Acrylic Mirror Care

Quick care summary

• Use a spray wax or plastic polish on the front surface.
• Wipe with a clean, soft cloth only.
• Do not use glass cleaners on acrylic mirror.
• Washing with a soft cloth is acceptable, but it can gradually create fine scratches.
• If drilling is required, support the acrylic, avoid countersunk screws, and allow room for thermal movement.

Best cleaning method

The manufacturer care sheet recommends applying a spray wax, such as Pledge, or a plastic polish to the front surface of the acrylic mirror, then wiping with a clean, soft cloth. Wax or polish is preferred because it can fill in and hide small surface scratches while cleaning the mirror face.

Do not use household glass cleaners. Acrylic mirror is plastic, not glass, and aggressive cleaners can damage or haze the surface over time.

Washing acrylic mirror

Acrylic mirror can also be washed and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth. That method is less desirable than waxing or polishing because repeated wiping can gradually develop a network of fine scratches on the front surface.

Drilling and fastener care

If an acrylic mirror product must be drilled, drill it face up to reduce scratching and back the plastic with soft wood to reduce chipping and cracking as the bit exits the back surface. Clamp or hold the part firmly before drilling.

Use drill bits intended for acrylic or suitable soft-metal twist drills with the cutting edge dubbed off to a zero-degree angle. Small holes can be drilled at high speed, up to 3000 RPM. For holes 3/8 inch or larger, slower drill speeds around 1000 to 2000 RPM improve the hole quality, and a hole saw should be used.

Do not force the feed. Slow down as the drill point penetrates the second surface. Make holes oversized enough to allow thermal movement. Bolts or screws should be turned up to the plastic surface, then backed off a quarter turn so the acrylic can move. Do not use countersunk screws because they can cause acrylic products to crack.

When to replace instead of clean

Cleaning and polishing can improve light surface marks, but deep scratches, cracks, cloudy plastic, or damage around drilled holes can reduce visibility. Replace the mirror when the viewing image is no longer clear enough for the safety application.