How to make a heated mirror

Choosing the glass

Not every mirror lends itself equally to the operation. Glass that is too thin can move under temperature cycling, an old mirror whose backing is already attacked will gain nothing from being heated, and a bevelled or engraved mirror calls for particular care in bonding. The choice is therefore made before the workshop, not during.

Preparing the back

The back must be clean, dry and free of dust. A single speck trapped under the panel creates a bubble, therefore a point of no contact, therefore an area that will not heat. It is the least rewarding stage and the one that decides how even the result is.

Bonding

The panel is offered up centred, heating face against the glass, and the silicone film is peeled away gradually while the panel is smoothed down. Do not press: pressure improves nothing and shifts the panel. Once placed, it does not reposition.

Wiring

The cable exit is prepared according to the mirror's final position and the supply available. That is a point to decide before bonding, because no elegant solution exists afterwards.

The check before delivery

Full warm-up, surface temperature check, and a thermal camera check on evenness. A cold area reveals a bonding fault, and that is the only moment when the work can still be put right.

The version mounted on a technical panel is described on the Mirolia Panel Deco page, and made to measure manufacture on the made to measure heated mirror page.