Speglast

Speglast is a term used in Swedish-speaking contexts to refer to the glass that is used to manufacture mirrors. The word combines spegel (mirror) and glas (glass) and designates the substrate that carries a reflective coating to form a mirror surface. In industry and commerce, speglast is treated as the base material that is later coated and finished to become a mirror.

Manufacture typically starts with float soda-lime glass as the base. A reflective metal layer is deposited on one side, historically by chemical silvering and more commonly today by aluminum deposition. The reflective layer is then protected by backing coatings and edge finishing to improve durability and corrosion resistance. For safety and handling in architectural applications, large speglast panels may be laminated or tempered. Modern processes emphasize optical clarity, with low-iron glass often preferred to reduce greenish tint.

Types and properties vary by coating arrangement. Front-silvered mirrors have the reflective layer on the front surface, providing bright reflections but making the surface more susceptible to damage. Back-silvered mirrors place the coating behind the glass, with the front side protected by a lacquer or paint layer. The choice between types depends on the intended use, environment, and cleaning requirements. Thickness commonly ranges from about 3 to 6 millimeters for many residential applications, with thicker or special compositions used in architecture, automotive, and display contexts.

Applications of speglast include household mirrors, bathroom and dressing-room mirrors, decorative panels, store displays, and automotive rearview mirrors. Care guidelines emphasize non-abrasive cleaners and avoid acidic or highly alkaline substances that can damage coatings.