Where to buy good two way mirrors ?

MichMich · May 3, 2016, 4:44 PM

Same here. Asked two glass shops, both were able to supply it for a decent price.

Stay away from using foils.

EoF · May 3, 2016, 5:12 PM

@MichMich Hey Mich, why do you not recommend foils?

MichMich · May 3, 2016, 6:15 PM

@EoF Lets say the whole project will cost somewhere around €250,- including monitor. The foil will only save you around €25,- while it has a major impact on the end result.

EoF · May 3, 2016, 6:31 PM

@MichMich Fair point. In my project however, I am actually making a touch screen “magic mirror”. So I actually chose to go with foil due to it being so thing (still waiting to test to see if touch screen will work through it).

Edit: If I were going for no touch screen, I would for sure go with an acrylic two way mirror.

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 6:44 PM

Personally I wouldn’t use acrylic either. While lighter, over time and with cleaning it will scratch. I prefer glass, even though it would be heavier.

In fact I’m thinking of putting a large (3-4 feet wide) mirror up and use a 24" screen on one side of it. But that’s just a thought at the moment. Still pondering it.

michelleoj · May 3, 2016, 7:54 PM

I used acrylic for my project and it seems to be fine. If you’re gentle with your mirror, you shouldn’t have to worry about scratches too much. I got my acrylic 2 way mirror from http://www.twowaymirrors.com

They also sell glass and they have a “special” glass for the smart mirror project. They ship internationally too since they are a US based company.

paviro · May 3, 2016, 7:58 PM

Wouldn’t the reflection you get by using their special glass be pretty close to none? I mean I am using a normal two-way-mirror and without a light attached the reflections aren’t that extrem and it’s supposed to be a mirror after all…

michelleoj · May 3, 2016, 8:07 PM

@paviro It’s still a 2 way mirror but they’re talking about the material it’s made out of. Here’s an example of a smart mirror using their Vanity Vision Glass from their website:

KirAsh4 · May 3, 2016, 8:08 PM

Looks like their “Vanity Glass” has a 70% reflection and 25% transmission. The Dielectric however has a 40 reflection and 60% transmission, designed for very bright rooms. They have a comparison of the different types of glass on their site: http://www.twowaymirrors.com/smart-mirror/

paviro · May 3, 2016, 8:10 PM

I think mine has 70% reflection and 30% transmission. Okay I understand it now so their Dielectric would only make sense in bright environments.