Bringing the interiors outside is a long-running trend, and many of us are constantly seeking new ways to make our outdoor spaces more inviting. For example, mirrors are excellent outdoor gardening accents. But, when considering bringing the interiors outside, could interior mirrors be used outdoors?
In the back of your garden, indoor mirrors are a beautiful ornament, and they’re entirely safe as long as they’re utilized correctly. However, before you plan on using an indoor mirror outside, it would be best to consider weatherproofing the mirror as well as sealing the edges.
What matters, however, is how the chosen mirrors will perform in outside environments. Regular mirrors will often deteriorate over time if left outdoors, which is why weatherproofing is so essential. As a result, let’s take a closer look at what to consider when finding a new home for an indoor mirror outside.
Using Indoor Mirrors Outside
Reflective surfaces such as gazing balls and ponds are prevalent in the residential landscape. They provide a quiet spot for the eye to rest and soak in the beauty of the landscape. The use of mirrors in garden design creates a similar effect, with the added benefit of reflecting light to brighten gloomy regions of the landscape.
From enormous ornately framed mirrors to little ones set on a fence or a wall, you may employ any form. A big gazing mirror, such as one located on a vanity or over a mantel, provides for a more evocative reflection of the garden.
Smaller parts or individually framed pieces playfully reflect light. Finally, a modest area is opened up by full-length mirrors installed atop a fence. Actual glass mirrors can be utilized, while an acrylic version that is safer in a garden with children and dogs can run around.
Whatever size or the kind you choose, make sure it’s in a place where it won’t cause optical problems due to sun reflection or laser in solar heat, both of which may harm plants. Mirrors in the garden are handy in places with dim or dappled light. Providing light with mirrors helps brighten any gloomy room while also adding a quirky touch.
How To Weatherproof Indoor Mirrors
Mirrors are excellent outdoor gardening accents. Out of the box, acrylic mirrors are intended to give weatherproof reflection. With that in mind, it would be best if you seal the edges of a non-acrylic mirror if you want it to be more scratch-resistant.
This will weatherproof the mirror and keep it from rusting and acquiring a black edge due to repeated exposure to the environment. That said, if you want your indoor mirror to be appropriately weatherproofed, follow these four steps.
1. Purchase A Mirror Edge Sealer
You can purchase a mirror edge sealer at a hardware shop or a glass wholesaler. These sealers are also available online. They shield mirror edges from blackening, which is frequently caused by exposure to elements such as rain, snow, sleet, and ice.
Sealers protect mirrors from moisture, cleaning products, salt in the air in beachside regions, and chemical fumes. They are simple to use and often come in the form of pressurized sprays with self-applicator motors.
Sealers are usually yellow or transparent when applied, and they are always dry clear. These sealants help keep moisture out of the gap between the mirror and its backing, which might harm the mirror in the long run. A Popular mirror edge sealer brand commonly found on Amazon is Gunther.
2. Get Ready To Set Up
Prepare your workspace outside, where it will be well-ventilated. Set up a blanket or sheet large enough to cover the mirror you’re going to seal. On top of the tarp, place the mirror. To seal your mirror, choose a day with little or no precipitation.
3. Apply The Sealer
Use the mirror edge sealer to seal the mirror’s edges. First, use the wide-edge brush that comes with your sealer to spread the sealer along the edges of your mirror. Then, apply the sealant to every surface edge of the mirror if you got a spray.
Hold the container at the correct distance from the mirror (typically six to 12 inches) and spray a continuous stream of sealant over the mirror. Never point the can in your direction. Finally, wear protective gloves to prevent your hands from getting sealant on them by mistake.
4. Make A Cup Of Coffee, Or Two
Allow the mirror to dry for a while. It would be best to allow two to three hours for it to rest on the tarp. Next, clean any visible sealant from the mirror’s viewing surface using an old washcloth or soft towel and denatured alcohol or glass cleaner.
Once completely dry, you are now ready to install your newly weatherproofed indoor mirror in your desired space outdoors.
Safety Tips To Consider When Placing A Mirror Outside
If you have any doubts about your safety, don’t use the mirror! They must be safe for both animals and the garden as a whole. That being said, let’s take a look at a few things to think about before putting your mirror outside.
Ensure That Your Mirror Will Not Cause Any Harm To Wildlife
Birds are a regular sight in most backyards. They utilize seeds and plants and are entertaining to see. However, garden mirrors are frowned upon by keen bird watchers. Understand your garden’s flight paths—which way the birds fly back and forth—and keep mirrors away from them.
The birds are perplexed by what they observe and misinterpret the scene as an extension of the real world. Unfortunately, this may force them to fly straight into the mirror, causing significant injury or even death.
Garden mirrors and birds in the matching location have the potential to damage our feathered friends; therefore, they must be carefully placed or have stickers placed on them to avoid any mishaps.
Ensure Not To Place Your Under Direct Sunlight
Indoor mirrors have sparked flames in extremely uncommon cases. Even if this is exceedingly improbable in the garden, you don’t want them facing the sun. The biggest issue with mirrors that reflect directly is that they are hazardous to the eyes.
Place your mirrors in shady spots where the sun will not immediately reflect them. And, of course, if you have any doubts about their safety, don’t use them.
Conclusion
Placing your indoor mirror outdoors is an excellent idea if you have a keen eye for placement. Moreover, it’s best to ensure that your indoor mirror is adequately weatherproofed before introducing it to its new home. Finally, always consider the safety precautions before installing your mirror in your desired spot.
