Exposed Mirror Back Covering?

[glenn bradley]

I'm working on a wall cabinet that will have a framed mirror door (about 12" x 24"). When the door is open the dark grey mirror backing will be exposed. I have a limited thickness of a covering I could apply so I'm leaning towards veneer.

However, with all the great info I've gotten from the seemingly bottomless well of knowledge here at the Creek, I thought I'd ask what others have done. Fabric? Synthetic products? My concern is the back of the mirror getting scratched and showing through on the front.

As always, TIA!

[Andy Hoyt]

If thickness is super critical, there's always some 1/16" thick plywood from these folks (http://www.northeasternscalelumber.com/index.htm). High grade stuff and takes paint & stain quite well.

[tod evans]

glenn, if you intend to glue a backing to the mirror be sure to check the adhesive on a scrap piece first, both for adhesion and to see if it affects the reflective stuff on the glass. some contact cements will ruin mirrors...02 tod

[glenn bradley]

Thanks! As usual Tod, you are an excellent source for info in the real world.

[Keith Outten]

Glenn,

How thick a material will your design permit?

I can think of lots of engraving sheet materials that might be just the thing for your project. There are also plenty of folks here who would be able to engrave a fancy design on the panels or the mirror itself, when you open the doors you would get a nice surprise. Veneer can be engraved as well if you are looking for something special to really identify your project.

Just a thought :)

[Jamie Buxton]

How are you going to hold the mirror in the door frame? My usual solution is to double-rabbet the frame. The mirror inserts from the back side, and lodges against the front rabbet. The second rabbet catches a piece of plywood (as thin as you want), which completely covers the mirror back. It is screwed into the frame.

[glenn bradley]

I'm good for about a hair shy of 1/8". Original plan was as Jamie describes but, inspiration struck (read I botched the profile) and I chose to modify my design somewhat. I may end up with screw on 'clips' made of the same wood as the door or maybe picture frame points(?). Not sure about the points, they may look like a bolt-on solution.

The engraving is a cool idea as well. I'm gonna have to give that some thought.

[Jamie Buxton]

A hair shy of 1/8" will work well with my approach. Use plywood called 1/8 inch. It is generally more like .1", or even less. I can buy it in the local Borg, in 4'x8' sheets or in the door-skin size of 3'x7'.