A spy mirror is a special silver mirror with a thin coating on one side of a clear, extruded acrylic sheet. The mirror coating has a 15% light transmission. This makes it possible that some vision comes through the sheet.
The setup for proper use is to use the spy mirror in a dark room with an observer on one side of the mirror and on the other side a light room with the observed person. The spy mirror sheets are not suitable for outdoor use and in wet conditions. The mirror coating is very vulnerable. As such, one should not apply any kind of tape to the mirror’s surface, even if it’s temporary. Removing the tape will damage the coating. It is possible to produce thicker spy mirror sheets or spy mirror sheets on other substrates. These sheets have a thin layer of PET-foil, this foil is suitable for in wet conditions.
Stock spy mirror
PyraSied has the spy mirror in stock in a thickness of 3mm in a silver colour.
Besides spy mirrors, PyraSied is also having 7 different two-way mirror colours of XT acrylic sheets in stock in 3mm with a gloss/mirror surface. PyraSied does also have a mirror of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate mirrors are more impact resistant than acrylic mirrors.
Two-way mirror or spy mirror?
A spy mirror has a lower light transmission (15%) than two-way mirrors (+21%). The two-way mirrors are in stock in various colours and thicknesses, the spy mirror is currently only in stock in silver in 3mm.
Applications
The spy mirror is often used for observations, but also for art installations, scientific applications and lighting fixtures. The mirror is absolutely not suitable for outside applications or humid conditions, because the foil is not water- and weather proof. The mirror coating is very vulnerable. As such, one should not apply any kind of tape to the mirror’s surface, even if it’s temporary. Removing the tape will damage the coating. You should also avoid the use of any acid materials. See the FAQ for more information.
Mirror acrylic is slightly flexible and must be attached to a flat surface for a good result. If this is not done properly, you will get a distorting mirror. The larger the sheet, the more likely it is to show some distortions.
Common applications are: Spy mirror, magic mirror (infinite mirror, smart mirror), glazing, art pieces, protection of decors and art pieces. For inspiration, please take a look on our Acrylic Community.
Fabrications
Sawing (circle- or table saw/jig saw), milling, laser-cutting, bonding and drilling.
For more information about fabricating acrylics, please go to our fabrication page.
