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Coating a Mirror to judge clear coat clarity

I would like to judge the relative clarity and appearance of several clear powder coats by coating the surface of a mirror. I have seen it done, but want to know if there are any special considerations in the specification of the mirror? Glass thickness? Backing type? Before I go out and buy several pieces of mirror glass, I would like to hear from someone's experience.

James Sweney
Finishing Engineer - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
August 3, 2011

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Hi, James.

I have no experience with it either, but I think I'd use mirror polished stainless steel, mirror polished aluminum, or silver plated plus rhodium flashed metal. Glass would seem to introduce unnecessary possible problems with lack of static charge, breakage from heat, or personal injury in handling.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 3, 2011

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August 6, 2011

As glass is a supercooled liquid it is conductive so there would be no problem with conductivity.
I wonder why you suggest a mirror.
This could only introduce what may be an unnecessary variable, being the reaction of the reflective surface to the process.
Why do you not use plain clear Glass panels and use an uncoated sample as a reference?
I would think any safety considerations could be reasonably addressed with due care and diligence in handling procedures?
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Bill

William Doherty
Trainer - Salamander Bay, Australia