sealant that you are using.
Step 4 – Allow the Sealant to Dry
The last step is to allow the sealant to dry. This can take a few hours depending on the type of sealant that you use. Allow the sealant to dry for about two to three hours. Once it is completely dried, remove any sealant that sticks to the viewing surface of the mirror using a washcloth that is dipped in alcohol or glass cleaner. You can also read this article that discusses what causes mirrors to tarnish. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Can You Use Mirrors Outdoors?
You can use mirrors outdoors. However, you need to take note that different factors determine if a mirror is suitable for outdoor use or not. It is recommended that you choose garden mirrors that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Take note that outdoor mirrors are usually made from impact-resistant glass or acrylic. These materials are durable and shatterproof as compared to the mirrors that are used indoors. You can also check out this article that discusses if mirrors can be used outdoors. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
What is the Difference between Outdoor and Indoor Mirrors?
The main difference between an outdoor mirror and an indoor mirror is the material that is used. While indoor mirrors are usually made from glass, outdoor mirrors are made from a more durable material such as acrylic. Outdoor mirrors are also weatherproof and sealed to prevent water and moisture from leaking into the mirror. You can also read this article that discusses what garden mirrors are made of. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Can the Weather Damage My Garden Mirror?
The changes in weather can damage the garden mirror. Take note that constant exposure to moisture and temperature changes damages some parts of the mirror. However, the mirror itself will still be reflective. Mirrors that are specifically made for outdoor use are sealed around the edges. You can choose a plastic mirror for outdoor use because they are more durable as compared to glass. You can also check out this article that discusses why your mirror is turning yellow. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed what makes a mirror suitable for outdoors. We have found out that there are different factors that make a mirror suitable for outdoor use. Moreover, we have learned the difference between outdoor and indoor mirrors. If you are planning to place a mirror in your garden, make sure that you choose the right mirror that can withstand the different outdoor environments. Thank you for reading!