Safety mirrors play an increasingly important role in our diverse use and implementation of mirrors in todays society.

There are four main types of glass safety mirrors available today. Each type has its own pluses and minuses, while providing the level of safety and performance required by the user.

The end result is that all four types listed are designed to minimize or remove any danger or risk of serious injury from the end user in the case of an accident with a safety mirror.

Laminated Mirror
The manufacture of laminated mirror is the combination of two seperate glass processes. Firstly, the Mirror manufacture process is undertaken, then the Laminated glass manufacture process is combined to form the final product of laminated mirror. This product has all the features of ordinary laminated glass. While it is currently not a commonly stocked item, laminated mirror can be carried in stock in large sheets and 'cut to size' when measurements are available. Further processing such as edgework or hole drilling can be performed on laminated mirror. This all helps with procurement of the product in a timely manner.

Toughened/Tempered Mirror
Toughened glass can only be hand silvered after all processing and toughening has been undertaken. This glass is not available as a 'stock' item and the inherent distortion during the toughening process is enhanced by the mirrors reflectivity. This type of mirror should only be used in applications involving wind loading or reliance on suspension of the mirror using bolts or patch fittings. This process also allows for varied thicknesses and body tinted glasses to be hand silvered.

Vinyl Backed Mirror
Vinyl backed mirror is ordinary mirror, generally 4mm or 6mm in thickness, which then has an adhesive vinyl plastic applied to the painted rear side of the mirror to help keep the mirror together in case of impact. Vinyl backed mirrors are generally installed in sliding mirror wardrobe doors to help minimise injury if impacted. This type of mirror generally will not be classed as a safety mirror where required by building or control codes. Most sealants will not adhere to the vinyl plastic. Often carried as a stock item, vinyl backed mirror can be 'cut to size' when measurements are available. Further processing such as edgework or hole drilling can be performed on vinyl backed mirror. This all helps with procurement of the product in a timely manner.

Cloth or Film Backed Mirror
Cloth or Film backed mirror is ordinary mirror which then has an adhesive film or a cotton cloth glued to the painted rear side of the mirror to help keep the mirror together in case of impact. Cloth or film backed mirrors are generally installed in special applications to minimise injury if impacted. This type of mirror generally will not be classed as a safety mirror where required by building or control codes. Not generally carried as a finished stock item, cloth or film backed mirror can be 'cut to size' when measurements are available. Further processing such as edgework or hole drilling can be performed on cloth or film backed mirror, although with cloth backed mirror it is advisible to finish all processing prior to glueing on the cotton cloth.