Creating Mirrors and One-Way Glass With Window Film

One of the most frequent questions we receive at Apex Window Films is if it is possible to create various mirror effects with window films.  The short answer is... Yes!  There are several reflective or mirror effects that may be achieved utilizing window films.

Architectural Daylight Privacy

Highly reflective solar control films can create a mirror effect on exterior windows, such as those seen on office buildings. These films are typically highly reflective silvers but other colours are available. The films provide what we call "Daylight Privacy" which means that you cannot see through them as long as the light outside is brighter than inside.

Apex Window Films professionally installs reflective solar control window films across the Greater Toronto Area.  We also sell these films, both retail and wholesale.  For do-it-yourselfers, check-out our reflective solar control films here.

Creating a Mirror

Are you considering replacing existing glass with a mirror?

Apex Window Films can help you transform your ordinary glass into a one-sided mirror, using a combination of silver and black window films.

To convert regular interior glass to a mirror, you will require two layers of film. We recommend our most reflective window film, Apex Supreme Silver 20 (see below) for this application. Below this reflective layer, or on the opposite side of the glass, apply Apex Black-Out Window Film (see below). It is important to note that you will not be able to see through this mirror from either side of the glass. This effect should not be used on exterior glass as the absorptive nature of the black-out film could cause glass stress and fracturing.

Click Here for DIY Info and Films for Creating your own Mirror!

Advantages:

• Uses Existing Glass
• Covers Large Areas
• Creates Privacy
• Creates the 'Illusion of Space'
• Reversible
• Great DIY Projects

One-Way Glass

One-way mirrors, also known as two-way mirrors, are often associated with observation rooms and security applications, where viewers on one side of the glass may look through the window without being seen on the other side. These types of glass mirror effects are commonly seen on television and in the movies.

Clients seeking one way-mirror effect should be aware that light conditions are an important factor in achieving this result. The 'observer' side of the glass must be darker than the side of the glass that is being observed, otherwise you will be able to see back in. Think about mirrored glass buildings. In the daytime you can't see in only exterior reflections are visible. However, at night when interior lights are on you can see right in.

CLICK Here for more DIY instructions and links to best films

For optimum results, the side of the glass which you want to be able to see should be very brightly lit, while the 'hidden' side of the room is completely dark. Adding darkening layers of film can enhance the effect, allowing a certain amount of diffuse lighting on the observation side. It should be noted, there is no such thing as a true one-way mirror--it defies the laws of physics! Apex Window Films can work with you to achieve the best mirror effect for your specific application using our wide range of quality window film products.

An interesting effect may be achieved by placing a one-way mirror in front of a flat screen television. When the TV is turned off, you only see mirror, but when the TV is turned on, you can view the picture through the glass.

And, remote controls work through the glass

Common Uses For One-Way / Two-Way Mirrors:

• Security Surveillance (for example department stores or banks)
• Work Monitoring Areas in offices, warehouses, and large stores
• Protection of Hidden Cameras
• Observation Rooms where the distraction of on-lookers may be unwanted (for example daycares, dance schools, science labs)
• Police Interrogation Rooms
• Hidden Television

Detecting a One-Way Mirror...

Have the feeling you are being watched? Try this:

If you can access the adjoining room, simply turn on the lights--the mirror becomes a window.

If not, shine a flashlight through the mirror and look closely to see if you are able to illuminate objects on the other side!