Short answer: Mirror acrylic is clear acrylic sheet with a thin layer of aluminum vacuum-deposited on the back and sealed under a protective paint backing. It weighs about half as much as glass mirror and doesn't shatter into sharp shards, but because it flexes, it only gives a true reflection when mounted flat on a rigid surface. Mount it with mirror tape or adhesives that are solvent-free: Plaskolite advises against adhesives with 5% or more solvent, which attack the backing.

Key facts

  • Construction: acrylic sheet, vacuum-metallized aluminum layer, protective paint backing (Plaskolite Fabback, Acrylite Reflections).
  • Thicknesses: commonly 0.060 to 0.236 in.; colored mirrors are usually 0.118 in. (3 mm).
  • Sheet size: 48 × 96 in., often with about 1 in. extra length for trimming.
  • Weight: about half of glass mirror the same thickness; 1/8 in. weighs about 0.73 lb/ft².
  • Mounting: flat, rigid, sealed backing; no adhesives with 5% or more solvent; test any adhesive on a scrap for 72 hours.

How mirror acrylic is made

Mirror acrylic starts as an ordinary clear sheet. In a vacuum chamber, a very thin layer of aluminum is deposited on one face. That shiny layer is then covered with a tough paint backing so it can't be scratched or oxidized. You look through the clear acrylic at the metal layer, just as you look through the glass at the silvering of a glass mirror.

Gold, rose gold, and other colored mirrors put the same aluminum layer behind a tinted transparent sheet. Two related products exist: see-through (two-way) mirror, with a partly transparent aluminum film, and first-surface mirror, with the aluminum on the front under a clear coat, so it reflects from either side. We stock silver mirror in 1/8 and 1/4 in., and gold and rose gold in 1/8 in.

Is acrylic mirror as clear as glass mirror?

Close, but not quite. A good acrylic mirror mounted perfectly flat gives a bright reflection that's fine for decor, displays, and most practical uses. Side by side with a glass mirror you'll usually see a reflection that's a little softer, with slight waviness on large panels.

The bigger issue is flatness. Acrylite notes acrylic is not as rigid as glass, and Plaskolite's mounting instructions say the mirror will conform over time to any irregularities in the surface behind it. If an acrylic mirror bows even slightly, the reflection stretches and bends like a funhouse mirror. A 1/8 in. sheet hung by its corners will almost always distort. Plaskolite also notes that thicker sheet holds its shape better and distorts less.

Tip: for a mirror people will use to check their appearance, such as a dressing mirror, glass is still the better choice. Acrylic mirror shines for decor, shapes, kids' rooms, gyms, displays, and anywhere breakage is a real risk.

Where acrylic mirror beats glass

  • Safety. It resists breaking far better than glass, and if it does break, it doesn't leave sharp glass shards. That's why it's used in nurseries, schools, gyms, and vehicles.
  • Weight. About half the weight of glass mirror of the same thickness.
  • Shapes. We laser cut it into letters, hexagons, arches, logos, and puzzle-like wall decor that would be very hard to cut from glass.
  • Shipping. It travels far better than glass.

Cutting and engraving mirror acrylic

Mirror acrylic laser cuts cleanly, with the same glossy edge as clear acrylic, and it can be routed for thick or large parts. Plaskolite ships colored mirror with a laser-cuttable film for this reason. A few things are different:

  • Which side faces the laser. The back coating can scorch or discolor near the cut if the beam hits it first, so mirror is usually cut with the clear face toward the laser and the protective film left on. We handle that for you.
  • Engraving the back. Engraving the coated back removes the metal layer, leaving clear windows in the mirror. Light a piece like that from behind and the design glows through the mirror.
  • Engraving the front. Engraving the face frosts the acrylic over the mirror, which gives a soft, silvery etched look.
  • Small details. Very thin bridges can chip the coating at the edges. Keep lines a little bolder than you would on clear.

Bending mirror acrylic is risky: the heat can crack or cloud the coating, so we generally don't recommend it. See laser cutting acrylic and acrylic engraving for more.

How to mount mirror acrylic

The coating on the back is the weak point. Plaskolite warns that solvents such as toluene, ketones, and hexane in some adhesives attack the backcoat, which shows up days or weeks later as dark spots, clouding, or bubbles in the reflection. Solvent cements such as Weld-On will do the same.

  1. Prepare a flat, rigid backing. Plaskolite suggests 5/8 or 3/4 in. plywood, painted or sealed to keep moisture out. A flat wall, cabinet door, or MDF panel also works.
  2. Choose a solvent-free adhesive. Avoid any adhesive with 5% or more solvent. Plaskolite lists 3M VHB tape, 3M 9500PC double-coated tape, and mirror mastics from Gunther Mirror Mastics and Palmer Products as suggested options.
  3. Test first. Apply the adhesive to a scrap of the same mirror at least 72 hours ahead and check for spots or bubbles.
  4. Cover the back evenly. Use enough tape or adhesive to hold the whole panel flat, not just the corners.
  5. Or use screws. Drill oversize holes for expansion and don't overtighten: Plaskolite notes overtightening dimples and distorts the mirror. We can drill the holes for you.
  6. Don't mount it overhead unless it sits in an edge-gripping frame such as a T-bar ceiling grid.

Read how to mount acrylic to a wall for hardware options.

Can you use mirror acrylic outdoors?

Only for short-term or sheltered uses. The acrylic itself handles sun and weather well, but the thin metal layer and its backing don't. Moisture creeping in from the edges and sun on the backing can cause the mirror to spot, tarnish, or peel over time. For events and temporary displays it's fine; for a permanent outdoor mirror, look for products rated for exterior use, or use a sealed, framed glass mirror. Marine-grade acrylic mirror exists for boat interiors. Bathrooms are usually fine if the mirror isn't splashed directly and the edges stay dry. More on using acrylic outdoors.

Caring for acrylic mirror

The face scratches like any acrylic, and scratches show more on a mirror. Dust with a soft microfiber cloth, then wipe with mild soap and water or an acrylic cleaner. Skip Windex-type glass sprays and paper towels.

Ready to make something? Browse mirror wall decor ideas, upload your shapes on the quote page, and see your price instantly.

Questions

Does acrylic mirror break?

It can crack under a hard enough blow, especially at thin sections and drilled holes, but it resists breaking far better than glass mirror and breaks into large pieces rather than sharp shards.

Is acrylic mirror one-way or see-through?

Standard mirror acrylic has an opaque backing, so it's not see-through. See-through (two-way) mirror acrylic is a separate product with a partly transparent aluminum film: it looks like a mirror from the bright side and like tinted glass from the dark side.

What thickness mirror acrylic should I use?

1/8 in. for wall decor mounted flat with tape. 1/4 in. for larger panels or pieces held by screws or standoffs, since it's stiffer and distorts less.

Can I glue acrylic mirror with super glue or silicone?

Only if the product is labeled safe for acrylic mirror. Many super glues, construction adhesives, and some silicones contain solvents that damage the backing. Use mirror tape or a mastic rated for acrylic mirror, and test it on a scrap for 72 hours.

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