Nothing listed right now
What shows up in mirrors
- Standard silvered float mirror, usually 1/4" for wall applications
- Safety-backed mirror with vinyl or film backing for gyms, schools, and public spaces
- Copper-free and low-corrosion mirror from wet-area work
- Decorative, antiqued, and tinted mirror from hospitality projects
- One-way and observation mirror from institutional jobs
Before you buy
Surplus is only a bargain if it fits and it's documented. These are the questions worth asking on this category specifically.
- Confirm whether safety backing is present — many occupancies require it, and it cannot be added properly in the field
- Inspect the perimeter for black edge, the dark creep that indicates silver corrosion; it spreads and cannot be stopped
- Check edgework, since mirror edges are frequently exposed and a clean-cut edge is not acceptable finished work
- Confirm thickness against your mounting method; 1/4" is standard for adhesive-set wall mirror
- Ask how it was stored — mirror stacked face-to-face without interleaving picks up surface damage
- Match the intended adhesive to the backing; some mastics attack mirror backing and cause visible staining
Common questions
What is black edge on a mirror and can it be fixed?
Black edge is oxidation of the silver layer creeping in from the perimeter, usually caused by moisture or an incompatible adhesive. It cannot be repaired or halted, and it continues to advance, so mirror showing black edge should be priced accordingly or passed on.
Do I need safety-backed mirror?
It depends on occupancy. Gyms, schools, corridors, and most public assembly spaces generally require a backing that retains fragments if the mirror breaks. Standard float mirror has no such backing, and it can't be reliably added after the fact.