Sandblasting drawings on the mirror: original interior decoration

A mirror is an important element of every home, without which it is impossible to imagine a comfortable life. The usual classic mirror in a modern interior seems boring and not interesting. Many designers successfully solve this problem using mirrors of unusual shape and using various methods for decorating them. Sandblasting drawings on the mirror will be an original decoration of any interior.

Sandblasting mirrors allow you to transform an ordinary interior, adding to it elegance and charm. The quirky pattern on the mirror will be the highlight of the room, and a carefully selected picture will help to complete the image and emphasize the style of the room.

Sandblasting is a surface finish of mirrors using abrasives and special technologies, with the result that the treated areas become dull.Often, this type of mirror treatment is combined with other techniques, which allows creating “marble” patterns on the surface, diamond edges, engravings and applications.

Sandblasting has a number of advantages:

• artistic value. Thanks to modern technology, you can make a real masterpiece;
• many options. There are many patterns of engraving and patterns. This method is good because you can always use both a finished drawing and create a sketch of a pattern that only you will have;
• long term use. The applied image remains for many years, at the same time the product remains in an original form. The color and shape of the picture will not change even under the influence of moisture and temperature;
• practicality. This mirror does not require special care. In addition, modern cleaning products allow you to remove pollution without much difficulty.

Sandblasting mirrors has not only pluses, but also minuses. These include the moment that for high-quality processing requires a qualified specialist, to find that in our time is not easy.

There are several options for working with sand on the mirror:

• Deep sand blasting. This species has a special authenticity. It is also sometimes called figured or volumetric sandblasting. Regardless of what drawing was applied, it will always look like a white sculpture enclosed inside a mirror. Deep sandblasting can be applied both from the front side of the mirror and from the amalgam side. The latter can be colored and made using multi-colored enamel. This color processing is used to create color, glowing, flickering pictures, so that the picture seems more realistic.
• Colored sandblasting involves traditional sandblasting combined with painting. This method is quite simple and affordable.
• Sandblasting printing. This type of processing allows you to create unique, exclusive drawings. Images on the mirror seem light and airy. This effect is achieved through a combination of transparent and matte background.
• Sand cutting (or engraving) allows you to create a bright pattern on the mirror, it is possible to draw very fine details.The engraving method is suitable for cutting out complex shapes, three-dimensional drawings. The finished result can be compared with a sculpture in glass. Engraving requires special professionalism and high artistic skills.
• Photo printing on the mirror. This type of work was made possible by combining the first three types. It is known that mirrors expand the space, and the photo printing allows you to add your originality and novelty. Mirrors with a photo printing several years are one of the most demanded processing methods.

The sandblasting technology is a treatment of the mirror surface with compressed air with sand, as a result of which a flat, matte or relief image is formed on the mirror surface.

It is worth noting that the sandblasting technique originates from the end of the nineteenth century. Today it is widely used in the manufacture of furniture products, creating stained glass windows, decorating table tops, ceilings. The original drawing can turn an ordinary mirror into a real masterpiece, causing delight.

Sandblasting technology is the removal of the upper layer of the mirror through the use of abrasives. At first glance it seems that this process is very simple and straightforward.However, the technique of sandblasting drawing requires skills and experience, which is why it is important to contact professional specialists who know all the nuances and subtleties of sandblasting.

Matting the surface can occur in two ways:

• over the entire surface of the mirror;
• partially.

Processing is allowed on both sides of the product and can be superficial, in-depth or bilateral. There are also several levels of image grit. Coarse grain gives the pattern relief and volume, but for the transfer of the texture of the sketch is used fine grain.

It is worth noting that the application of the image technique of fine grain allows to achieve a "velvet" effect. Basically, it is used for applying detailed patterns. Such mirrors look amazing in the interior, and the "velvet" pattern fits into any style.

Sandblasting is carried out in several stages:

• pattern selection;
• stencil making;
• preliminary preparation of the surface of the product;
• stencil fixing;
• direct processing of the mirror surface by means of a directed stream of air with sand;
• fixing the image with an abrasive lacquer that protects and facilitates the operation of the product.

There are many variations of drawings with sandblasting, varied in theme and style. You can choose a universal pattern that will look good in any interior. And you can create a sketch based on individual wishes and taste preferences.

Depending on the technique, the following options for sandblasting are distinguished:

• simple - in the process of applying the image only 1 mm of the upper layer is removed. Usually used plain drawings: diamonds, lines, stencil patterns;
• volumetric - the insert of the picture is carried out to a depth of 3 mm, suitable for mirrors with a thickness of 6 mm. The pattern is different matte finish, relief and volume. Landscapes look good, individual sketches are often used;
• colored - an original and unusual way to decorate a mirror. Applies one or more shades. Flower motifs, animal drawings, nature are very popular;
• combined - a special application technology is used, which combines several processing methods. As a result, it is possible to create plot drawings that are particularly realistic.

Modern technologies allow to vary the haze of the pattern, changing the pressure of the air-sand jet. Thus, the color of the pattern may be milky white or smoky, barely visible on the surface of the mirror. The texture of the pattern also varies: the lines of the pattern can be clear and thin, easily visible on a smooth surface, and can remain translucent with a completely rough base (inverse drawing).

Very often, designers offer to increase the visual effect of sandblasting images with additional lighting. To do this, use end lighting, spotlights or LED strip. The lamp can be located behind the mirror.You can add such a spectacular design by removing the amalgam from the back of the mirror.

Mirror lighting is a universal way to liven up the interior, dilute the space with light. It will be indispensable in the bathroom, hallway, living room. With its help it is easy to create comfort and add romance to the interior. Such products will be the center of attention of all inhabitants of the house and guests.

Sandblasted mirrors will be appropriate in the bedroom and in the living room. The main thing - to choose the right picture, suitable to the style of the entire interior.

A wardrobe with a delicate floral pattern will be suitable for the bedroom, this furniture looks especially good in small-sized apartments. For the decoration of mirrors in the bedroom fit floral motifs, patterns with flower petals, small landscapes, drawings in the form of arches and frames.

In the children's room on the mirror characters from cartoons can live. It looks interesting marine subjects, drawings of animals, scenes from fairy tales. The mirror in the lobby or in the hallway can be decorated with an abstract pattern. Natural themes will be appropriate: mountains, water, stones. The original look "under the metal", bronze and gilding.

Following the recommendations for care, mirrors with this decor will not deliver labor in operation.

When light contamination occurs, the mirror surface is wiped with a soft sponge or cotton cloth. It is easy to remove stubborn dirt with a special cleaning fluid. When choosing a detergent, avoid formulations with a high percentage of acidity. At the end of the procedure, the mirror can be wiped with a moisture-absorbing cloth.

To ensure that the product lasts as long as possible, you should avoid fatty compounds on its surface. Also drawing is easy to damage with sharp objects. Despite the fact that the process of decorating mirrors by sandblasting is laborious and complex, such products do not differ in reasonable price.

For the bedrooms, made in the classical style, fit large mirrors with different geometric patterns.

Especially beautiful are the drawings on the bronze, silver, gold coating.

Mirrors with drawing for living rooms are better for choosing with partially toned drawing.

In the hallway look beautiful products with sandblasted pattern of unusual shape.

Children's room - a place where you can give free rein to fantasy.

It is hard to imagine a modern bathroom without an original mirror.

On how to make a sandblast pattern on the mirror with your own hands, you will find out in the next video.