How to avoid mirror corrosion!
Gravenau Edge Protect System - the unique protection
We are pleased to offer you a solution for edge corrosion on mirrors. Thanks to the Gravenau Edge Protect special sealant and a special coating process, every mirror can be reliably protected from external influences, thus effectively preventing edge corrosion. The silver coating is only exposed by a few micrometers at the edges of the mirror, yet this is sufficient to provide a potential attack surface for corrosion, which can occur with improper care. The Gravenau Edge Protect sledge is moved over the edge and the silver coating is applied with a precise film. The mirror is sealed and now protected from external environmental influences.A precise procedure with thorough cleaning and even film application is essential for a perfect seal.
Sealing a mirror with Schreiber Design® edge protection is difficult. To ensure the film is applied successfully to a mirror, we follow a strict, specific procedure.
- Perfect mirror material, no compromises in glass quality . We use only high-quality mirror material from the European market leader Saint Gobain, which we refine ourselves with perfectly crafted edges. Only a well-ground edge guarantees comprehensive corrosion protection.
- The basic requirement is that perfect air-conditioned conditions are ensured and the material is temperature-tested to prevent condensation from forming.
- Thorough deep cleaning : The mirror edge is freed of dust and deposits using a solvent-free and waterless cleaner.
- Priming the edge . Microcracks resulting from edge processing contain residual water. A chemical treatment displaces the water from the cracks and fills them with primer. Because the glass is very smooth, the primer also contains components for optimal cross-linking. This is especially important for film application, and the exposure time must be precisely adhered to.
- Film application : Using Gravenau Coater and Schreiber Design® Edge Protect Film, the mirror edge is evenly and perfectly coated with a protective layer. The two-component material, which is perfectly matched to the pretreatment, must be applied with extreme precision and uniformity. Glass is a difficult material, and an uneven film application would immediately become unsightly. This is particularly problematic with illuminated mirrors. A delicate touch is required.
- Curing . The film must be applied for at least one day. This curing time extends the delivery time by at least one day.
Prevent mirror corrosion and black spots on the bathroom mirror
Who hasn't seen black spots or stains on the outside of a mirror that expand inward over time? This is called mirror corrosion or edge corrosion. Strictly speaking, this phenomenon refers to the corrosion of the silver coating on the mirror. The mirror is rusting. What can be done about this?
How is a mirror constructed?
Let's take a look at the structure of a mirror. A mirror consists of a glass plate, onto which, in modern mirrors, a layer of silver is applied. This layer creates the mirror effect. To protect the delicate and wafer-thin silver layer, additional layers of special varnish are applied.
The mirrors are cut from large-format mirror sheets, and the cut edges are sanded. The current state of the art in edge processing is such that the silver layer is exposed and exposed to environmental influences. This is something the mirror manufacturers accept.
Construction of an SGG Miralite mirror
Incorrect mirror care and moisture leads to edge corrosion
The silver coating is attacked by moisture and chemical influences, which are present in every bathroom, and corrodes over time. What many people don't realize is that even a single incorrect treatment can trigger edge corrosion on a mirror after just a few months. This is often caused by cleaning products that shouldn't be used when caring for a mirror. Warm water and a lint-free cloth are perfectly sufficient for care (see also: How do I clean my mirror properly ). The glass cleaners commonly used for windows will, of course, quickly produce a clean finish on a mirror. However, this drastically reduces the lifespan of your mirror. If the edge of your mirror is also poorly manufactured or damaged, you will quickly lose the joy of using your mirror. The result is corrosion, and the mirror will rust.
Be careful after showering or taking a hot bath
High humidity in the bathroom and inadequate ventilation also lead to edge corrosion. The moisture condenses on the mirror's edges, and the silver coating comes into contact with the water. This often happens after showering if you don't use a mirror heater. Properly ventilating the bathroom can help remedy this and allow the edges to dry quickly. To be on the safe side, dry the edge with a cleanser-free cloth.
Humidity in the bathroom
Two years of research have paid off. A win-win situation for the environment and customers.
We spent two years researching a coating composition and developed an application method that perfectly protects the edges of our Schreiber Design® bathroom mirrors from environmental influences. Countless CASS tests ( salt spray tests ) were necessary to verify the results in-house. The result is outstanding. Brown spots on the edges? Is the mirror becoming dull or tarnished? No, not with our Schreiber Design® edge protection.
Especially in these times, the topics of sustainability and environmental protection are becoming increasingly important. The future of our environment is important to all of us. In times of climate change, we as manufacturers have a particular obligation to work sustainably and think about the future. We always meet our customers' wishes and can offer you a product that is significantly more durable than a conventional mirror. A valuable contribution to sustainability that also saves you money. This win-win situation benefits both the environment and you as the user.
Schreiber Design® products with edge protection support your sustainable housing construction
Great advantage for property furnishings in the hotel sector, gastronomy and other businesses due to significantly longer product lifespan
Imagine your mirrors retaining their edge quality much longer than conventional models, provided they are properly cared for. Replacement intervals will be shorter, saving you enormously on maintenance costs and materials. Your mirrors will look their best for many years. Our products are the perfect choice for hotels, hospitals, and event centers. In the maritime sector, such as shipbuilding, boating, and all areas by the sea, Schreiber Design® corrosion protection also keeps your products looking their best for longer. No rust on board! Schreiber Design® mirrors offer clear cost-saving potential. Take advantage of this benefit and plan cost-effectively with significant long-term savings.
No rust on board with Schreiber Design® corrosion protection
Corrosion is particularly common in shipping and maritime areas, but even health resorts and swimming pools have high salt levels in the air. Our products are a more than excellent choice in the maritime sector, such as shipbuilding, boating, and all coastal facilities. We can also manufacture our illuminated mirrors to be seawater-resistant. By this, we don't mean that the mirrors come into direct contact with salt water, of course, but we manufacture the illuminated mirrors in such a way that all corrosion-prone components are better protected than normal from the salty air. Contact us; we have already created custom-made products for a wide variety of applications.
Sanitary fitters, bathroom planners and interior designers can present customers with tailor-made solutions
Do your customers want a special bathroom, want the most modern furnishings, and are they looking for sustainable, environmentally friendly products? Offer a special solution in the mirror sector and don't just present an ordinary mirror with lighting. We offer bathroom mirrors with lighting, manufactured to the millimeter according to customer specifications. The lighting equipment also sets standards and stands out from the norm. All mirrors are suitable for commercial use and our bright LED mirrors in particular are designed not only to shine brighter but also to be particularly durable thanks to extra cooling. By using Schreiber Design® Edge Protect edge protection, the mirror glass is now also optimized for a significantly longer service life. Give your customers compelling arguments for a top-class mirror. Schreiber Design® can offer you this! We supply products specially tailored to your requirements and are able to realize them in a very short time.
- Do you have questions about edge corrosion?
- Is your mirror affected by corrosion (rust)?
- Is your mirror tarnished around the edges?
Feel free to send us pictures of your mirror.
We'll be happy to help.
info@schreiber-design.com
+49 5223 9789709
Problem cases - solving customer inquiries
Mirror corrosion on the edge
Customer inquiry:
We are a 50-bed hotel in Austria, family-run for three generations. Our last renovation was completed five to seven years ago, and now all the mirrors in the lower part are rusted. Is there a way to stop this? Can you help us with this?
Our answer:
Thank you for sending us the photos and videos. Unfortunately, we can't help you further with your mirrors, as they cannot be machined due to the permanently installed components on the back. Despite the components on the back, it's certainly possible to refinish the edges, but unfortunately, not in your case. We discussed this with you in detail during a phone call. We can offer you a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for your next construction phase.
Mirror corrosion on the edge / Mirror standard suspension
Customer inquiry:
Our mirrors at work have developed dark edges and no longer look attractive. There's a dark discoloration along the edges of the mirror. The mirrors are mounted with a simple mirror mount. Can you help us with this?
Our answer:
As long as the discoloration hasn't penetrated too deeply into the material, we can offer a solution by mechanically refinishing the edges and removing the damaged areas. Naturally, the mirror will lose a few millimeters in this process. Upon request, we can then seal your newly repaired mirror edge with our Schreiber Design® mirror sealant. With proper care, you won't have to worry about corrosion for years to come.
Customer inquiry:
Our round mirror has clear signs of corrosion in the lower section. Is this mirror repairable?
Our answer:
Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, we cannot repair your round mirror. If you send us some "nice" pictures of your affected mirror and give us permission to publish them on our website, we will offer you a discount on a new round mirror from our range. Please contact us.