Polycarbonate Mirrors
Our cut-to-size polycarbonate mirrors are a much tougher alternative to acrylic and glass mirrors, often referred to as unbreakable mirrors. They are shatterproof and offer extreme durability, including from harsh chemicals and fire, while still being much more lightweight.
To help minimise wastage and make your mirrors easier to work with, all our polycarbonate mirror sheets are produced exactly to your specifications. Simply enter your sizes in the cutting tool on our product pages, choose your materials and receive an instant online price.
What are polycarbonate mirror sheets?
Polycarbonate mirror sheets are incredibly high-performance alternatives to glass mirrors. Not only are they comparably very lightweight, but they are also virtually unbreakable, thanks to their incredibly high impact resistance. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas, where safety is essential.
Polycarbonate mirrors are made by applying a highly reflective metal coating to a polycarbonate sheet. Through a vacuum metallising process, the metal (usually aluminium), is evaporated, which causes it to condense onto the surface of the polycarbonate.
Key features
- Very high impact resistance
- Lightweight
- Industrial strength and hard-wearing
- Recyclable
- High levels of weather and heat resistance
- Clear reflection
- Highly resistant to chemicals, including gasoline and acid
Where are polycarbonate mirrors used?
Polycarbonate mirrors can be used both indoors and outdoors thanks to their extreme durability and UV resistance. You’ll often find them in:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Gyms
- Public restrooms
- Outdoor public spaces
- Bus and trains stations
- Shops and signage
- Parking lots and garages
- Warehouses
- Horse stables
- Households
Thanks to their shatterproof nature, polycarbonate mirror sheets are ideal for any of the above locations, and much more. Speak to a member of our team today to discuss whether polycarbonate mirrors are appropriate for your location.
Are polycarbonate mirrors shatterproof?
Yes, polycarbonate mirrors are shatterproof, with up to 250 times the impact strength of glass mirrors, and 30 times the impact strength of acrylic mirrors. This makes them an effective option for high-risk areas like schools or gyms, where a broken mirror may cause serious harm.
Are polycarbonate mirrors easy to cut?
Polycarbonate mirrors are exceptionally easy to cut and shape to your needs, making them incredibly versatile. On product pages for 3MM and 6MM polycarbonate mirrors, you’ll find a handy in-built cutting tool, so your mirror will arrive to you exactly as needed.
Can I cut my polycarbonate mirror at home?
Absolutely. If you have tools that can handle tough yet flexible plastic without causing it to melt or crack, you may be able to cut it at home. Just be sure you work towards the thickness of your polycarbonate.
For instance, a 3mm polycarbonate sheet may be cut using a utility knife, while circular saws may be more effective for 3mm-5mm thicknesses. If you have a jigsaw, you can use that to shape the polycarbonate mirror.
You should also ensure that the sheet is firmly secured to avoid vibrations and that the protective masking is kept on to prevent scratching.
Looking for help with our polycarbonate mirrors?
Contact us today for any queries or support.
FAQs
Are polycarbonate mirrors unbreakable?
Due to their extreme impact resistance (up to 250 times stronger than glass), polycarbonate mirrors are often considered to be virtually unbreakable.
Please be aware, though, that polycarbonate mirrors can be badly damaged by the use of extreme intentional force to bend or break the mirror. They can also be scratched by sharp objects.
How do I clean my polycarbonate mirror?
While polycarbonate mirrors are much more resilient to harsher chemicals, you should stick to using mild soap, lukewarm water, and a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
Are polycarbonate mirrors stronger than acrylic mirrors?
While both offer excellent impact resistance and clarity of image, polycarbonate mirrors can be up to 30x stronger than their acrylic counterparts, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or areas where broken glass can be a severe risk to individuals, such as schools, hospitals, or prisons.
How do you fit a polycarbonate mirror?
When fitting polycarbonate mirrors, we would often recommend sealants, as there is less risk that the mirror will be damaged.
If you wish to drill the mirror into the wall, you should ensure that when you create the holes, the mirror is firmly supported underneath. You should also never drill within 4mm of the sheet’s edge.
Can polycarbonate mirrors be used outside?
Yes, polycarbonate mirrors cope very well with the changes in temperatures that may occur in outdoor spaces, expanding and contracting without taking damage. They are also highly resistant to UV damage and can last a long time without being warped or damaged by the elements.
Which is stronger, Perspex or polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is much stronger than Perspex or plexiglass (also known as acrylic), offering up to 30 times the impact resistance. This makes them ideal for situations where they may frequently be impacted.
