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Mirror Basics
Mirrors can dramatically
enhance the beauty of virtually any room in your home. They
amplify light, enhance the decor and can even double the perceived size
of a room. They can be used as
small, decorative accents or large architectural ornaments. They
can emphasize focal points, add drama and liveliness to room.
Shapes
There are an endless array of
shapes that mirrors come in. Just take a look at all the shapes and
designs we offer at YONART Artistic Mirrors. Some of the standard shapes
are Architectural (rectangular mirror with curved top), Octagonal, Oval,
Rectangular, Round and Square. The shape and design of the mirror you
choose should fit the dimensions of the room, the style of the furnishings and
your own personal tastes.
Colors
Mirror comes in many different
colors (clear, gold, bronze, gray, black, etc.). The glass is actually
tinted and the silvered backing gives it the reflective properties of mirror.
YONART Artistic Mirrors goes beyond the standard colors by using etching,
sandblasting and air brushing techniques in our designs.
Installation
Proper installation of any
mirror (wall to wall or decorative hanging) is critical to the final appearance
and safety. Follow these guidelines when installing mirrors:
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Layout the location prior
to installing.
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Never install mirrors on
new plaster, new masonry or freshly painted walls.
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Use gloves when handling
mirrors for safety and to prevent damage to the face or backing from salts
and chemicals on hands.
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Never install mirrors
outdoors unless the mirror is engineered specifically for protection of the
silvered backing.
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Set mirrors slightly off
the wall with sufficient air space to provide for ventilation of backing.
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If using mastic to mount
directly to wall, use mechanical fasteners with mastic and be sure mastic is
compatible with mirror and wall material.
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Never allow mirror edges to
be subjected to water "puddling" as it will attack the mirror backing and
cause "black edge".
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When hanging decorative
wall mirrors, use only proper wall anchors with sufficient strength to hold
weight of mirror. It is always safer to mount in wall studs or
concrete than in drywall. If mounting in drywall, always use anchors
with maximum pullout strength.
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Do not allow sharp objects
(nails, screws, screwdrivers, etc.) to touch the back of the mirror.
If mirror backing is scratched, it will show through to front of mirror.
Receiving
and Storing Mirrors
Mirrors are glass and are
extremely fragile. Always keep handling of mirrors to a minimum.
Follow these precautions:
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Always check your delivery
immediately upon receipt for damage and keep all packaging materials intact.
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Unpack mirrors and store
vertically, DO NOT LAY FLAT!
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Protect mirrors from
obstructions and falling objects until installed.
Care and
Cleaning of Mirrors
Proper care and cleaning of
mirrors is both simple and inexpensive.
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The best and safest cleaner
is warm water and a soft lint-free cloth.
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Always avoid getting the
edges or backs of mirrors wet. If this occurs, dry off immediately.
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Never use harsh chemical
cleaners, acids, alkalis or abrasives.
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You can use many of the
quality commercial mirror cleaners as long as they do not contain ammonia or
vinegar.
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Never spray or apply
cleaners directly to the mirror surface, apply to soft, lint-free cloth and
then wipe the mirror surface.
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Be sure no cleaners come in
contact with edges or backing
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