Clear glass with a metallic reflective coating (usually silver or aluminium) protected by paint/backing. Used for bathrooms, wardrobes, feature walls and commercial fit-outs.
Definition
A mirror is a glass substrate with a reflective metallic layer applied to the back surface and protected by paint or film. Variants include low-iron (high clarity), tinted mirrors, and safety versions (vinyl-backed or laminated).
Common Types
- Standard silvered mirror – clear float + silver + protective paint.
- Low-iron mirror – reduced green tint for truer colour.
- Safety mirror – vinyl-backed (organic safety mirror) or laminated to satisfy AS/NZS 2208.
- Acrylic/polycarbonate mirror – lightweight, shatter-resistant alternatives where glass is unsuitable.
Australian Standards & Bathroom Rules
- Bathrooms/ensuites/spa rooms: Fully framed glazing, including mirrors, within 2000 mm of the floor generally must be Grade A or Grade B safety glazing to AS 1288/Table 5.1.
- Mirror exception: Ordinary (non-safety) mirror is only permitted if fully adhered to the wall or fully protected by a vanity/bench at least 760 mm high and 300 mm deep. Otherwise specify safety mirror (vinyl-backed/laminated) tested to AS/NZS 2208.
- Outside wet/impact zones, selection/installation must still follow AS 1288; NCC points glazing to the scope of AS 1288.
Design & Installation Notes
- Fixing: Use mirror-safe mastics/adhesives and provide permanent bottom support or mechanical fixing on large panels.
- Substrates: Keep surfaces clean, dry and flat. Avoid products that attack mirror backing (check mastic TDS).
- Moisture: Ventilate behind mirrors and seal cut edges or conceal in channels/gaskets to reduce “black edge”.
- Durability: Consider copper-free mirror for improved corrosion resistance in humid areas.
Where It’s Used
- Bathrooms, wardrobes, gyms/dance studios
- Feature walls, shopfitting and hospitality interiors
- Public/wet areas (use safety-backed or laminated mirror)
Sources
- AGWA/AWA Guide to Glass & Glazing – bathrooms & human-impact safety (AS 1288 Table 5.1 context): alwindows.com.au (PDF)
- AGGA/Industry factsheets – bathroom mirror exception (fully adhered or protected by 760 mm h / 300 mm d vanity): bentglass.com.au (PDF) · toughglass.com.au (PDF)
- AS/NZS 2208 & AS 1288 references (safety mirror / organic safety glass, selection & installation): AS 1288 preview · AS 2208:2023 (preview)
- CRL/Gunther mirror mastics – installation guidance & mechanical support: Gunther Premier® Plus · Palmer Mirro-Mastic®
- Edge protection / desilvering: CRL Edge Sealant · National Glass – Mirror (copper-free notes, PDF)
- NCC linkage to AS 1288 scope: ncc.abcb.gov.au
AU tip: In bathrooms and public/wet areas, default to safety-backed or laminated mirror unless the AS 1288 mirror exception is satisfied exactly. Confirm final selection and fixing method with your frame/adhesive supplier.
Info is general in nature do not glaze to this article. Always get the code itself before making decisions. This is a guide for further research it’s not the code/Australian standards.